The Geelong Cats have continued to build on its AFLW team, locking in Julia Crockett-Grills and Meghan McDonald for the 2019 season.
Julia Crockett-Grills has been rewarded for her outstanding performance during the 2018 VFL season for the Box Hill Hawks, helping them secure a spot in the approaching finals.
After transitioning from netball and basketball to football at 18, Crockett-Grills football journey has saw her play a dominant midfield role at Scoresby, Knox and Box Hill.
The eager midfielder is delighted to be part of the Geelong Cats AFLW squad, after battling and overcoming injuries throughout her VFL career.
“I’ve seen a lot of injuries, played half a season last year and the season before that didn’t get to play at all, so then this year I’ve only missed two games," Crockett-Grills said.
“It would be absolutely amazing, love my footy, always played footy with the boys at school and to finally get a crack at it is super exciting."
The 24-year-old, who was shown around GMHBA Stadium on Monday, was 'blown away' with the state-of-the-art facilities and gym that will be in full use for the upcoming AFLW pre-season after the conclusion of the VFL finals series.
Determined Falcon Meghan McDonald will also play a key role in the club's inaugural squad, after the disappointment of missing out last year.
“I knew with expansion that the opportunity would be there as long as I was committed enough”.
“It gave me an opportunity to work on a lot of things over summer,” McDonald said.
Signing alongside other Darebin Falcons teammates, McDonald was attracted to the positive nature of the club in which they are all thrilled to be a part of.
“We all relate to the sense of community down here, and the kind of club that it is; the vibe around the place.”
The 2016 and 2017 Falcons premiership member has had a pleasing VFL season in the backline and hopes to demonstrate her skills as-well as leadership on and off the field.
“I hope to be able to use this second opportunity in AFL to really try and take it with both hands and to show more leadership,” McDonald Said.