With Round One of the AFLW season fast approaching, the Cats are set to roll out a number of new recruits who are ready to add a spark in 2023.
Four big inclusions joined the Cats over the off season, with Geelong maintaining most of their list that took them to the finals in season seven.
Inaugural Cat, Erin Hoare returned to Kardinia Park through the AFLW draft after a four year absence from the game.
The specialist ruck played in the Cats debut season in 2019, before returning to the AFLW ahead of the 2023 season to bolster one of the competition’s strongest midfields.
Speaking on the first episode of Cats AFLW Podcast, ‘Yeah the Girls,’ Geelong players Renee Garing, Becky Webster, and Georgie Rankin discussed the immediate impact of Hoare.
“It is really great to have Erin back in the group, we shouldn't call her a newbie because she was an inaugural cat in 2019," Webster said.
"She has had two kids since she left the group and has done some amazing things overseas, but from day one the way she has come back into the group has been amazing.
"Erin has gone from strength to strength in her progression.”
The Cats also secured the services of livewire small forward, Kate Surman in a trade with Port Adelaide following season seven.
Surman thrives in a high forward role, pushing up the ground to be the link between the midfield and forward with her elite skill.
Garing, Webster and Rankin spoke about the addition of Surman as a huge positive for the Cats, both on and off the field.
“Kate brings a great energy amongst the group," Rankin said.
"We know her personality off the field is amazing but I am really excited to see what she can bring this season on field.
"Across the forward line, the way she moves and reads the ball, along with what she can do with ball in hand is really exciting. It's a challenging role that she is in, so for her to come in and own that high forward role is very exciting.
"She has been a great addition to the club."
An additional player discussed during the podcast as one to watch this season was tough Cats utility, Abbey McDonald.
After being drafted by the Cats in 2022, the versatile 19 year old developed her craft throughout the 2023 VFLW season in preparation for Geelong’s AFLW campaign.
McDonald’s progression during pre-season was noted on the podcast, with her rapid development making her one to watch ahead of the 2023 season.
"The other one for me to watch is little Abby McDonald, she has just come into her own," said Garing.
"Elise Coventry mentioned it at our season launch, saying that the group is now seeing why she was drafted.
"She is this little fiery bull that stands up against anyone, she can find her way through traffic really well and dispose of the footy.
"She is a little pocket rocket and I am really excited to see what she has got this season."
