Introduction: A New Chapter in Geelong's Storied Legacy
When the Geelong Cats fielded their first AFL Women's team in 2019, they weren't just entering a competition—they were writing a new chapter in one of the Australian Football League's most decorated histories. For a club synonymous with success at the highest level, the transition into women's football represented both a responsibility and an opportunity. The Cats had dominated the AFL Premiership race for decades, but could they replicate that success on the women's stage?
The answer, as it turns out, is still being written. But the journey so far has been remarkable, marked by rapid growth, emerging stars, and a commitment to building a sustainable powerhouse. This pillar guide explores the complete history of the Geelong Cats AFL Women's team, from its foundation through to the present day, examining the milestones that have shaped the program and the foundations being laid for the 2025 AFL Season and beyond.
The Road to Inclusion: How Geelong Earned Its AFLW License
The Bidding Process and Community Support
The path to establishing a women's team at Geelong began long before the first bounce. In 2017, the AFL announced an expansion of the AFL Women's competition, with Geelong among the frontrunners for inclusion. The club's bid was built on three pillars: community engagement, existing pathways through the Geelong VFL women's program, and the iconic Kardinia Park as a home venue.
The Cats' application demonstrated the deep connection between the club and its region. Unlike many metropolitan clubs, Geelong serves a catchment area stretching from the Bellarine Peninsula to the Surf Coast and beyond. The bid promised to give female footballers in this region a clear pathway to elite competition, something that had been missing for generations.
When the AFL formally announced Geelong's inclusion for the 2019 season, the reaction was electric. Memberships surged, and the club immediately began building a list capable of competing from day one.
The Foundation List and First Signings
Geelong entered the AFL Draft with priority access to players from the Geelong region. The Cats used this advantage shrewdly, securing local talents who had developed through the VFL system. Among the first signings were players who would become the foundation of the program: captain Meg McDonald, vice-captain Rebecca Goring, and emerging stars like Olivia Purcell and Nina Morrison.
The club also attracted experienced players from other clubs via the expansion signing period, including former Brisbane Lion and AFLW premiership player Kate Lutkins. This blend of youth and experience proved crucial in the team's early development.
Inaugural Season 2019: Setting the Standard
The First Match and Early Momentum
The Geelong Cats AFL Women's team played their first official match on February 2, 2019, against Collingwood at Kardinia Park. In front of a crowd of over 8,000 passionate fans, the Cats delivered a performance that announced their arrival. The team won by 14 points in a hard-fought contest, with goals to Phoebe McWilliams and a best-on-ground display from captain Meg McDonald.
That first victory was more than just a win—it was validation. The Cats had been questioned about their readiness, with some critics suggesting the expansion teams would struggle. Instead, Geelong demonstrated that they had built a competitive outfit from the ground up.
Season Highlights and Challenges
The 2019 season saw Geelong finish sixth on the ladder with five wins from seven matches. While they narrowly missed the AFL Finals Series, the performance exceeded all reasonable expectations. Key moments included:
- A thrilling one-point victory over reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs
- Nina Morrison winning the AFLW Rising Star nomination in her debut season
- The team's defensive structure, which ranked among the best in the competition
Building the Program: 2020–2022
The COVID-Impacted Seasons
The 2020 season brought unprecedented challenges. The AFL Women's competition was played in a condensed format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Geelong playing just six matches. The Cats finished seventh, with three wins and three losses. The season was notable for the emergence of young midfielder Olivia Purcell, who averaged over 20 disposals per game and established herself as one of the competition's elite ball-winners.
The 2021 season was similarly disrupted, with the competition split into two conferences due to ongoing pandemic restrictions. Geelong finished fourth in Conference B, missing the finals by a single game. Despite the disappointment, the season produced several memorable performances, including a dominant victory over Fremantle at Kardinia Park that showcased the team's growing maturity.
The Rise of the Midfield Brigade
By 2022, Geelong's midfield had become one of the most formidable in the competition. The combination of Olivia Purcell, Nina Morrison, and the emerging Georgie Rankin provided the Cats with a dynamic and versatile engine room. Purcell's ability to win contested possessions, Morrison's speed and agility, and Rankin's composure under pressure made the Cats a difficult matchup for any opponent.
