Cats quartet make initial 42

A QUARTET of Geelong players are a step closer to being named in the AFLW All-Australian Squad for Season 7.

Defender Meghan McDonald, forward Chloe Scheer and midfielders Amy McDonald and Georgie Prespakis were announced as part of the initial squad of 42.

Meg McDonald is in the running for her third All-Australian selection, following her prior successes in 2019 and 2021.

Geelong’s captain averaged 12.3 disposals, 2.5 spoils and 2.1 intercept marks per game this season and was an invaluable possession-getter in one-on-one contests.

Amy McDonald is yet to make an All-Australian team, but the crafty midfielder has been named a member of the initial squad in consecutive seasons, looking to go one step further in 2022.

McDonald averaged 24.8 disposals a game, including 34 disposals in round 5 and round 10, Geelong’s new club record.

She has won the past two Cats’ best and fairest awards and would be well in contention again in a season where she averaged 7.4 tackles and 6.8 clearances a game.

Scheer is also a first-time member in the 42-woman squad, breaking new benchmarks of success in Season 7 and leading the Cats’ goal-kicking with 13 goals during the home and away season.

The 23-year-old averaged 8.5 disposals, 3 marks and 1.9 tackles a game and booted a personal and club record of four goals in a game against Sydney in round 10.

Lastly, Prespakis is a high chance to make the final All-Australian squad, establishing herself as one of the premier midfielders in the competition in her second season of AFLW.

After an impressive debut season in 2021, the 19-year-old went up another gear in Season 7, averaging 21.8 disposals, 7.2 tackles and 5.7 clearances a game.

Prespakis also finished equal runner-up in the AFL Coaches’ Association Champion Player of the Year award, recognised for her dedication and improvement among her peers.

The final All-Australian team will be announced at the W awards on Tuesday, November 22.

The selection panel will consist of Nicole Livingstone (Chairperson), Sarah Black, Sam Virgo, Andrew Dillon, Laura Kane, Kelli Underwood, Megan Waters, Narelle Smith and Tim Harrington.