Geelong sign former volleyballer Caitie Tipping until end of 2027 AFLW season

Geelong has made its first signing for the 2025 AFLW season, with the highly sought after cross-coder expected to bolster an area the Cats were severely lacking in this year.

Caitlin Tipping in action for Australia’s volleyball team in 2022. Picture: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

Geelong has signed ex-volleyballer Caitie Tipping to a three year AFLW contract in a bid to bolster their ruck stocks.

The Cats secured Tipping’s services until the end of 2027, with the Australian national team volleyballer primed to be a long-term ruck prospect with her 6’3” build and athleticism.

It was reported earlier this year the 24-year-old had chosen Geelong above several other interested clubs, though coach Dan Lowther denied to this publication at the time Tipping had already committed.

The Cats have been in desperate need of fortifying their ruck stocks, Kate Darby and Gabbi Featherson taking on the role undersized this season after Erin Hoare retired, Liv Fuller went on the inactive list and emerging ruck and replacement signing Lilly Pearce went down with an ACL injury.

Pearce was later delisted earlier this month.

Geelong Cats assistant football boss Brett Johnson said the club believed Tipping was the “perfect addition” to its ruck and key position stocks.

“She’s an exceptional athlete that will only continue to develop in the AFLW environment,” Johnson said.

“Our program staff will get to work to ensure she has all the preparation she needs to hit the ground running before joining the team for the commencement of pre-season.”

The 2025 AFLW season starts the week of August 11.

Originally published as Geelong sign former volleyballer Caitie Tipping until end of 2027 AFLW season