Menegola to play his last game for Cats

GEELONG player Sam Menegola will play his final game for the Cats this Saturday, August 26.

Earlier this afternoon (Friday, August 25), the Geelong Football Club announced Saturday’s home game against the Western Bulldogs would be Menegola’s 117th and last for the club.

Joining Geelong in the 2015 National Draft with Pick 66, Menegola made his debut for the Cats in a 30-point victory against Adelaide in Round 18 2016, before cementing himself in the Geelong midfield group.

Menegola had a career-best year in 2020, averaging 21.2 disposals per game and kicking 16 goals. The year was capped off by being recognised among the league’s best, selected in a 40-man All-Australian squad in a year the Cats team played off in a grand final.

A consistent and hard-working player, Menegola played at least 20 games in four of his eight seasons at the club, averaging 22.34 disposals and 3.3 tackles per game, kicking 81 goals.

Despite facing injury challenges this year, Menegola said he will forever be thankful to the Cats for the opportunity to play at the highest level.

“The time I have had at Geelong has had an immeasurable impact on our lives. I have enjoyed successes, faced challenges, learnt lessons, and developed relationships that will stay with me for a long time.

“I have had a chance to fulfil a lifelong dream here, and I look forward to what’s next.”

Geelong Cats general manager of football Simon Lloyd thanked Menegola for his time at the Cats.

“Across Sam’s entire time at the Cats, he has been an integral and consistent member of our midfield group with his ability to run both ways, find plenty of the ball and regularly hit the scoreboard being among his greatest strengths,” Lloyd said.

“He sets extremely high standards when it comes to preparation, training, and on matchday. His work ethic and professionalism are something to behold, and a wonderful example for any young player coming through the AFL system.

“Sam has shown resilience throughout his career, repeatedly returning from injury setbacks to play at the highest level. Although this season hasn’t gone as planned, Sam has been an invaluable mentor to our younger midfielders and we hope we can cap his time off in Geelong with a win on Saturday.

“On behalf of the Cats, we would like to thank Sam, his wife Emma and boys Otis and Remi for the last eight seasons, and we wish him all the best in their next chapter.”

First drafted by Hawthorn with pick 19 in the 2011 Rookie Draft, Menegola spent one season on Hawthorn’s list before being delisted at the end of the 2011 season.

He was drafted again in the 2012 Rookie Draft by Fremantle with Pick 44 and was at the Dockers for three seasons without playing an AFL game.

After spending the 2015 season in the Western Australian Football League (WAFL), Menegola impressed Cats recruiters throughout the season, which led the club to read out Menegola’s name as their second selection and 66th overall in the 2015 National Draft.

Sam Menegola Fact File

• Draft selections: No. 19, 2011 Rookie Draft (Hawthorn), No. 44, 2012 Rookie Draft (Fremantle), No. 66, 2015 National Draft (Geelong)
• Recruited from: Attadale (WA)/E Frem (WAFL)/Haw Rks/Frem Rks/Subiaco (WAFL)
• AFL debut: Round 18 2016 v Adelaide at Simonds Stadium
• Career games: 117*
• Career goals: 81*
• Brownlow votes: 25
• Guernsey number: 27
• Most disposals in a game: 35 in Round 22 v St Kilda, 2022