Geelong Cats AFLW players and members joined forces with the City of Greater Geelong on Friday morning to plant 900 trees, shrubs, and grasses as part of a revegetation project along the Moorabool River.

The project is the first step in a new era of partnership between the Geelong Football Club and City of Greater Geelong, with plans for the newly introduced Green Cats membership option to become an ongoing offering at the Club to support future revegetation projects.

The Green Cats membership option was rolled out for the first time ahead of the upcoming 2023 AFLW season, with members able to opt to use their complimentary $20 Cats Shop voucher towards the Plant a Tree program as an alternative.

The first Planting Day gave Cats members and the Geelong community the opportunity to make a lasting impact on their local environment by restoring habitat for local wildlife.

The Club invited 2023 AFLW members to help the Cats and the City of Greater Geelong turn their shared vision of a greener, thriving environment into a reality on Friday.

“Our tree-planting partnership with City of Greater Geelong is an important initiative as we look to lead more sustainable operations for our club, and forms part of our new Environmental, Social and Governance Charter,” Geelong Cats Chief Executive Steve Hocking said.

“Just as we are humble custodians of our Club, we want to show true Kardinia Spirit and invest in positive actions for our environment, to leave Geelong in a better position for future generations.”

Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said:

“Together, our organisations’ efforts in planting trees, shrubs and native grasses exemplifies how collaboration can be the driving force behind creating positive environmental change that will benefit the community for years to come.

“Our partnership to create a thriving habitat for wildlife encourages the Cats AFLW members and the Geelong community to take an active role in preserving nature, whilst fostering a sense of pride and unity.”

After an impressive pre-season showing against perennial contenders Adelaide, the Cats now turn their sights to Round 1 of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season, with a big clash looming against Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday 2 September.

With just eight days to go before the clash, now’s the time to be One in Hoops and purchase a 2023 Cats AFLW Membership here, or secure your tickets to the game here.

Cats fans will also have the chance to meet their favourite players up close at open training on Tuesday 29 August. For more details, click here.