Geelong Cats’ 2024 VFLW list breakdown: Player-by-player profiles
Geelong’s VFLW squad kicks off the season with a home-game at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday. We profile each of the 30 listed players at the club this year.
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Geelong Cats open their VFLW season against Carlton at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, with a number of new faces likely to debut.
Half the squad are classed as new signings for 2024, though some are familiar faces through the Cats’ AFLW program while a trio of players come in fresh from their time with the Geelong Falcons.
A further 12 players have been listed as train-on players.
VFLW coach Elise Coventry said movement from both players and coaches across the competition had been as high as she’d seen in recent years.
But with a strong affiliation to Coates Talent League clubs Geelong Falcons and GWV Rebels, the Cats have been able to reload, with help from several newcomers also moving to the region for work or study.
Here is a look at each of 30 Geelong VFLW-list players.
Bridget Aughton
A cross-code netballer who will play her first season of competitive football. Athletic and fast, she’ll be used to support Sammy Gooden in the ruck and play a bit behind the ball.
Hannah Chalkley (nee Burchell)
The midfielder missed most of last year’s VFLW season with an ACL injury before returning for the final two rounds. A former AFLW player at both Geelong and Richmond.
Liv Cicolini
Joined the Cats last year after moving to Geelong from Finley for uni. The consistent goalkicker is part of the club’s AFLW train-on list.
Bridie Collings
A Calder Cannons graduate who has moved to Geelong with family. Played midfield throughout juniors but has been training as a small forward.
Zoe Cowan
A strong-bodied midfielder out of Grovedale, Cowan is new on the list but has trained with the program before.
Jamilla Cranny
A one-on-one defender who is a strong on-field communicator. Plays locally at Geelong West Giants and has past VFLW experience at Williamstown. Coming off a summer playing in the NTFL for Waratah.
Ruby Dale
A forward-ruck who joins the Cats after moving to Torquay for work. Played for Coates Talent League outfit Sandringham Dragons last year, and is part of Victoria’s baseball team bound for nationals in April.
Cheryl De Groot
A local Geelong Amateur player who rejoined the VFLW program last year after first debuting in 2017.
Sophie Dinneen
A local product who will be pushing for more midfield time this year.
Piper Dunlop
A cross-code basketballer who has played for Bendigo Spirit in the WNBL. A raw talent who has been playing both ruck and behind the ball.
Abby Favell
A midfielder who joined the program last year and finished second in its best and fairest last year before becoming an AFLW train-on partner.
Ella Firth
Returns for a second season after mostly as an outside midfielder last year. Has come back physically stronger and more confident and should spend some more time playing as an inside midfielder.
Mia Fuller
A former Geelong Falcons midfielder, Fuller broke into the VFLW side mid-season after making a move behind the ball and dominating off halfback. Should see some more midfield chances.
Sammy Gooden
The former Super netballer missed out on an AFLW contract this year after spending the past two seasons overcoming a PCL injury and having her first child. Will be looking to put together a consistent season in the ruck.
Kelsea Gray
A former Geelong Falcon who returns to footy after a break. A small defender who marks and uses the ball well.
Annie Haigh
An outside player with speed to burn, Haigh will look to add to her five games played in 2022.
Lily Jordan
A forward who will be hoping a strong VFL season can put her back in draft contention, after missing out in her top-age year playing at Coates Talent League club GWV Rebels.
Zoe Larkins
Larkins adds depth to Geelong’s midfield, after crossing from VFLW rival Darebin. Lives and works in Geelong.
Sophie Mahar
Mahar joins straight out of the Geelong Falcons program. A strong runner who will play initially as a wing.
Kate Martin
Another straight out of Geelong Falcons program, the tall defender will miss the first half of the season after a nasty ankle injury in a pre-season match. A blow after not missing a beat over the pre-season.
Ava McKeegan
Another outside player returning for a third year in the program, McKeegan is working on her contested craft.
Jane McMeel
The Warrnambool-based footballer has been training as a half forward but can be used in midfield if needed, with the Cats looking to exploit her speed and endurance.
Breanna Pratt
Relentless in the contest, Pratt was challenged to put her stamp on the Cats forward line last year and delivered. Returns for a fourth VFLW season at Cats, after a year at Casey.
Caitlin Reid
A doctor who is currently working in Wagga Wagga, Reid will play a handful of games in a bid to get more VFL experience. A ruck-forward, she spent time in the GWS Giants Academy and has a basketball background.
Laura Ryan
A fifth-year VFLW player, the Geelong Amatuer footballer is currently battling a foot injury.
Poppy Schaap
A forward-midfielder who has strong footy IQ, she spent the 2022 season with Carlton’s AFLW list.
Liv Stewart
Returns for a second year and will push for forward minutes after building her confidence last year.
Jo Sunderland
The Geelong Falcons graduate had some interest from AFLW clubs last year after she was a late draft combine call-up. A steady defender who is clean with the ball and makes good decisions.
Denby Taylor
Part of Geelong’s inaugural AFLW side, Taylor retired in 2022 but has returned to footy after finding a renewed passion. A high defender who is an elite kick on both sides of the body.
Molly Walton
The defender featured in a handful of VFLW games for Geelong last year while playing as an 19-year-old for Coates Talent League club GWV Rebels.
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Originally published as Geelong Cats’ 2024 VFLW list breakdown: Player-by-player profiles
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