AFLW Round 12

Geelong Cats v Western Bulldogs
Friday 30 October, 7:15pm AEDT
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong • Wadawurrung

Tickets: Purchase here
Broadcast Guide: 7Two/7Plus, Fox Footy/Kayo/Binge (see local broadcast guide)

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LAST TIME WE MET

Round 11, 2025
Western Bulldogs 3.8 (26) def. by Geelong 6.1 (37)

Despite a final-quarter surge which saw the Dogs come within striking distance with 90 seconds to go, a late dribbler from the Cats sealed the nine-point win in Ballarat.

Having rained cats and dogs earlier in the day, the surface of Mars Stadium saw puddles of water visible across large portions of the ground. The slippery conditions didn't seem to bother the Cats, who came out firing.

Elaine Grigg and Elle Bennetts finished with 17 disposals apiece, while Emma McDonald, Jess Fitzgerald (five clearances) and Rylie Wilcox all hit the scoreboard. 

Sarah Poustie laid 11 tackles to go with 11 disposals. 

THE LINE-UPS

WHAT IT MEANS

Tam Hyett's side has been sensational in 2026 and showed that it can compete with the best after a narrow loss to Melbourne in round 11. The loss put a big dent in its top-four hopes, but Hyett's side will have taken plenty of lessons after yet another big test. The Dogs have proven that their best can match it with anyone, their next challenge is ensuring that they maintain their best footy for longer periods of time.

PLAYER TO WATCH

With Jess Fitzgerald sidelined due to a hamstring injury and Isabelle Pritchard spending a large portion of time on the bench against the Dees, veteran Elle Bennetts went into the centre bounce mix. A calm figure who has speed to burn and is a neat ball user, Bennetts adds another dimension to the Bulldogs' onball brigade.