CATS IN AWARDS HUNT
Fresh from its best ever AFLW season, Geelong is now eyeing off similar success at tonight’s W Awards night. Four Cats - Meg McDonald, Amy McDonald, Georgie Prespakis and Chloe Scheer - made the initial All-Australian squad of 42 after outstanding seasons. The Addy’s OLLIE NASH looks at why each of them will be right in contention to make the final cut. AMY McDONALD Season 7 – 11 games, 24.8 disposals, 15.1 contested possessions, 265.3m gained, 6.9 clearances, 7.4 tackles and 2.9 inside 50s
Already a two-time bestand-fairest winner at the Cats, McDonald could be destined for a third thanks to another stellar campaign.
The 24-year-old led the league in average disposals and contested possessions per game and was a close second in clearances.
Having been named in the All-Australian squad last season, McDonald should be a walk-up starter in the team this time around and should poll well in the AFLW bestand-fairest.
“I think going historically the more times your team wins, you attract more votes,” Geelong coach Dan Lowther said. “Her season 6 was good, so consistency in that position, wins, should get her the recognition that she deserves.”
MEG McDONALD Season 7 – 11 games, 12.3 disposals, 5.1 contested possessions, 2.5 rebound 50s, 3.7 marks, 7.6 intercepts and 2.5 spoils
The Cats’ inspirational captain was at her best in defence again this season and a key reason for Geelong’s rise into contention.
The 31-year-old’s stats are not as high across the board as her previous All-Australian seasons in 2019 and 2021, however, her ability to lead the Cats up the ladder into finals should work in her favour when selectors put their heads together.
“I think we had the second-best defence for most of the year, I think our defence finished fourth overall in the competition and she’s a big driver of that,” Lowther said.
CHLOE SCHEER Season 7 – 11 games, 8.5 disposals, 1.2 goals, 4.3 score involvements, 2.2 marks inside 50 and 13 goals
Scheer enjoyed her best season since her 2019 campaign with Adelaide and her best since crossing to the Cats ahead of season 6.
The 23-year-old averaged career-highs in disposals, goals and shots at goal, but it was her ability to be involved in scoring chains that took her game to another level.
Positions in the forward line of the All-Australian team will be competitive, however, a spot could be free for Scheer as a small/mid-sized forward.
Scheer is also a chance at taking out the mark of the year award for her effort against North Melbourne. “She showed the competition that she’s a threat for her size, she plays tall, plays small,” Lowther said. “She’s pretty hard to beat one-on-one, her one on ones were phenomenal.”
GEORGIE PRESPAKIS Season 7 – 9 games, 21.8 disposals, 11.2 contested possessions, 331.9m gained, 5.7 clearances, 7.2 tackles and 3.3 inside 50s
After impressing in her debut season, Prespakis went to another level this past campaign, posting career-high averages in nearly every major stat.
Despite missing two games during the home-and-away season due to suspension, the rising star finished equal second in the Coaches Association AFLW champion player of the year award, nine votes behind winner Jasmine Garner (North Melbourne).
The 19-year-old seems destined to make her first All-Australian team.
“Her pre-season was consistent and she had clear motivation and goals about where she needed to improve from season six to season seven,” Lowther said. “She’d be a walk-up starter (in the All-Australian team) in my biased opinion.”
Amy McDonald, Prespakis and Nina Morrison have also been nominated by their teammates for the AFLPA MVP award. Brooke Plummer was nominated as the Cats’ best first-year player, while Annabel Johnson (most courageous) and Meg McDonald (best captain) were also recognised. Winners will be announced on Wednesday.