One of the most distinguished careers in Geelong's AFLW history will continue into 2025, with captain Meg McDonald signing a one year contract extension. 

Starting with the Cats in their inaugural season back in 2019, McDonald has been a key figure in Geelong's defensive unit over the past seven seasons, making two All Australian team's and winning a Cats best and fairest award. 

But perhaps her greatest accolade has been captaining the team for five consecutive seasons, a position that is voted on by the Geelong playing group and recognises who they believe is the club's strongest leader. 

McDonald told K rock Drive this week that the process of electing a captain is important at Geelong, and that she understands what a privilege is to be selected by her peers. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Meghan McDonald of the Cats leads her team out onto the field during the round two AFLW match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Geelong Cats at Arden Street Ground, on September 08, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)

"It is an honour each and every year to captain the side," McDonald said. 

"Our process every preseason for the five years that I have done it, we do a vote and the group decides who they think is the best person for the job.

"I think for the group it is important that they have their say, for the elected leader I think it is important that they feel like the group trusts them after being chosen by them.

"I have got another year of playing, if I captain or not I am not sure but we have some outstanding leaders coming through."

Geelong announced last week that seven more players had re-signed for the 2025 season, leaving the club with just one list spot available heading into the new year. 

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The news added to the announcement late last year that superstar forward, Aishling Moloney had signed with the Cats for another three years, fresh off her record breaking 2024 season. 

McDonald noted how exciting it is to secure Moloney's services for the next few years, describing her as one of the most talented forwards she has ever seen. 

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"We had a crop that signed one year deals, but we had others who have signed on longer and more extensive deals," McDonald said. 

"Aishling Moloney was probably our biggest one, she signed a three year deal for the club which is great for us.

"She would have been the hottest property in the AFLW competition, it is mind blowing the talent and her rise from Irish recruit to one of the best players in the comp.

"I have played on some fantastic forwards and trained with some fantastic forwards, but she would have to be the number one for 'thank goodness I don't have to do this on game day.'"