AFLW 2025 AFLW season - Geelong & the greater league...

[cats_09]

KEY AFLW PLAYER MOVEMENT DATES​

• November 6 - AFLW Draft Nominations open 9am (AEDST)
• November 27 - AFLW Draft Nominations close 5pm (AEDST)
• December 4 to December 10 - AFLW Trade Period
  
  
• December 15, 2025 - 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft

Geelong's current picks - 7, 25, 43, 61 & 79

Link to current Draft Picks

Indicative AFLW Draft Order

Check out your club's picks for the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft

www.afl.com.au

 

[Geminicatz01]

Looks like Grace Egan is off to Adekaide.

 

[cats_09]

Looks like Grace Egan is off to Adekaide.

It was interesting to note that the reports of interested clubs listed 3 interstates clubs, but no Vic clubs - Fremantle was listed as an interested party and I came remember the third

After last month's report of Richmond reportedly telling her to look at her options, there was comments from Carlton fans questioning if she found herself in a similar situation to Richmond as she did prior to being moved on from Carlton - the suggestion that she wasn't always seen as the most professional or open to coaching instructions

It's hard to know the accuracy of those claims, especially when you consider she had finished top 5 in B&F voting in something like 5 of 6 seasons; but with no reported interest from any Vic club when there's definitely more than a few who could benefit from adding to their midfield (us included), could suggest there's something that's turning clubs away

 

[cats_09]

Couldn’t agree more than with this statement and yes it does include us.

Both you and I have pointed out some personnel involved with the women’s program who’s track record would have seen them shown the door long before now if it was with the men’s.

I look at the appointment of Hassett as coach of the VFLW team for 2025. She might be a talented coach in the making but she is 22 and hasn’t had any experience at either VFLW or AFLW level. I wish her all the best, but seriously the decision to me still remains baffling. Would a decision like this pass the pub test with the men’s program? Hell no and why should we accept it for the women.

This club has been giving lip service to our women’s team for too long and it’s about time we grow up and show it the respect it deserves.

I'm not opposed to a younger coach, but would Hassett have benefited from a more experienced senior coach to lead our VFL team with her undertaking an apprenticeship as part of stepping up from local league coach to working in the VFLW

I also wonder if we'd benefit from more of a connection/interaction in terms of our VFLW senior coach having some involvement with our AFLW program - I know he's not everyone's favourite, but as well as being listed as our VFL coach, Mark Corrigan has also been noted as a development coach for our AFL team

Would it not make sense to have the senior VFLW coach also working as our development coach with our AFLW team or some type of connection with that coaching team - especially with the VFLW dates changing for next season to allow some cross over with the start of the AFLW season

The VFLW competition will move to a new season window from 2026 to allow greater alignment with the NAB AFLW competition. As announced in August, the NAB AFLW season timing will remain in its current timeslot indefinitely.

The opening round 2026 VFLW season will be played the weekend of May 16-17.

The VFLW home and away season will feature 16 rounds, with all 13 clubs to play 14 regular season matches and have two byes.

The updated season timing will now see the final three rounds of the VFLW home and away season crossover with the opening three rounds of the NAB AFLW competition.

The top-six teams on the VFLW ladder will qualify for finals, with the finals series to change to a three-week format.

Hopefully the changes to the VFLW season means we get to see a few more of our fringe AFLW players get some match time, but to further help with development, surely some crossover within the coaching panel wouldn't hurt

2026 VFL and VFLW season dates

The season dates for the 2026 Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW competitions have been confirmed

www.afl.com.au

 

[cats_09]

Agree with every one of the list changes. A touch surprised Thorne survived the cull, but she was probably one I wanted to see a bit more of before making my own mind up, so happy to see her get another year.