The forward line also began to take shape, with experienced recruit Chloe Scheer providing a reliable target and young gun Mikayla Bowen showing flashes of brilliance. The defensive unit, anchored by captain Meg McDonald and the reliable Julia Crockett-Grills, remained one of the stingiest in the league.
Breakthrough Season 2023: Finals Football Arrives
The Regular Season Performance
The 2023 season marked a turning point for the Geelong Cats AFL Women's team. After four years of steady improvement, the Cats finally broke through to the AFL Finals Series, finishing fourth on the ladder with an 8-2 record. The season was defined by consistency and resilience, with the team winning seven of its last eight matches to secure a home final at Kardinia Park.
Key contributors included:
- Olivia Purcell, who finished third in the league for disposals and earned All-Australian selection
- Nina Morrison, whose return from injury added a new dimension to the midfield
- Captain Meg McDonald, who led from the front with her trademark intercept marking and leadership
The Elimination Final
Geelong's first AFLW final was a historic occasion. Played at Kardinia Park in front of a sell-out crowd of over 10,000 passionate fans, the Cats faced a formidable opponent in the Brisbane Lions. The match was a classic finals contest, with both teams trading blows throughout four quarters.
The Cats led at every change but could never shake the determined Lions. In the end, Brisbane's experience proved decisive, with the Lions winning by 10 points in a match that could have gone either way. Despite the loss, the Cats had proven they belonged on the biggest stage. The final whistle was met with a standing ovation from the Kardinia Park crowd, acknowledging the team's remarkable journey.
Lessons Learned and Future Promise
The 2023 finals appearance was more than just a moral victory. It provided the playing group with invaluable experience in high-pressure situations. The Cats learned that they could compete with the competition's elite, but also identified areas for improvement: converting forward entries into goals, maintaining intensity for four quarters, and developing greater depth across the list.
Coach Paul Hood, who had been with the program since its inception, described the season as "the next step in our evolution." The club's leadership group echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the goal was not just to make finals but to win premierships.
Current Squad and Key Players
The Leadership Group
The Geelong Cats AFL Women's team is led by a dedicated group of players who embody the club's values. Captain Meg McDonald remains the heart and soul of the team, her leadership on and off the field setting the standard for professionalism and commitment. Vice-captain Rebecca Goring provides a steadying influence in the midfield, while emerging leaders like Olivia Purcell and Nina Morrison represent the future.
Stars to Watch in 2025
As the Cats prepare for the 2025 AFL Season, several players are poised for breakout campaigns:
- Olivia Purcell: Already an All-Australian, Purcell is entering her prime and could challenge for the Brownlow Medal equivalent in the AFLW competition
- Nina Morrison: After injury setbacks early in her career, Morrison is finally realizing her full potential as an elite midfielder
- Chloe Scheer: The experienced forward provides a reliable target and has developed into one of the competition's most dangerous goalkickers
- Georgie Rankin: A versatile midfielder who can impact the game in multiple ways, Rankin is emerging as a future leader
- Mikayla Bowen: The young forward has shown flashes of brilliance and could be a key contributor in 2025
The Next Generation
The Cats have invested heavily in their development pathways, with the Geelong VFL women's program serving as a feeder system for the AFLW team. Recent draft picks, including midfielders and defenders, are expected to push for selection in the upcoming season. The club's recruiting strategy has focused on building depth across all lines, ensuring that the team can withstand injuries and maintain performance levels throughout the long season.
Home Ground Advantage: The Kardinia Park Factor
The Cattery's Unique Atmosphere
Kardinia Park, known affectionately as the Cattery, has become one of the most intimidating venues in the AFL Women's competition. The stadium's intimate atmosphere, with stands close to the action, creates a unique home-ground advantage. The Cats have an impressive record at Kardinia Park, winning the majority of their home matches since entering the competition.
The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has further enhanced the fan experience, with upgraded facilities, improved sightlines, and increased capacity. The stadium now seats over 36,000, with plans for further expansion as demand for women's football continues to grow.
The Connection with the Community
The Cats' connection to the Geelong region runs deep. Unlike many clubs based in Melbourne's suburbs, Geelong serves a distinct regional community that identifies strongly with the team. This connection is particularly evident in the women's program, with local players like Meg McDonald and Rebecca Goring embodying the club's regional identity.
The club's community engagement programs, including school visits, clinics, and charity partnerships, have helped build a loyal fan base for the women's team. Attendance at women's matches has consistently exceeded expectations, with the club regularly drawing crowds of 5,000–10,000 for home games.
