Cats purr as Suns feel the pressure

GEELONG has sweated out a second-straight AFLW victory, skipping away from Gold Coast on a steamy Friday night in Mackay to win by 20 points.

The Cats held tough as the Suns controlled proceedings in the first half before prevailing 5.8 (38) to 2.6 (18).

The Suns led 16-10 at halftime, Kalinda Howarth dominating for Gold Coast and Jamie Stanton capitalised with a goal after going close on three occasions in the first quarter.

But the Cats took over after the main break as Georgia Clarke’s set shot gave the visitors back the lead. Richelle Cranston’s snap for goal as the siren sounded for three-quarter time was a crucial moment.

Nina Morrison was a standout for the Cats with 14 contested possessions among 23 disposals, while Phoebe McWilliams kicked her team’s first two goals and Olivia Purcell further enhanced her reputation with 21 touches.

The win followed Geelong’s decisive breakthrough over Richmond last weekend and shot them to fourth — and ahead of the Suns — in a crowded conference led by Brisbane.

“It’s huge, two wins in a row should put a lot of confidence into the group,” Morrison said.

“All our forwards just made a contest ... it was a bit of a territory game at times.

“They’re a really contested team, tackle pressure they pride themselves on so we really just wanted to match that.”

Purcell said the side’s improved form had plenty to do with their effectiveness up front. “They pluck some bloody good marks and if they can’t mark it they bring it to the ground for us small forwards — they’ve been amazing for us this year,” she said.