‘A real learning curve’: How sidelined star Georgie Prespakis handled tackle suspension

Geelong midfield star Georgie Prespakis says that while disappointed to miss a large chunk of the season due to a two-match suspension for a dangerous tackle, she used the opportunity on the sidelines as a learning experience.

In the Cats’ thumping 50-point win over St Kilda in round five, the 19-year-old’s heavy tackle concussed Saints ruck Erin McKinnon, which landed the young gun a two-match ban. Following the incident, all AFL clubs were sent a memo warning them about an increase in dangerous tackles and head-high contact and urged to show a “greater duty of care” for opponents.

Georgie Prespakis.Credit:Michael Wilson via Getty Images

In Prespakis’ tribunal hearing, she defended her actions, saying she brought McKinnon to ground in the safest way possible. “Not at all am I trying to sling her,” she said as part of her evidence. “I’m just riding it down with her.“

The suspension being upheld meant Prespakis missed a fifth of the season, which she said was “obviously really disappointing”.

“It wasn’t all that fun to miss out, whilst obviously the team was winning, which was really great to obviously see, [just] not so much from the sidelines,” Prespakis told The Age.

“But, you know, didn’t dwell on the two weeks too much, [but] took it as more of a learning perspective and just gave me kind of an idea of what it’s like on the sidelines … it was a real learning curve more than anything.”

After being taken in the 2021 draft at pick No.2 overall – and first in the Victorian draft – Prespakis burst onto the scene, playing all 10 rounds for the Cats in season six.

“I just feel as though I learn a lot, even just about the girls and their routines and watching from afar, and just being able to support them the best I’m able to really,” said Prespakis.

“I was like, ‘God, I just I’d love to be out there and with the girls’, especially my midfield group who I play very closely with and have a really good bond with them all, but no, I was just, I just had to support them however I could.”

Prespakis is ranked equal third in the AFL Coaches Association AFLW champion player of the year award with sister Maddy, who plays for Essendon, and is averaging 22 disposals, nine tackles and six clearances per game.

Georgie Prespakis and Nina Morrison.Credit:Michael Wilson/AFL Photos via Getty

It appeared the teenager wasted little time finding the pace required to play at the highest level, but Prespakis said it took some adjusting.

“Initially going into my first season, it was definitely challenging but also what I expected at the same time. I knew it was going to be a whole different game, and in terms of the physical and speed of the game, I just had to adjust and adapt,” Prespakis said.

“In the second season coming around so quickly, it’s just given me that kind of momentum to just keep building in the off-season.”

Coming into season seven, Prespakis said she wanted to build on her contest work and be more powerful coming out of stoppages.

“And just be able to use my body a little bit more just to match those women in the competition,” she said.

Heading into the weekend, Geelong sit fifth on the ladder and have won their past four games on the trot, which Prespakis says has created a real buzz at the club.

She credits their success, after the Cats only notched one win in 2021, with lines working well together and the group being “in sync”. She says the forward line in particular has come a long way.

This weekend, however, presents a significant challenge as Geelong face reigning premiers Adelaide, who they didn’t get to play in the home-and-away competition last season.

Prespakis said playing a top side such as the Crows would “be a really good indication” of where they’re at.

“They’re obviously such a great team, it’ll just be a really good challenge.”

The match kicks off round nine of the AFLW with the Crows hosting the Cats at Unley Oval on Friday night.

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