Classy Geelong a step closer to finals

DANIELLE Orr and Geelong continued their hot run of form, with the Cats securing a crucial sevenpoint win over Carlton on Saturday.

Orr was the matchwinner, bagging three goals in the 5.3 (33) to 4.2 (26) victory, with the Cats holding off a spirited Carlton in a soggy final term.

Geelong has now won its past two matches and is within touching distance of the VFLW finals places.

Coach Natalie Wood praised Orr’s performance as she continued her strong season.

“She has been playing a high half-forward role,” Wood said. “The most impressive thing has been her ability to get back on the half back flank and apply a lot of pressure … and then her running ability to get on the end of them in front of goal has been outstanding,” Wood said of the AFLW-listed Cat.

“Dani … has been able to keep growing. The confidence she is playing with now … her footwork has improved and she can evade congestion better and she is so clean by foot.”

It’s the second week on the trot that Orr has kicked three goals in a game.

Orr, Jordi Ivey, Julia CrockettGrills, Bec Webster, Maddie Boyd and Madeline Keryk were all named in Geelong’s best.

Boyd and Sophie Van De Heuvel also bagged majors in the win. “For the girls to get back-toback wins is really pleasing for them,” Wood said. “The game was a different challenge for them. Carlton is a really good team.

“We were able to keep a goal lead for most of the game. But Carlton finished the third quarter really strong and were able to get the ball on the outside a little bit.

“It was a really good win and a good testament to them. They just keep growing as a group.”