Geelong's AFLW ladder-leaders have a point to prove against Collingwood in Saturday's clash of the unbeaten clubs, coach Dan Lowther says.
A win will give the Cats their second victory against the Pies to date - but their sole triumph was back in 2019.
Their last confrontation in January ended with the Cats losing by 11 points.
This season, both teams are sitting 2-0 and Lowther expects his team will want to send a message to their opposition in Saturday's encounter in Geelong.
"We kind of muscled that game (last season), grinded four quarters ... going into this game, we've built our class and our refinement around how we use the footy." Lowther told reporters on Friday.
The Cats finished last season 12th on the ladder with only two wins but losing many matches by small margins.
Now, Geelong has emerged as an unexpected side to beat, sitting on top of the ladder with Collingwood fourth only by percentage.
The Cats' campaign began with a clutch win against Richmond followed by a domination of territory and possession against Fremantle when holding the Dockers to just one point.
Asked about what changed in the five months between seasons, Lowther said it was belief.
"Round one was just a catalyst," he said.
"They're just brewing at the moment from win to win.
"That belief factor rolling around that we're good enough to take against the best teams."
With the season consisting of only 10 rounds, Lowther hoped his side capitalised on a good start triggered by overhauls to the playing list and coaching staff, paired with a short break between seasons.
"The girls are a product of the game," he said.
"It's super important for the girls to be able to play as much football as possible."
Geelong will still be missing Rachel Kearns from a shoulder injury sustained in round one however Lowther holds hopes she will return by the end of the season.
