AFLW 2023: Four Geelong players who have improved significantly this season

Several Cats have lifted significantly this season, helping Geelong to a spot in the eight. We highlight the big improvers in 2023.

Chantel Emonson’s numbers have gone through the roof this year. Picture: Getty Images

Geelong coach Dan Lowther has heaped praised on a Cats quartet who have gone to another level this season, headlined by rising defender Claudia Gunjaca.

Gunjaca had a breakout campaign last year after being swung from attack into defence, but she has become one of the top interceptors in the competition in 2023.

She ranks fourth for intercepts per game with 7.5 while also averaging 12.0 disposals and 4.1 marks.

Lowther said experienced defender Chantel Emonson’s numbers have gone “through the roof, averaging 17.1 disposals – up from 12.6 last year – and ranking second in the league for rebound 50s with 5.5 per game.

Claudia Gunjaca has lifted again in 2023. Picture: Getty Images

Then there’s Emonson’s former Demons teammate Jackie Parry. Coming off an underwhelming season where she kicked just three goals, the forward equalled that goalkicking tally in round one alone, and has 10 goals to her name from eight games this year.

Supplemental draft No. 1 pick Erin Hoare, who returned to the game this season after retiring in 2019, has gotten better with each game this season

In her most recent performance in round 7 she matched one of the competition’s top rucks in Mim Strom, winning 26 hit-outs to 19 against the Docker.

Erin Hoare hsa improved with each game. Picture: Getty Images

“I think Claudia Gunjaca has been one in our defence that has certainly held her position really well and improved again from last season which was also a breakout season for her so she has been one of note,” Lowther said.

“Chantel Emonson, her numbers have gone through the roof from last season as well. Just their ability to win position but also join in the attack has been really good.

“You look at Erin Hoare’s ability this year to get better each week as well so we haven’t been a great hitout team for a long time but our numbers are steadily improving and off the back of that our midfielders are showing some growth because they have a bit more predictability in that space as well. Erin has made a really positive impact.

“And Jackie Parry is one for me that ‘OK’ last year, that’s her words, but then this year she has been consistently performing for us up front which has been really positive.”

Originally published as AFLW 2023: Four Geelong players who have improved significantly this season