She didn't - we've had another announcement today

 

[cats_09]

Am I right that we're currently at the following in terms of list changes

Retirements:
Meg McDonald
Kate Darby
Shelly Scott
Erica Fowler
Anna-Rose Kennedy - retired/not-returning/delisted

Delisted:
Bella Smith
Gabbi Featherston
Melissa Bragg
Caitlin Thorne


While my research says we're waiting on updates for

Unknown
#12 Kate Kenny
#16 Chantel Emonson*

Out of Contact:
#3 Amy McDonald
#6 Julia Crockett-Grills
#7 Kate Surman
#10 Georgie Rankin
#23 Bryde O’Rourke
#24 Chantal Mason
#27 Emma Kilpatrick+

* Missed 2025 due to pregnancy
+ Supplementary signing for 2025

---/-

That's currently 9 players off the list... Though if we retain Kilpatrick she would be taking Kennedy's spot, leaving us with 8 open spots, and if Emonson returns she'd taking her spot back from Fowler leaving 7 spots

That's if we see no other changes

With AFLW list sizes currently capped at 30, even the 7 changes is a fair amount at over 23% of the list

 

[terry_bright]

I'm not opposed to a younger coach, but would Hassett have benefited from a more experienced senior coach to lead our VFL team with her undertaking an apprenticeship as part of stepping up from local league coach to working in the VFLW

I also wonder if we'd benefit from more of a connection/interaction in terms of our VFLW senior coach having some involvement with our AFLW program - I know he's not everyone's favourite, but as well as being listed as our VFL coach, Mark Corrigan has also been noted as a development coach for our AFL team

Would it not make sense to have the senior VFLW coach also working as our development coach with our AFLW team or some type of connection with that coaching team - especially with the VFLW dates changing for next season to allow some cross over with the start of the AFLW season



Hopefully the changes to the VFLW season means we get to see a few more of our fringe AFLW players get some match time, but to further help with development, surely some crossover within the coaching panel wouldn't hurt

2026 VFL and VFLW season dates

The season dates for the 2026 Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW competitions have been confirmed

www.afl.com.au

Agree with all those points.

One of the biggest things with Hassett for me is what can she pass on to young players looking to take the next step? She maybe a tactical/motivational wonder but lived experiences, particularly in her role, I thought would of been vital. An apprenticeship for me was a no-brainer, no matter how much promise you show.

For me it's one of many missteps the women's program has made since it's inception that has led us to the malaise we currently find ourselves in. If S.Hocking is a man of his word (he has regularly said how important the AFLW program is and what they bring to the GFC brand) then he should be strongly considering a review into how it's being run.

I've noticed we haven't been linked to anyone of note this trade period. I'm not sure if it's a case of us not being in the market, or if players simply don't want to come to us but I tend to think it's the latter. We have no coach, no captain, the team has stagnated as has player development. From a footballing perspective we are not an attractive proposition. We might be able to sell the lifestyle part of it, but that's where it ends.

 

[terry_bright]

Am I right that we're currently at the following in terms of list changes

Retirements:
Meg McDonald
Kate Darby
Shelly Scott
Erica Fowler
Anna-Rose Kennedy - retired/not-returning/delisted

Delisted:
Bella Smith
Gabbi Featherston
Melissa Bragg
Caitlin Thorne


While my research says we're waiting on updates for

Unknown
#12 Kate Kenny
#16 Chantel Emonson*

Out of Contact:
#3 Amy McDonald
#6 Julia Crockett-Grills
#7 Kate Surman
#10 Georgie Rankin
#23 Bryde O’Rourke
#24 Chantal Mason
#27 Emma Kilpatrick+

* Missed 2025 due to pregnancy
+ Supplementary signing for 2025

---/-

That's currently 9 players off the list... Though if we retain Kilpatrick she would be taking Kennedy's spot, leaving us with 8 open spots, and if Emonson returns she'd taking her spot back from Fowler leaving 7 spots

That's if we see no other changes

With AFLW list sizes currently capped at 30, even the 7 changes is a fair amount at over 23% of the list

Those players and list spot numbers look spot on to me.

I honestly don't know how we fill all those spots.
Maybe we'll have to split some of our earlier picks, or just hope we can find an uncut gem or two at the back end of the draft. Going by our track record outside of very early picks in the draft, the latter option looks a recipe for disaster. Maybe we are planning on bringing in an entire women's gaelic football team to fill those spots. However we go about it will involve a lot of creativity and to be frank a lot of luck.

