Geelong Cats have welcomed Kate Surman to the Club in a trade with Port Adelaide that will see defender Maddy Keryk and Pick 12 head to the Power.
The forward/midfielder will complement Geelong’s attacking half, which became a potent force in the second half of last season.
Surman played 26 games across three seasons for the Gold Coast Suns, before crossing to expansion side Port Adelaide for 10 games in Season 7.
The 31-year-old brings fresh perspectives and experiences into the group, having played football in Queensland for three years prior to her time in the AFLW.
Originally from Ballarat, Surman will now get the opportunity to play for the Club she grew up supporting.
Surman is renowned for her energy on-field and ability to find space, and has a solid work-rate, clean hands and good goal sense.
Geelong Cats Head of AFLW and Pathways Brett Johnson said the Club was thrilled to welcome someone with Surman’s experience and character into the program.
“Kate will be a wonderful addition to our squad and we believe she will complement our game style really well,” Johnson said.
“We see Kate strengthening our transition into attack and efficiency, which is an area we’re continuing to improve in.
“Our team showed in the second half of last season we can score heavily when we get that transition right, so we’re excited for Kate to bring her strengths to the team as well.”
Keryk played 39 games across four seasons with the Cats, having crossed from Carlton where she played eight games across 2017 and 2018.
Johnson thanked Keryk for her contribution to the club, where she was a member of the leadership team across seasons 5 and 6.
“It was wonderful to have somebody with Maddy’s leadership and experience join our Club when we were starting out in 2019, and she has helped shape and contribute to the growth of our program in its early years,” Johnson said.
“We thank Maddy for her contributions on field and leadership over her four seasons in the Hoops and wish her well in her next chapter with Port Adelaide.”
The AFLW Sign and Trade Period runs until March 20.
2023 AFLW Sign and Trade Period
Day 7 – Geelong traded Maddy Keryk and Pick 12 to Port Adelaide in exchange for Kate Surman
