Newly-signed Cat Phoebe McWilliams says a desire to better herself led to the best footy of her career in 2018.

McWilliams comes to Geelong after leading the Giants’ goal-kicking for two consecutive seasons and an All-Australian selection this year.

“There was a lot of work that went into that (All-Australian selection),” she said.

“I did everything that they told me to and I ate everything that they told me to. I drank so many litres of water, I rolled for an hour a day – I did everything.

“It wasn’t a goal of mine, I just wanted to play my best footy for the Giants and for myself and I knew that I could get a lot better.”

The draw of family and friends was strong enough to bring the key-forward to Geelong, despite a positive experience in Western Sydney.

“I spoke to GWS and went through the process with them but the opportunity to be at home and around my family for 12 months of the year was just too appealing.”

“Even though I love the girls at the Giants and the coach Al I think this is the right move for me.

“I’m good mates with Aasta O’Connor so she gave me a call the other day and I’ve had a message from Melissa Hickey. I’m obviously good mates with (fellow Giant-turned-Cat) Maddie Boyd (as well).”

McWilliams is upbeat about the makeup of the Cats fledgling list and is looking forward to a role as one of the team’s senior members.

“I’ve been in the AFL women’s system for two years (with GWS) now and I’ve played at Hawthorn also in the VFLW. They’re two really impressive clubs with really good women’s programs and I’ve heard that Geelong’s is just as good.”

“Being involved at that elite level is something that I can bring and maybe help those younger kids with.”

“With the list that they’ve got so far there’s experience and young kids and hopefully we develop a really good culture here and Hoody’s (Paul Hood) on top of that already I think.”

Despite her time in the game, which includes 10 years with the St Kilda Sharks in the VFLW, McWilliams hopes she still has plenty of footy in front of her.

“I think it’s a bit different to the men’s game because we haven’t been playing for as long and the seasons are shorter. I don’t think I’ve even played 150 proper club games… so I don’t think the toll on the body is as bad for women’s footballers.”