 

[goyoucatters]

Am I right that we're currently at the following in terms of list changes

Out of Contact:
#3 Amy McDonald
#6 Julia Crockett-Grills
#7 Kate Surman
#10 Georgie Rankin
#23 Bryde O’Rourke
#24 Chantal Mason
#27 Emma Kilpatrick+

In this day and age, I find this very disappointing. Just pick up the phone, people!

 

[winty]

Just had Rookie Me Central's 2025 AFLW draft guide land in my inbox. Having flicked through it, here's a few players I wouldn't mind us having a look at with a link to their bio on the Rookie Me Central website:

- Jordyn Allen (Eastern Ranges): a 165cm midfielder/defender. Predicted range: 6-20. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/jordyn-allen-2/



- Priya Bowering (Tasmania Devils): 168cm inside mid who recorded 3.22 second 20m sprint so has pace as well. Predicted range: 8-15. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/priya-bowering/



- Jade McLay (Calder Cannons): 177cm utility who can play at both ends and also as a big bodied midfielder. Predicted range: 15-30. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/jade-mclay/



- Imogen Trengove (Woodville West Torrens): 164cm utility with a combination of pace and endurance. Predicted range: 15-35. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/imogen-trengove/



- Asher Fearn-Wannan (Eastern Ranges): 177cm utility who can play on the wing or pinch hit in the ruck. Classed as one of the best overall athletes in the draft. Predicted range: 20-40. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/asher-fearn-wannan/



- Olivia Gorman (Northern Knights): 167cm midfielder who excels at stoppages. Predicted range: 25-50. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/olivia-gorman/



- Charli Hazlehurst (Norwood): 176cm intercept defender who can also pinch hit in the midfield. Predicted range: 30-50 https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/charli-hazelhurst/



- Juliet Kelly (Claremont): 171cm midfielder who can rack it up (had 48 possessions in one game in the WAFLW this season). Predicted Range: Late. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/juliet-kelly/



- Ava Bibby (Bendigo Pioneers): 187cm key forward/ruck whose main strengths are contested marking and set shot accuracy. Predicted range: 40-60 https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/ava-bibby/



- Evelyn Connolly (Dandenong Stingrays): 169cm forward with uncanny goal sense and X factor. Predicted range: Late. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/evelyn-connolly/



- Georgia Tyrell (Geelong Falcons): 168cm midfielder who averaged 17 possessions, 4 clearances and 11 tackles a game at the national carnvial. Predicted range: Late. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/georgia-tyrrell/

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

- Zoe Vozzo (Eastern Ranges): 165cm wing who is damaging on the scoreboard (averages over a goal a game). Predicted Range: 30-60. https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/zoe-vozzo/

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

- Hayley Peck (Geelong VFLW): 182cm ruck who won our VFLW B&F this season. Predicted range: Late https://central.rookieme.com/afl/player/hayley-peck/

 

[cats_09]

 

[cats_09]

Annabel Johnson delisted by WCE

Brisbane looks the only real winner from that 3 way trade (for the moment)

 

[Pure_Ownage]

The league is officially a joke if this gets the go-ahead.

They dont have the currency it shouldn't happen.

 

[cats_09]

They dont have the currency it shouldn't happen.

This is the first year of future trading in the AFLW

AFLW teams cannot trade both their future first- or second-rounder, and must have approval from their board before trading their future first-rounder.

Clubs must have a first-round selection for at least two years within a five-year period, unless otherwise approved.

So it may be two firsts put on the table - the trade will happen.

