Premiership duo headline Cats’ list changes

THE Geelong Cats have confirmed some changes to its AFL list for next season, headlined by the delisting of premiership duo Brandan Parfitt and Gary Rohan.

Phoenix Foster, Oscar Murdoch, James Willis, Mitch Hardie and Emerson Jeka also have not been offered contracts for 2025.

Parfitt departs Geelong having played 130 games for the Cats, including nine this season.

The 26-year-old was selected by the Cats with pick 26 in the 2016 draft and debuted in Round 1 of the following season.

Parfitt earnt a Rising Star nomination in just his third game.

He played in the 2020 Grand Final, before tasting the ultimate success in 2022 against the Sydney Swans.

Rohan called GMHBA Stadium home for the past six seasons after joining the Cats via a trade from Sydney at the conclusion of the 2018 season.

He became a key cog in the Cats’ forward line, kicking 120 goals in the hoops in 98 games.

The crafty forward was instrumental in the 2022 finals series on the way to the club’s premiership.

Foster, Murdoch and Willis played the last two seasons in the VFL after being drafted at the conclusion of 2022, alongside Hardie who joined the Cats via the mid-season draft in 2023.

Foster played 30 VFL games for the Cats, kicking 30 goals, while Murdoch and Wills played 29 and 26 games respectively.

Hardie excelled in the VFL in 2024, finishing fourth in the JJ Liston Trophy and earning a spot in the VFL Team of the Year.

The hard-nosed midfielder averaged 29 disposals, six clearances and five tackles per game.

Jeka departs after playing 19 VFL games this season having joined the Cats via the 2023 Rookie Draft.

Geelong Cats general manager of football Andrew Mackie thanked the outgoing players for their time at the club.

“This time of year is always difficult and to farewell seven great teammates is never easy.

“Both members of our 2022 Premiership team, Brandan and Gary have had a profound on-field impact in the hoops, but it can’t be overstated the influence they both have had on their teammates and the Club more broadly. They have both been incredible for our football program and the wider Geelong community.

“We thank Phoenix, James, Oscar, Mitch and Emerson for their contribution to our football program, we wish them all the best in their next chapter.”

All departing players, including the retiring Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy, will be acknowledged at the club’s best and fairest on October 3.