Love this update - especially the last couple of lines which suggests we've got a pretty damn good core group of players to build around
Ins: Bella Smith (Brisbane), Chantal Mason, Bryde O'Rourke (draft), Kate Kenny (rookie), Lilly Pearce, Caitlin Thorne (replacement players)
Outs: Annabel Johnson (West Coast), Renee Garing, Erin Hoare (retired), Sam Gooden*, Ingrid Houtsma, Mia Skinner (delisted) *Geelong had an extra player on its list in 2023 while Gooden returned from pregnancy
There'll be at least one change from the side that played in a preliminary final after the retirement of Garing, and the Cats are hoping for much more footy from Kennedy, who was injured for much of 2023. Geelong is unlikely to rush their three inclusions, and with decent internal improvement, arguably don't have to push the new Cats into the side from round one. Mason is a developing key forward, O'Rourke is an athletic but raw midfielder and Smith provides good depth to a strong centre line. Morrison, Prespakis and Webster have signed for four years, with Scheer, Parry and Bowen adding three years. Supporting ruck Fuller has opted to sit out this season to focus on developing a career in the Air Force, replaced by former Tiger Pearce.
Geelong’s top draft pick Chantal Mason arrived at Kardinia Park as the reigning Coates Talent League’s leading goal kicker. She reveals how she plans to translate her game to a next level.