The Geelong Football Club has confirmed list changes to its AFL playing squad.   

Premiership players Brandan Parfitt and Gary Rohan have pulled on the Hoops for the final time, with the Club farewelling the 2022 Premiership players and five others.    

Alongside Parfitt and Rohan, Phoenix Foster, Oscar Murdoch, James Willis, Mitch Hardie and Emerson Jeka won’t be offered contracts for 2025.   

Parfitt departs Geelong having played 130 games for the Cats, including nine in 2024.  

Joining the Club with the 26th selection in the 2016 National Draft, Parfitt debuted in Round 1 of the 2017 season, earning an AFL Rising Star nomination in just his third game.  

Parfitt played in the 2020 AFL Grand Final, before tasting the ultimate success in 2022, becoming a Premiership player. He made an instant impact on the game, kicking a goal immediately after coming on as Geelong’s sub in the fourth quarter.  

Rohan called GMHBA Stadium home for the last six seasons after joining Geelong from Sydney via a trade at the conclusion of the 2018 season.    

Originally selected with Pick 6 in the 2009 National Draft, Rohan played 19 or more games in his first three seasons, becoming a key cog in the Cats forward line, kicking 79 goals.   

A Premiership player in 2022, Rohan was instrumental in that Finals series, including a heroic Qualifying Final effort against Collingwood, stepping up on the big stage to kick three goals, including the match winning mark and goal late in the fourth quarter.    

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Gary Rohan of the Cats holds aloft the premiership cup after winning the 2022 AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos)

Rohan kicked 120 goals in 98 Geelong games, and will be remembered for his blistering speed, forward pressure and being a deadeye in front of goal.  

Foster and Murdoch played the last two seasons in the VFL after being drafted at the conclusion of 2022, alongside Hardie who joined the Cats via the Mid-Season Draft in 2023.  Willis departs after being drafted by the Cats at the conclusion of 2021.

Foster played 30 VFL games for the Cats, playing predominately as a forward kicking 30 goals, while Murdoch and Willis played 29 and 26 VFL games respectively.   

Hardie excelled in the VFL in 2024, recognised for his outstanding season finishing fourth in the JJ Liston Trophy and earning a spot in the Smithy’s VFL Team of the Year. He was a strong force in the Cats midfield, averaging 29 disposals, six clearances and five tackles per game. He also hit the scoreboard, kicking 14 goals.   

Jeka departs after playing 19 VFL games this season having joined the Cats via the 2023 Rookie Draft.  

Geelong Cats General Manager – Football Andrew Mackie thanked all players for their time at the Club. 

“This time of year is always difficult and to farewell seven great teammates is never easy,” Mackie said.  

“Both members of our 2022 Premiership team, Brandan and Gary have had a profound on-field impact in the Hoops, but it can’t be overstated the influence they both have had on their teammates and the Club more broadly. They have both been incredible for our football program and the wider Geelong community.  

“We thank Phoenix, James, Oscar, Mitch and Emerson for their contribution to our football program, we wish them all the best in their next chapter.” 

These list changes follow the retirement of Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy. The Club will acknowledge Hawkins, Tuohy and all departing players at the upcoming 2024 Carji Greeves Medal event on Thursday 3 October.