The Geelong Cats have locked away two key pieces of its defensive core, with Zach Guthrie and Jack Henry inking long-term contract extensions.
Guthrie, who committed to the end of 2025 earlier this year, has put pen to paper for a further three years, locking him away in the Hoops until at least the end of 2028.
A key and reliable piece in Geelong’s defence, Guthrie has played every game for the Cats since Round 8, 2022, including playing an important role in the Cats’ Premiership team in 2022.
The 25-year-old was rewarded with a career-high fourth-place finish in the 2023 Carji Greeves Medal count, following a strong season that saw him average 16.1 disposals, 5.6 marks and 2.2 spoils per game.
An unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, Henry has been rewarded for his strong form with a new five-year deal, tying him to the Cats until at least the end of 2029.
Often tasked with quelling the influence of the opposition's best key forward, Henry’s breakout year came in 2021, when he finished second in the Carji Greeves Medal.
Henry was a pivotal member of the 2022 Premiership team, which included keeping Lance Franklin goalless and to five disposals on Grand Final day.
In 2024, Henry has played every game and ranks in the top 20 in the AFL for intercept marks (11th), spoils (14th), one-percenters (16th), and intercepts possessions (16th).
Geelong Cats General Manager – Football Andrew Mackie said the Club was thrilled to see both players extend their stay at the Cats.
“Zach has developed into a reliable member of our defensive group and more importantly is highly respected and regarded by all his teammates,” Mackie said.
“Jack is tough one-on-one defender and his ability to intercept in the back half continues to be super important for us. He is a key cog in our defensive structure and a big part of our future.
“We look forward to seeing both Zach and Jack excel in the Hoops in the years ahead and importantly seeing both thrive in the back end of this season as we chase greatness in 2024.”