Milestones and Records
Individual Achievements
The Geelong Cats AFL Women's team has produced several notable individual achievements:
- Nina Morrison: AFLW Rising Star nominee (2019)
- Olivia Purcell: All-Australian selection (2023), club best and fairest (2022, 2023)
- Meg McDonald: AFLW All-Australian (2021), club best and fairest (2019, 2020)
- Chloe Scheer: Leading goalkicker (2022, 2023)
- Rebecca Goring: Club best and fairest (2021)
Team Milestones
- First match: February 2, 2019, vs Collingwood (win by 14 points)
- First finals appearance: 2023 elimination final vs Brisbane Lions
- First sell-out crowd: 2023 elimination final at Kardinia Park
- 50th match: Celebrated in the 2023 season with a victory over St Kilda
The Road Ahead: 2025 Season and Beyond
Premiership Aspirations
The Geelong Cats AFL Women's team enters the 2025 AFL Season with legitimate premiership aspirations. The core group of players is entering its prime, the list depth has improved significantly, and the club's development pathways are producing talent at an impressive rate. The experience gained from the 2023 finals appearance will be invaluable as the Cats push for their first AFLW Premiership.
Key factors that will determine the team's success in 2025 include:
- Injury management: Maintaining a healthy list throughout the season
- Forward efficiency: Converting scoring opportunities into goals
- Midfield depth: Developing players who can rotate through the engine room
- Home form: Continuing to dominate at Kardinia Park
The Development Pipeline
The Cats' investment in the Geelong VFL women's program is beginning to pay dividends. The reserves team provides a pathway for young players to develop their skills before stepping up to the AFLW level. Recent graduates of the VFL program have made immediate impacts at the senior level, demonstrating the effectiveness of the development system.
The club has also strengthened its recruiting networks, identifying talent from across Australia and developing relationships with state league programs. This comprehensive approach ensures that the Cats are well-positioned to compete for years to come.
Community Engagement and Growth
The women's program has become an integral part of the Geelong Cats' identity. The club's commitment to growing women's football extends beyond the field, with initiatives focused on increasing participation at the grassroots level, developing female coaches and administrators, and creating pathways for girls to pursue football at all levels.
The Cats have also been active in promoting gender equality within the sport, advocating for improved conditions for female players and staff. This commitment to the broader development of women's football has earned the club respect across the AFL community.
Practical Tips for Supporting the Cats
How to Get Involved
For fans looking to support the Geelong Cats AFL Women's team, there are several ways to get involved:
- Attend matches: The atmosphere at Kardinia Park is electric, and the team feeds off the energy of the crowd
- Purchase merchandise: Show your support by wearing the iconic blue and white hoops
- Follow on social media: Stay up to date with team news, player profiles, and match previews
- Join the membership program: Members receive priority access to tickets and exclusive content
Understanding the Season Structure
The AFL Women's competition typically runs from August through November, with each team playing 10 regular-season matches. The top eight teams qualify for the AFL Finals Series, which culminates in the AFL Grand Final. The condensed season creates an intense, high-stakes environment where every match matters.
For new fans, the key differences between the men's and women's games include shorter quarters (20 minutes plus time on), a smaller playing field, and a slightly different set of rules regarding the ruck contest. However, the fundamental elements of Australian rules football remain the same: speed, skill, courage, and teamwork.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
The Geelong Cats AFL Women's team has achieved remarkable success in a short period. From the inaugural season in 2019 to the breakthrough finals appearance in 2023, the Cats have established themselves as a competitive force in the AFL Women's competition. The journey has been marked by steady improvement, emerging stars, and a deep connection with the Geelong community.
As the team prepares for the 2025 AFL Season, the future looks bright. The core group of players is entering its prime, the development pathways are producing talent, and the club's commitment to women's football is unwavering. The ultimate goal—an AFLW Premiership—is within reach.
For fans of the Geelong Cats, this is an exciting time to be part of the journey. The women's program represents the next chapter in one of the Australian Football League's most storied histories. Whether you're a lifelong supporter or new to the game, there has never been a better time to get involved.
To learn more about the club's rich history and achievements, explore our coverage of club milestones, discover the club record holders, and relive the biggest crowds that have witnessed the Cats' journey. The story of the Geelong Cats AFL Women's team is still being written, and you can be part of it.
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