Foundation Cat calls time on career

GEELONG FOOTBALL CLUB foundation player Renee Garing will retire from the AFLW at the conclusion of the 2023 season, after informing her teammates last (Tuesday, October 31) night.

Garing has been a member of the Cats organisation for seven years, recently returning to the Geelong’s list last season following the birth of her first child, Parker.

She said she could not have dreamt of playing for the Cats, being a lifelong Geelong fan since day one.

“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to pull on the Hoops and pave the way for future generations of young girls that can now dream of playing football at the elite level.

“From the very beginning I have felt right at home at Geelong, from the early days of learning the fundamentals of the game, to being supported throughout my pregnancy journey with Parker, and with my return to playing AFLW.

“Through all aspects of my journey, I couldn’t have asked for a better environment to help me develop and thrive as an athlete and a mum.

“I would like to thank everyone that has played a role in my football journey, in particular my husband Tony, my son Parker and our parents for their ongoing support and encouragement.”

A member of the Cats’ inaugural AFLW season, Garing played every game over the club’s first three seasons, before moving to the inactive list ahead of Season 6 when she announced she was pregnant.

Garing remained heavily involved at the club, attending training and taking on a match day role in the coaching department.

Garing gave birth to Parker in May, 2022 and worked with the club to return to playing.

She worked her way back into the selection pool in the second half of Season 7 and finished third in the club’s 2023 VFLW Best and Fairest count, playing seven games.

Garing made her inspirational AFLW return in Round 1 this year, 889 days after her last game at the top level.

She has featured in six games AFLW games in 2023, averaging eight disposals and six tackles.

AFLW Geelong Cats coach Dan Lowther said Garing’s impact on and off the field was and is second to none.

“Renee is the epitome of professionalism and competitiveness and sets an impeccable standard at the Club, living our team values of consistent, competitive and combative.

“While Renee is a fierce footballer on the field, she is also one of the most caring people I have ever met, and she has played a big role in shaping our group to what it is today.

“While we’ll miss her presence on the field after this season, Renee will always be a Geelong person, and we wish her, Tony and Parker all the very best in their next chapter.”

Garing has received two Carter Family Community Champion awards for her work in the Geelong community.

The Cats and Garing play Hawthorn this Saturday to cement their spot in the AFLW Finals Series in what could potentially be Garing’s last game in the Hoops.