AFL 2024: Geelong trio Jhye Clark, Zach Guthrie and Oisin Mullin re-sign

Three talented Cats who were uncontracted at the end of the season have put pen to paper — including a top-10 draft pick.

Zach Guthrie is among the re-signings. Picture: Getty Images

Geelong has helped secure its future with young talents Jhye Clark and Oisin Mullin reliable defender Zach Guthrie recommitting to the club.

All out of contract at the end of the year, Clark has re-signed until the end of 2026 while defensive duo Guthrie and Mullin have signed one-year extensions.

Guthrie and Clark in particular were key signatures for Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie this year, given Guthrie was eligible as a free agent and Clark was a prized top-10 draft pick in 2022.

Clark, who hails from Queenscliff, had been eager to sign on with his hometown club with a new contract all but locked in on the eve of season.

Guthrie and Clark showed good signs in the Geelong’s first round win over St Kilda, with Guthrie tallying 18 disposals and eight intercept possessions, while Clark fought hard in the midfield with a number of impressive defensive efforts in just his second AFL game.

Clark’s signing means St Kilda forward-midfielder Mattaes Phillipou is the only top-10 pick from the 2022 yet to re-sign beyond their initial two-year deal.

Jhye Clark has re-signed for two-years. Picture: Getty Images

Guthrie finished fourth in last year’s best-and-fairest in a mark of how far he has come since debuting as a wiry 19-year-old in 2017.

After crossing from Gaelic football, Irishman Mullin managed six matches in an impressive debut season last year where his line-breaking speed and athleticism stood out.

He was named as emergency for Geelong’s win over St Kilda.

“Zach has developed into a very reliable defender for us. We love the way Zach goes about it and he is an exceptional teammate,” Mackie said.

“Jhye has shown exciting progression with his development in the pre-season after getting a taste of AFL football last year. He is a very talented player, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds.

“We acknowledge how courageous and brave the decision Oisin made to move to Australia, he has positively embedded himself into our football program and we are extremely happy with his development.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Geelong trio Jhye Clark, Zach Guthrie and Oisin Mullin re-sign