There's been a fair bit of talk about this situation on the AFLW board and elsewhere, with some basics of the 23 draft being overlooked:

• It was the last state based draft before we moved to an open draft last year
• Western-Turner may have gone #1, but pre-draft ratings had her ranked about 7th with a number of interstate players rated higher than her
• She had a not so great 2023 TAC Gals season, and if she went in last years draft it's doubtful she goes in the top 10

Looking at draft selection numbers from prior to last year doesn't necessarily give a true indication of where the player rated within that draft


The other incentive for the Bulldogs to get a trade done is that in 2021 Kim Rennie (former rookie signing, basketball background), asked for a trade to North. Negotiations were ongoing throughout the trade period with the Bulldogs not accepting the offer from North - Rennie then declined the Bulldogs contract, she was delisted and picked up by North with the pick they had on the table for the Bulldogs

North lost nothing, Bulldogs lost the opportunity of a pick in the draft - thinking they won't want this to play out the same way

 

[cats_09]

This happened back in September when Richmond were 0-4, with us then comfortably beating them by 30pts in their next match




This from less then an hour ago






There's a few senior coaching spots now open

 

[cats_09]

And as popular as the decision to move Ferguson on may be, I get the feeling that it's going to play second fiddle in the popularity steaks...














I could keep going on the above... And for those who didn't see this news earlier in the week, which I now wouldn't be surprised to know is also linked to the recent review

 

[cats_09]

Finally some list acquisition news:

GEELONG is set to pounce on delisted Port Adelaide midfielder Jas Stewart as it looks to bolster its midfield depth.

Stewart was arguably unlucky to miss out on a contract with the Power, having produced three strong matches to finish the season once recalled to the side.

The 27-year-old spent four seasons on Fremantle's list between 2019 and season six, 2022. After being without an AFLW home in season seven, Port Adelaide provided a lifeline in 2023.

Stewart has played a cumulative 42 matches across her AFLW career, and is known for her toughness on the field.

As a delisted free agent, Stewart can walk to Geelong without a trade needing to be facilitated.

The Cats entered the trade period with eight vacancies on their list after extensive retirements and delistings.

Rebound defender Chantel Emonson is expected to return after the birth of daughter Luna, with the addition of Stewart cutting the open spots to six.

– Sarah Black

TRADE WINDS: All-Australian Hawk requests trade, Cats eye delisted mid

Keep up to date with all the latest news from the 2025 AFLW Trade Period

www.afl.com.au

 

[cats_09]

Good luck to Gabbi next year

Tasmania has signed former AFLW Geelong player, Gabbi Featherston to play for their VFLW team in 2026.

 

[terry_bright]

Finally some list acquisition news:

GEELONG is set to pounce on delisted Port Adelaide midfielder Jas Stewart as it looks to bolster its midfield depth.

Stewart was arguably unlucky to miss out on a contract with the Power, having produced three strong matches to finish the season once recalled to the side.

The 27-year-old spent four seasons on Fremantle's list between 2019 and season six, 2022. After being without an AFLW home in season seven, Port Adelaide provided a lifeline in 2023.

Stewart has played a cumulative 42 matches across her AFLW career, and is known for her toughness on the field.

As a delisted free agent, Stewart can walk to Geelong without a trade needing to be facilitated.

The Cats entered the trade period with eight vacancies on their list after extensive retirements and delistings.

Rebound defender Chantel Emonson is expected to return after the birth of daughter Luna, with the addition of Stewart cutting the open spots to six.

– Sarah Black
View attachment 2490949

TRADE WINDS: All-Australian Hawk requests trade, Cats eye delisted mid

Keep up to date with all the latest news from the 2025 AFLW Trade Period

www.afl.com.au

Good luck to Jasmin, but let's be honest here, going by her history she's not going to move the needle much if at all. It has list-clogger written all over it.
The more you look at it, the more dire our list looks. We have picks 7, 25, 43 and a bunch of late picks to rebuild our list. We can't really trade for players of quality unless we are happy to rebuild around a bunch of speculative picks. We could trade players but then that would be a net gain of zero in terms of filling spots. We could trade future picks but in some ways that's just kicking the can down the road.

To be frank, the future looks a mess, but don't worry the people who have led us into this dumpster fire are now the same people who are going to oversee the rebuild of the team.
God help us.

 

[terry_bright]

This happened back in September when Richmond were 0-4, with us then comfortably beating them by 30pts in their next match




This from less then an hour ago






There's a few senior coaching spots now open

At least Richmond had the balls to do a review of their AFLW program.

