Geelong adds three to AFLW side

GEELONG has used two picks inside the top 20 and another inside the top 40 to bolster its list for the coming AFLW season.

Held last month, the AFLW draft is part of the player movement period, which runs until March.

With pick 10, Geelong selected Bendigo Pioneers tall utility Alexis Gregor.

Standing at 181cm, Gregor is a key position player who can excel either as a forward or a defender, with great aerial ability and a strong
contested mark.

She averaged 15 disposals, five tackles and four marks per game with the Pioneers in 2024 to finish equal runner up in the club’s best and fairest award.

Speaking to local radio recently, Gregor said she was surprised to be selected so early in the draft.

“I knew the Cats were interested, but I didn’t think that they would take me with their first pick.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all; you can see it on my face in the reaction video. I didn’t realise that Mum was inviting all of her mates as well, there ended up being a fair crowd.

“It will be pretty much brand new, moving to Geelong. I went down there a week ago for a bit of a tour of the club, that was the first time I have ever been there.”

The Cats used pick 18 on Oakleigh Chargers defender Sienna Tallariti.

Named an All-Australian defender last year after co-captaining Vic Metro, Tallariti also won best on ground honours in two consecutive Coates Talent League Grand Finals for the Chargers.

Tallariti has the ability to read the play well and make smart decisions, along with a strong pair of hands.

Geelong chose Piper Dunlop with pick 37 and passed on pick 62.

A towering ruck who boasts great height and athleticism, Dunlop made seven appearances with Geelong’s VFLW side in 2024.

She averaged 26.7 hitouts, 9.6 disposals and 3.9 tackles per game.

Geelong Cats assistant general manager of football Brett Johnson said the club was excited to welcome its newest draftees.

“We went into the draft with a clear plan of some key traits we were eager to bring into our AFLW squad, and were really pleased we were able to address that with our selections.

“We think Alexis, Sienna and Piper will fit in well with our playing group, and are excited to see what they bring at AFLW level.”

This year’s AFLW season will begin in the week of August 11, with 12 rounds to be played over 12 weeks.