Geelong Cats have extended three more AFLW players ahead of the 2025 season, with Claudia Gunjaca, Rachel Kearns and Zali Friswell all signing contract extensions.

Gunjaca has recommitted to the Hoops for a further three seasons, taking her through until at least the end of 2027, while Kearns and Friswell have both signed two-year extensions, until the end of 2026.

Gunjaca joined the Cats as a mature-age selection from Geelong’s VFLW side ahead of 2022 Season 6 and has played 39 games in the Hoops.

Initially playing as a forward, Gunjaca has cemented her spot a key member of the Cats’ defence, with her intercepting and strong marking highlights of her game.

Kearns joined Geelong as its first AFLW international signing ahead of 2022 Season 6, and similar to Gunjaca, initially played as a forward before finding her home in defence, playing 34 games for the Cats to date.

Originally from County Mayo in Ireland, Kearns enjoyed a career-best season in 2024, with her dynamic play off half-back seeing her average 10.4 disposals, 2.7 rebound 50s and 5.6 intercepts a game, and taking her career games tally to 34.

Selected by the Cats with the seventh pick in the 2021 AFLW Draft, Friswell has played 41 games across the past four seasons, enjoying a career-best year in 2024.

The 20-year-old averaged career highs in disposals and tackles, while adding plenty of run-and-carry on the wing.

Geelong Cats Assistant General Manager of Football Brett Johnson said the Club was pleased to secure the three re-signings.

“We’re thrilled to see Claudia, Rachel and Zali extend their time with the Cats, they are all great teammates and valuable members of our playing squad on and off the field,” Johnson said.

“Claudia, Rachel and Zali are a part of our core group that have played together for the last few seasons. To be able to secure them along with others longer term is exciting, and we can’t wait to see that group to continue build on and play some great football in 2025 and beyond.”

The trio of contract extensions follow the recent signing Australian volleyballer Caitie Tipping and three-year contract extension of 2024 All Australian Aishling Moloney.