Cats ’learn a lot’ from loss to Crows

GEELONG coach Paul Hood says his side will focus on improving its work around the contest after yesterday’s loss to powerhouse Adelaide.

The ruthless Crows dominated a young Cats outfit to register its highest AFLW score, collecting their second win of the season in the process.

Adelaide never looked threatened in its 10.6 (66) to 6.1 (37) win at Norwood Oval.

The Cats were beaten in every statistic, out possessed 259 to 173, smashed 41-16 in the inside 50s, 12-2 for marks inside 50 and 18-4 for tackles inside 50.

The Crows also dominated the centre clearances 12-3, which Hood said would be a focus for his side ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Carlton.

“I think we’re going to need to improve our work around the contest so we’ll focus on that, and just a little bit of our ball use,” Hood said.

“We were trying to be pretty bold today with our attack and we did kick six goals, which we were pleased about, but we just need to make sure we don’t turn it over in spots that give the opposition easy looks at goal.

“Adelaide played fantastic footy and for periods we were able to compete, but for other periods they just ran us off the park.

“We’ll have a look and learn a lot from that. It will be a great learning experience for our group.”

Hood said Rocky Cranston and Melissa Hickey would both continue to improve, while he took positives out of the backline’s workrate under pressure.

“Our backline did a terrific job to repel a lot of those inside 50s and a positive for us, a lot of players had really good moments and showed they can compete at the level; we just have to have consistency with those,” he said.

“For Rocky and Mel, their first games of the season, they’re going to improve and get better every week and we’re looking forward to developing some synergy with our new midfield group over the season.”

Hickey said she was happy to get through the game unscathed, but would be looking to return to the winners’ list this weekend.

“I t was a tough loss but I felt we battled hard all day and just missed a few of those moments that we probably shouldn’t have,” she said.

“That’s AFLW. It’s a brutal comp; if you’re a little bit off on your day, you’ll get exposed, so our attitude is to keep learning each week, be humble and review and try and learn next week.”

While speedster Hannah Martin (leg) was a late withdrawal, Crows co-captains Erin Phillips and Chelsea Randall dominated at opposite ends of the ground.

Phillips (3.1) had eight possessions in the opening term as she ignited the Crows’ rush, booting two goals in four minutes, while Randall dictated in defence with anticipation, strong marking and relentless rebounds.

The Cats, who had four players aged 18, could not cope with Adelaide’s fierce approach and cohesion, although Cranston — back after a two-match suspension — along with Meghan McDonald, Sophie Van De Heuvel, Erin Hoare and Madeline Keryk, all fought out the full four quarters. —