Geelong AFLW coach Dan Lowther reveals interest in Australian volleyball player Caitie Tipping

An 6’3” Australian volleyballer has reportedly attracted high interest from multiple AFLW clubs, Geelong included.

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

Geelong coach Dan Lowther has played down a report Australian volleyballer Caitie Tipping has already committed to the Cats but didn’t shy away from his interest in the 6’3” athlete.

It was reported this week Geelong is set to win the race to sign the 23-year-old Tipping, with up to 11 clubs across the league interested in landing her as a cross-code recruit and potential ruck prospect ahead of the 2025 season.

For the Cats, it’s an area they are in desperate need of bolstering, losing Liv Fuller (inactive list) and Erin Hoare (retirement) in the off-season before ruck replacement Lilly Pearce went down a fortnight ago with an ACL injury.

Kate Darby and Gabbi Featherston have been weathering ruck contests in the opening four rounds.

“I think we’re one of every club that’s trying to chase Caitlin Tipping at the moment off the back of her size, and (her) volleyball career has been well publicised,” Lowther said.

“We need size on our list, and I’m sure one of our staff has reached out to her management but there is nothing we’ve heard that says she going to us.

“Melbourne, North Melbourne, Collingwood, Geelong, everyone’s going to have a chat to her, so no surprise there.”

Lowther acknowledged the club’s interest in Tipping, who has played at both collegiate and club level in the United States and Sweden respectively, while she is currently involved in Australia's women’s volleyball program.

“She’s 6’3” so we’d take someone who was quite tall and quite keen and motivated to play AFLW footy,” Lowther said.

“And with her background as an elite sportsman, it’d be great to maybe entertain the idea.”

Originally published as Geelong AFLW coach Dan Lowther reveals interest in Australian volleyball player Caitie Tipping