GEELONG showed significant improvement in some areas last season, but still only came away with two wins. With some handy additions, particularly across the forward half, the Cats look set to reap those rewards on the scoreboard.
B: M.Keryk M.McDonald
HB: A.Johnson M.McMahon C.Emonson
C: R.Webster M.Bowen N.Morrison
HF: C.Scheer S.Scott R.Kearns
F: M.Skinner J.Parry
Foll: O.Fuller Am.McDonald G.Prespakis
I/C: K.Darby L.Gardiner D.Moloney J.Crockett-Grills G.Rankin
Emerg: G.Featherson Z.Friswell
Changes from last season
The most significant changes for Geelong come in attack heading into season seven. After saying goodbye to Phoebe McWilliams, Olivia Barber, and Stephanie Williams, it has recruited strong marking duo Shelley Scott and Jackie Parry from Melbourne and brought back VFLW star Mia Skinner via the draft. Meanwhile Chloe Scheer will look to rack up more midfield minutes this coming season, while also offering a dangerous attacking target.
Another loss to the side is Sophie Van De Heuvel's run and carry, but Mikayla Bowen will slot seamlessly into the midfield mix.
Laura Gardiner is also likely to become a midfield staple, after a strong VFLW season which saw her average 36.7 disposals and 5.1 tackles across seven games.
The Hoops suit our new crew 😻
— Geelong Cats Womens (@catswomens) June 13, 2022
Left to right: Shelley Scott, Jackie Parry, Ingrid Houtsma, Mikayla Bowen. pic.twitter.com/A88oMK8ygP
In the mix
Renee Garing has her eyes set on making her return this season after giving birth to son Parker in May and will be eyeing off a place across the half-forward line at some point.
Rookie Samantha Gooden will develop her craft with the aim of providing support to Olivia Fuller and Kate Darby in the ruck, and Claudia Gunjaca has lost out to the more experienced Scott and Parry.
The versatile Gabby Featherston can help to fill gaps anywhere on the field but needs to add a little more consistency to her impact before slotting back into the first 21, as does Zali Friswell in the midfield. Untried Richmond recruit Ingrid Houtsma offers plenty of dash on the outside, so should coach Dan Lowther find himself wanting on the wings, she will be his go to.
On the most stable line Geelong has enjoyed recently, Georgia Clarke, Abbey McDonald and Brooke Plummer offer some depth should spots become available.