Erin Hoare made her presence felt against the Western Bulldogs in round one as she made a strong return to football after more than four years away from Kardinia Park.

The talented tap ruck won 19 hit-outs and four clearances on Saturday night, helping the Cats win the clearance battle in the 48 point victory over the Bulldogs.

Geelong selected the 34 year old with the first pick of the Season Eight draft, further strengthening one of the AFLW’s strongest midfield groups alongside Georgie Prespakis and Amy McDonald.

Hoare said that she is enjoying the opportunity to play alongside some of the top players in the competition, with the future looking bright for the Cats.

"We certainly feel extremely connected as a team, and as a midfield group specifically,” Hoare said. 

“We have had a couple of practice games and match simulations at training, that connection extends beyond those on the field to all players on the list. 

We have some super talented players that I have the privilege to tap down to and try to protect in different ways as a ruck. 

Obviously being round one we still have a lot of growth to occur, so we are looking forward to strengthening that connection as we go on this season.”

Hoare was part of the inaugural Cats AFLW team in 2019, leading the league for hit-outs in her first season before stepping away to pursue other interests.

During her time away from football, the star ruck became a mother of two children while also heading overseas to complete her studies at Cambridge University.

With plenty to keep her occupied off field, Hoare said the Cats have helped her to achieve a positive balance between work and life in her return to the AFLW.

"The biggest enabler has been this club and how supportive they are for Mum's, now having four of us in the team with children,” Hoare said. 

“The flexibility and adaptability of the program has been accommodating, the openness to learn from our experience as parents in the club and their support ultimately makes us better athletes. 

For me it's about learning as we go, week by week approaching training and getting reconditioned.