Smith arrives at Cattery

GEELONG’S newest addition to its women’s roster has shared her excitement during her first message to Cats fans around the region.

Former Brisbane Lion and now Cats midfielder Bella Smith is ready to hit the ground running after meeting her new teammates for the first time earlier this month.

The Cats received Smith as part of a three-way trade involving Brisbane and West Coast, along with picks 32 and 41 from the Lions in last year’s AFLW draft.

“I was looking for something new and a fresh opportunity,” she said.

“I was looking down Victoria way and when I found out Geelong was interested, I was super-excited. I felt valued straight away by Dan [Lowther] and everyone else.

“By the end it was a pretty easy decision; it was somewhere deep down I felt like I wanted to go to. It’s nice to be with family at home as well, so it’s home away from home.”

After two seasons at Brisbane, Smith joined the Cats following an injury-interrupted first couple of seasons, with her debut and lone AFLW appearance taking place in 2023.

Originally from the Sunshine Coast, Smith sustained an ACL injury during a match simulation drill in August 2022 forcing her to miss the subsequent season.

Smith characterises her game as a competitor first and foremost, which will slot her straight into the Cats’ engine room alongside the likes of Nine Morrison and Georgie Prespakis.

“I always try to work on three things when I’m on the field,” she said. “I like being super contested, competitive, and high pressure. If I can do those three things, I know I’ve done all that I can do.”

AFLW players will return to their clubs for pre-season training on June 3, if not earlier following last week’s season start date announcement.

The AFL confirmed that the 2024 AFLW Season will begin during the final week of August, coinciding with the AFL Premiership Season’s pre-finals bye.

The Cats’ AFLW fixture is still being finalised.