 

[Cursed Cat]

Good luck to Jasmin, but let's be honest here, going by her history she's not going to move the needle much if at all. It has list-clogger written all over it.
The more you look at it, the more dire our list looks. We have picks 7, 25, 43 and a bunch of late picks to rebuild our list. We can't really trade for players of quality unless we are happy to rebuild around a bunch of speculative picks. We could trade players but then that would be a net gain of zero in terms of filling spots. We could trade future picks but in some ways that's just kicking the can down the road.

To be frank, the future looks a mess, but don't worry the people who have led us into this dumpster fire are now the same people who are going to oversee the rebuild of the team.
God help us.

See this is why I stopped posting on the W thread for a while; it's been a slog and when it gets to the point where I have nothing but negativity to contribute I start to question the value in posting at all.
That's not having a go at you whatsoever #4 Terry Bright; in fact I think you have very succinctly articulated the sad state of affairs.
Our only hope short term is that we can attract some nominator types; good players that want to come to the club for whatever reason.
But as you have very reasonably pointed out, those in charge of list management have had a long leash with mediocre results to date; like yourself I think this is troubling.

We've necessarily cut the list to the bone, but as you say we have little viable mechanism of getting promising players into the club. Hopefully Jasmin goes well.

 

[terry_bright]

See this is why I stopped posting on the W thread for a while; it's been a slog and when it gets to the point where I have nothing but negativity to contribute I start to question the value in posting at all.
That's not having a go at you whatsoever #4 Terry Bright; in fact I think you have very succinctly articulated the sad state of affairs.
Our only hope short term is that we can attract some nominator types; good players that want to come to the club for whatever reason.
But as you have very reasonably pointed out, those in charge of list management have had a long leash with mediocre results to date; like yourself I think this is troubling.

We've necessarily cut the list to the bone, but as you say we have little viable mechanism of getting promising players into the club. Hopefully Jasmin goes well.

I hear what you're saying CC (I rarely posted this season for those very same reasons), but for me personally there comes a point where enough is enough.
I sincerely wish Jasmin all the best and hope she can be a key contributor to the team. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the club, or player go above the expectations I had on them. Rankin is the perfect example as someone who I thought was a dud, but this year proved to be a valuable contributor and kudos to her for that.

My frustration lies with what's happening off the field. As someone who is a great believer in women's sport, I find it astounding that we as a club are willing to accept a lower standard with the women's program than we are with the men's. More so considering how successful the men have been over the journey.

S.Hocking has constantly talked about how important the AFLW program is to the club. Well talk is cheap and it's about time he walked the walk because at the moment it's looking like nothing more than lip service and it's embarrassing.

Anyway, go well Jasmin and I hope you kick arse.

 

[cats_09]

Not knowing a lot about Jas Stewart other than being a Port player, I decided to read comments around her delisting and now her link to us to get an idea of what others who know more think

• amongst Port fans, her delisting was not popular. I read one comment of 'could see it on the cards, while everything else was, WTF, why, we'll regret this and hope someone picks her up
• she played only 5 games this season, including the last 3 in which the showdown was played. Some had her best on in the Showdown based on her second qtr which is when Port took control of the game. There was also comments that it was the best football by a Port player this past season
• questions why she didn't play more this season, as fans believe she was the type of player who would have helped them push for finals and they'll miss her

From non Port fans:

• there was Essendon fans hoping they were going to chase her
• Fremantle fans were happy if she wanted to return out west
• consensus amongst comments that she's a good signing for Geelong

I get that she's not an A-grade player to slot in beside Pres, Morrison & Bowen, but signing a player who isn't scared to get stuck into the tough stuff, get their hands dirty and the bonus of being a left footer, doesn't necessarily sound a bad acquisition

If we do sign her, I'll be curious to see how we plan on using her

 

[winty]

This is pretty piss weak by Carlton....

 

[OzeSparky]

This is pretty piss weak by Carlton....

Bad move by blues.
Would we be interested? She is a Defender and we need them.

 

[cats_09]

Agree with Kate on this regarding list sizes