Seven Cats sign on for 2025 AFLW season

GEELONG Cats captain Meghan McDonald headlines a list of seven players to sign one-year contract extensions with the club for the 2025 AFLW season.

Joining the two-time All-Australian for another year in the hoops are Kate Darby, Shelley Scott, Kate Surman, Melissa Bragg, Gabbi Featherston and Caitlin Thorne.

Since becoming an inaugural Cat in 2019, McDonald has played 66 games and has been captain for the past five seasons.

Darby has played 52 matches in the hoops, while Scott has lined up in 28 games since crossing to Geelong via a trade in 2022.

Surman also joined the Cats via a trade, making the jump to the Cattery ahead of the 2023 season after previously playing for Gold Coast and Port Adelaide.

Featherston and Bragg will again be key position support for the Cats in 2025.

The pair have played 19 and 15 games respectively since beginning their careers.

Recruited as a replacement player ahead of last season, Thorne has played five games in a supporting role in the midfield.

Geelong Cats assistant manager of football Brett Johnson said the club was thrilled to retain seven players who had important roles in their 2024 campaign.

“Meghan has been an outstanding leader for us for many years, while Kate Darby, Shelley and Kate Surman all bring valuable experience and leadership to our squad,” he said.

“It was exciting to see the continued development of Gabbi and Mel. Although coming into our program late in the piece as a replacement player, Caitlin was also impressive with the way she handled her first season in the AFLW.

“With a good mix of experience, youth and potential, were excited to see all seven players pull the hoops on again in 2025.”

The Cats have one spot remaining on their list heading into the 2025 season.