MORE than two dozen familiar faces are returning to the Cattery for Season 8 of the AFLW, following a busy Sign and Trade Period.<\/p>\n
Geelong Football Club announced that inaugural Cats Meghan McDonald, Nina Morrison, Becky Webster, Julia Crockett-Grills, Kate Darby, Georgie Rankin and Renee Garing were among the returning cohort of 27 from 2022 and will pull on the hoops for a sixth season.<\/p>\n
Much to the pleasure of Cats fans, all-Australians Amy McDonald, Georgie Prespakis and Chloe Scheer are also among the re-signings.<\/p>\n
It is the Cats’ largest retained cohort of players to date.<\/p>\n
“We’re absolutely delighted by the show of commitment from our playing group,” Cats head of AFLW and football pathways Brett Johnson said.<\/p>\n
“With the competition where it is, player movement across the competition is noticeable, but it is pleasing to see the buy-in from our players to our vision for our AFLW program and the connection among the group.<\/p>\n
“Our players have been on an incredible journey of growth the past two seasons, and we’re excited to see how they continue to unlock excellence in Season 8.”<\/p>\n
The Cats also welcome Kate Surman via a trade with Port Adelaide that saw Maddy Keryk and Pick 12 head to the Power during the sign and trade period.<\/p>\n
Outgoing players include Maddy McMahon, who called time on her playing career in the AFLW, while Georgia Clarke and Kalani Scoullar were informed they would not be offered contracts.<\/p>\n