Geelong has bolstered its AFLW list, adding Meghan McDonald and Julia Crockett-Grills to the club’s inaugural squad.

A stand out performer for Darebin in the VFLW, McDonald was a member of the Falcon’s premiership winning sides in 2016 and 2017.

An attacking defender, McDonald also has experience at AFLW level, playing four times with the Western Bulldogs in 2017. 

Over the past two seasons in the VFLW, McDonald has demonstrated the ability to go forward and impact games at the other end of the ground. She has also been a teammate of fellow Cats Mel Hickey and Aasta O’Connor at the Darebin Falcons.

Crockett-Grills has spent the 2018 VFLW season with Hawthorn, playing 12 games and helping the Hawks reach the finals.

A versatile midfielder who has also previously played with Box Hill, Knox and Scoresby, Crockett-Grills has enjoyed a terrific 2018 VFLW campaign after a number of injury interrupted seasons.

Geelong’s AFLW Coach Paul Hood said the club is pleased to have secured the services of McDonald and Crockett-Grills.

“Meg has had an outstanding season at VFLW level and has become one of the competition’s premier defenders. She is another player who comes into our program with previous AFLW experience, something that will be crucial to our group,” Hood said.

“Throughout the 2018 VFLW season, Julia has been an integral part of a strong midfield group at the Hawks and has regularly matched up against AFLW listed players.

“We believe Julia’s running ability and contest work around stoppages will add to our group and allow her to play a number of roles within our team.

“Meg and Julia join us from highly respected club’s, both with strong football programs which is something we are really pleased about.”