GEELONG Cats captain Meghan McDonald headlines a list of seven players to sign one-year contract extensions with the club for the 2025 AFLW season.<\/p>\n
Joining the two-time All-Australian for another year in the hoops are Kate Darby, Shelley Scott, Kate Surman, Melissa Bragg, Gabbi Featherston and Caitlin Thorne.<\/p>\n
Since becoming an inaugural Cat in 2019, McDonald has played 66 games and has been captain for the past five seasons.<\/p>\n
Darby has played 52 matches in the hoops, while Scott has lined up in 28 games since crossing to Geelong via a trade in 2022.<\/p>\n
Surman also joined the Cats via a trade, making the jump to the Cattery ahead of the 2023 season after previously playing for Gold Coast and Port Adelaide.<\/p>\n
Featherston and Bragg will again be key position support for the Cats in 2025.<\/p>\n
The pair have played 19 and 15 games respectively since beginning their careers.<\/p>\n
Recruited as a replacement player ahead of last season, Thorne has played five games in a supporting role in the midfield.<\/p>\n
Geelong Cats assistant manager of football Brett Johnson said the club was thrilled to retain seven players who had important roles in their 2024 campaign.<\/p>\n
“Meghan has been an outstanding leader for us for many years, while Kate Darby, Shelley and Kate Surman all bring valuable experience and leadership to our squad,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It was exciting to see the continued development of Gabbi and Mel. Although coming into our program late in the piece as a replacement player, Caitlin was also impressive with the way she handled her first season in the AFLW.<\/p>\n
“With a good mix of experience, youth and potential, were excited to see all seven players pull the hoops on again in 2025.”<\/p>\n
The Cats have one spot remaining on their list heading into the 2025 season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
GEELONG Cats captain Meghan McDonald headlines a list of seven players to sign one-year contract extensions with the club for the 2025 AFLW season. Joining the two-time All-Australian for another year in the hoops are Kate Darby, Shelley Scott, Kate Surman, Melissa Bragg, Gabbi Featherston and Caitlin Thorne. Since becoming an inaugural Cat in 2019, […]<\/p>\n