Returned ruck soaking up Cats homecoming

THE Geelong Cats are a win away from staking an early claim to the AFLW’s top eight, with the club travelling to Sydney for the first time.

Recently returned Cats ruck Erin Hoare said the playing group’s focus immediately shifted to today’s (Saturday, September 9) contest with the Swans following Geelong’s 10.5.65 to 2.5.17 Round 1 win over the Western Bulldogs on September 2.

“[We wanted] to get our minds right ready to compete again, but we’ve got our structures and our training program and it’s pretty consistent on what we focus on and getting ourselves in as prime as position as we can possibly be.

“Sydney will have amazing momentum from the weekend, and we’ll respect what the game will bring, all we can do is make sure we’re up for the competition.”

Sydney will look to build momentum off its first ever women’s win in the club’s history last weekend against Greater Western Sydney.

Hoare was welcomed back to the Cats for the 2023 season after she was selected pick one in the AFLW Season 8 Supplementary Draft this year.

Originally part of the Melbourne Demons in 2018, Hoare was signed to the inaugural Cats side in 2019, before heading overseas to complete her post-doctorate studies at Cambridge University.

She said it was hard not to be emotional returning to play in front of the Cats faithful.

“There were probably a few nerves going into Round 1, first game, first game for me in a very long time.

“You have to be careful not to be too emotional, wanting to win, wanting to compete in the game.

“It was really special, my toddler was in the crowd, so I intentionally didn’t look out into the crowd until after the game was finished and the job was done.”

The Cats Round 2 clash with the Swans on Sunday also marks the 25th AFLW game for midfielder/forward Renee Garing; a long-time friend of Hoare’s.

“It was also special to be on the field with Renee Garing last week, who’s obviously come back as well after becoming a parent, we’ve known each other a long time and we’re really good friends,” Hoare said.

“So to have a similar experience in returning to sport was really special, I just feel such pride to wear the jumper.”

The Cats play the Swans at North Sydney Oval today at 1.05pm, and return to GMHBA Stadium to play North Melbourne on Friday, September 15.