Skinner in the game: Cats recruit ready to make impact

THE second draft night was a lot more stressful than the first, according to one of the Geelong Cats’ latest AFLW recruits.

Former Geelong Falcons and Torquay Tigers player Mia Skinner was picked up, again, during yesterday’s (Wednesday, June 29) AFLW draft at pick 33 and she’s happy to be home.

“I was way more nervous this time, a lot more nervous!” Skinner said.

“I was shaking, my heart was going, and I was so nervous, but I was stoked to be picked up again.

“Geelong is home for me and having a second chance is one of the best things ever.”

The 21-year-old, originally drafted by Geelong in 2019 at pick 65, was sidelined for a large portion of a two-year stint, namely due to a stress fracture on her femur.

She paved her way through hard work in the VFLW ranks, making a name for herself among the team’s forwards and was rewarded Wednesday night with the Cats’ first pick.

North Melbourne, Richmond and Melbourne were all reportedly interested in Skinner’s game style for season 7 ahead of the draft.

Skinner said having more experience this time around would only benefit her chances of a Round 1 selection.

“This time I’m definitely more ready for the opportunity, hopefully I can go straight into the team this year.

“I’ve played against women before, and I definitely feel like I can come in and make an impact straight away.”

Skinner is no stranger to the Geelong and Surf Coast regions, growing up a Torquay product and calling the town home.

“I played with Torquay up until Under 18s before heading to the Geelong Falcons,” Skinner said.

“There’s a few girls I played with out at Torquay who I am really good friends, and were also with me on draft night.

“Chris Burgess, who was a development coach for me at the VFLW level, also coached me at Torquay, so there’s been a few people who have been by my side.”

Geelong also selected Brooke Plummer from the Northern Knights and Abbey McDonald from the Calder Cannons at picks 42 and 55 respectively.