VFLW Cats training for another close encounter with Pies
GEELONG will train for a tight finish in Sunday’s VFLW preliminary final against Collingwood when it hits the track for the last time tonight.
The two sides drew when they last met in Round 2 and scores were level late in the Cats’ semi-final win over NT Thunder last Sunday before Paul Hood’s side prevailed to progress to the penultimate weekend of the season. Hood said part of his side’s late preparations would involved closegame scenarios.
“We started that way back at the start of the year,” he said.
“It was interesting that Collingwood game last time; we had trained scenarios for if we were behind or in front, but no one really talks much about what you do if the scores are level for the last five minutes.
“We’ve spoken about that and spoke about that at three- quarter-time (last weekend) as well.
“The girls are well planned in regards to scenarios, but we’ve still got to get it executed when the moment comes.”
Erin Hoare will have to get through training tonight after injuring her foot last weekend, with a physical game expected against the Magpies.
Hood said his side wouldn’t consider itself an underdog.
“We drew with them when we played earlier in the year, but both teams have had some changes,” he said.
“We go in with winning form against the NT Thunder, who not long ago beat Collingwood, so we think we’re as good a show as anybody else.
“Collingwood are a real fierce physical team as we found out when we played them in Round 2.
“It’s going to be a tough contest, so we’re going into that match with our eyes wide open and look to match them in the contest and then hopefully move the ball well enough to score a few times ourself.”
But Hood said a finals exit wouldn’t ruin a successful year.
“We’re on the right path for what our grand aim is, and if we can win a couple of finals and be involved in a couple of extra high-stakes games, that’s great preparation for AFLW,” he said.
Nina Morrison will miss the clash due to school commitments.