AFLW round seven: Geelong’s captain still can’t earn a recall as Cats, Hawks name their sides

GEELONG

B: G.Rankin, C.Gunjaca

HB: R.Kearns, A.Gregor, R.Webster

C: Z.Friswell, G.Prespakis, K.Kenny

HF: M.Bowen, J.Parry, K.Surman

F: A.Moloney, K.Darby

Foll: P.Dunlop, A.McDonald, N.Morrison

I/C: E.Fowler, C.Thorne, S.Tallariti, B.Smith, B.O’Rourke

EMG: M.McDonald, C.Tipping, G.Featherston

In: K.Darby, B.Smith, B.O'Rourke

Out: E.Kilpatrick (injured), J.Crockett-Grills (injured), G.Featherston (omitted)

HAWTHORN

B: L.Elliott, M.Eardley

HB: K.Ashmore, J.Richardson, T.Lucas-Rodd

C: M. Williamson, E. Bates, K.Coyne

HF: C.Sherriff, L. Stone, A.Gilroy

F: A. McDonagh, G.Bodey

Foll: L. Wales, E. West, J.Fleming

I/C: K.Stratton, J.Vukic, T.Smith, H.McLaughlin, S.Butterworth

EMG: L. Cox, E. Symonds, D.Flockart

In: K.Ashmore, K.Stratton

Out: E.Everist (injured), B.Hipwell (injured)

Geelong captain Meg McDonald has failed to earn a recall for the Cats’ clash against Hawthorn on Thursday night to open round seven, despite three changes being made to the side.

McDonald, a veteran defender, was omitted from the team after the Cats lost their first three matches. They have since won three in a row.

The Cats overlooked McDonald, instead recalling Kate Darby, who has recovered from a calf injury, and including midfielder Bella Smith and winger Bryde O’Rourke for the crucial clash at GMHBA Stadium.

Cats skipper Meg McDonald, pictured leading her side out in a match against the Swans earlier this month.Credit: Getty Images

They had lost star runner Julie Crockett-Grills to a hamstring injury, Emma Kilpatrick to concussion, and dropped Gabbi Featherston. McDonald has been a pillar in defence for the Cats and admitted on Fox Footy that it was tough being omitted from the side, and she was working hard to regain her spot.

“There’s all matter of emotions attached to sport – that’s why we love it,” McDonald told The W Debrief.

“It’s been a challenge, but there have been opportunities to come from it – both for me to develop in different ways and lead in different ways to get my game back to where I’d like it to be, and for those girls that were on the park, for them to respond in their own way – to lead the team and to get three wins on the board.”

McDonald was representing the Cats at the Brownlow Medal on Monday night as she tries to rediscover form through scrimmage matches and training.

Hawthorn made two changes, recalling Kaitlyn Ashmore and Kristy Stratton to replace the concussed Emily Everist and Bridie Hipwell, who has a leg injury. Hawthorn are third on the ladder with the Cats, who are in the eight on percentage, hoping to cause an upset on their home deck.