Cats confirm initial AFLW list changes

The Geelong Cats have confirmed its initial AFLW list changes to its 2025 playing squad, headlined by the departure of Irish defender Anna-Rose Kennedy.

The emerging key defender has decided to head home to Ireland for the entirety of the 2025 season.

Kennedy burst onto the scene in the 2023 finals, earning a debut in the Preliminary Final against Brisbane.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, featuring at the top level in every game this season.

Kennedy returns to Ireland with the Cats’ best wishes and the option to return to the club later.

“While it is unfortunate for us and our football program to farewell Anna-Rose, we acknowledge the massive sacrifice that all Irish players make to play in Australia,” Cats assistant general manager of football Brett Johnson said.

“On behalf of the club, we would like to wish her all the best in the future and the next stage of her life and career.”

Brooke Plummer, Abbey McDonald and Lilly Pearce will also not don the hoops in 2025, with the trio not offered contracts for next season.

Drafted ahead of AFLW Season 7, Plummer and McDonald both played eight games at AFLW level for the Cats.

The pair featured three and four times respectively in the hoops in 2024.

Lily Pearce joined the club as a replacement player for the 2024 AFLW season but sustained an ACL injury in September, ruling her out for the year.

Johnson thanked the three players for their contribution to the club.

“This time of year is never easy and to farewell great teammates is always a difficult decision.

“All players in their time here at the Geelong can be proud of the way they have conducted themselves and all have been incredible contributors to our program.

“We thank Abbey, Brooke and Lilly for their contribution, and we wish them all the best in their next chapter.”