DETAILS | Geelong v Melbourne
DATE: Saturday 31 August
TIME: 7:15pm (AEST)=
LOCATION: GMHBA Stadium | Wadawurrung
BROADCAST: Seven Network, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports and womens.afl
GAME DAY GUIDE: Available here
TICKETS: Available here
LAST TIME WE MET
2023 Semi Final | Melbourne v Geelong
The semi-final battle was the second in history between these two sides, having only met once just seven weeks prior. It was a do-or-die clash at IKON Park with the winner to face Brisbane in the Preliminary Final the following week. This set the scene for a high-intensity contest from the opening bounce.
Geelong started the game in fast fashion, hitting the first two scores of the afternoon. It took the Dees halfway through the second quarter to register their first goal, putting them on the backfoot early.
The second and third terms went all Geelong’s way and Melbourne’s premiership hopes looked as though they were beginning to slip away.
However, the fourth quarter saw the Dees finally kick into gear, Tyla Hanks scoring a goal within seconds of the first bounce. Only a few minutes later, Eden Zanker went back-to-back and suddenly the Dees were back in the contest. A third goal from Zanker and another from Aimee Mackin gave the Melbourne faithful a glimmer of hope.
Unfortunately, the siren came too soon, and the Demons lost by a heartbreaking five points, the final score set at 6.9 (45) to 7.8 (50).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Melbourne | Ryleigh Wotherspoon
The new Demon is yet to play an official AFLW game, having only landed at the Dees less than eight months ago, but as a potential debutant for Round 1, this livewire forward is an exciting prospect for Melbourne in 2024.
Having come to the Dees after an elite junior career across cricket and soccer, the 20-year-old stood up to the challenge of AFLW in exceptional fashion during the club’s pre-season campaign. She kicked five goals across the two practice matches and showed her class and competitiveness inside 50.
Geelong | Amy McDonald
It’s easy to see McDonald as a danger for Melbourne to watch, the 26-year-old having been a constant star among the Geelong side since first entering the competition in 2020. But the midfielder has particularly shown her strength against the Dees, most notably her dominant display in the sides' last semi-final battle, McDonald registering 21 disposals alongside two crucial goals.
Her pre-season campaign has seen her keep that star status, shining in the club's practice match against Essendon with 24 disposals, seven clearances and a goal. So, come Saturday night, it will be the Dees’ job to keep this Cat’s impact low as they search for a season-opening win.
