Where and when: Mineral Resources Park, Saturday, October 26, 3:05pm
TV: Live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy, and streaming live on Kayo
Last time we met: Waalitj Marawar 4.1 (25) def by Geelong 4.10 (34) at Ikon Park, round eight, season seven.
Waalitj Marawar produced a competitive performance, but Geelong was too tough to conquer at Ikon Park. Despite the Cats holding advantage in territory for majority of the game, Waalitj battled throughout, led by veterans Emma Swanson (24 touches, four marks, five tackles) and Dana Hooker (20 touches, six tackles and a goal).
What it means for Waalitj Marawar: With just two games remaining in the regular season, Waalitj will need to win both remaining games, and have a few other results go their way, to mathematically still be in with a chance to play finals footy. The team are focused on taking it one step at a time, and securing the win over Geelong this Saturday will be at the forefront of their minds. The players will proudly don the stunning Indigenous Round guernsey designed by Yamatji artist Lorretta Egan, and the club continues to be committed to reconciliation and empowering First Nations peoples across the AFLW and in the community.
The stat: Emma Swanson tallied a career-high 18 contested possessions against Geelong in round five of the 2022 season.
Oppo in focus: Aishling Moloney
Dominant key forward (and star Gaelic Football forward) Aishling Moloney has made a big impression on the league since her debut in 2023, her elite athleticism and agility complimented by her strong and powerful presence around a contest. Moloney currently sits second in the league for goals scored this season (15) and comes into this matchup following a two goal, 13 disposal, six tackle game against Brisbane last week.
It’s a big week for: The midfielders
It will be a tough challenge through the middle this week, coming up against Geelong’s dangerous array of midfielders, Nina Morrison, Georgie Prespakis and Amy McDonald to name a few. Senior coach Daisy Pearce has backed in the blue and gold to go head-to-head with the Cats, and we will see some exciting matchups.
Big call: Lauren Wakfer will kick two goals in her 20th AFLW game.
