Maddie Boyd and Phoebe McWilliams are the latest two players to pledge her allegiance to Geelong’s inaugural AFLW campaign, signing with the Cats from the GWS Giants.

A stalwart of Geelong football, Boyd has strong local ties, having played with North Geelong and the Cats in the VFLW competition.

Boyd played with Melbourne in its first AFLW season and for the Giants in 2018 and has played nine games at AFLW level.

A key position player with an elite contested mark, Boyd was a member of the 2016 VFLW Team of the Year.

Boyd is happy to be making her return home to Geelong with the opportunity to play alongside  fellow experienced AFLW talents.

“Geelong is my home, it’s where I’m meant to be. I’ve been to a couple of clubs now, but I’m back where I belong,” Boyd said.

“I’m definitely looking forward to playing with Aasta O’Connor and not against her. It’s going to be good to play with those girls I’ve played with before at VFL level, the likes of Anna Teague and Richelle Cranston. It will be good to get back with that group.”

Boyd will continue to work through her rehab program for a hamstring injury before setting her sights on a VFLW return with the Cats later in the season.

Phoebe McWIlliams joins the Cats after two AFLW seasons with the Giants.

Originally from Victoria, McWilliams played 10 years with the St Kilda Sharks in the VFLW before joining the Giants as a priority selection for the inaugural AFLW season.

A key position player known for her skills up forward, McWilliams has the ability to swing back and assist in defence.

She also finished equal-seventh in the league for goals with seven and this year claimed her second consecutive leading goal kicker award for the Giants.

McWilliams’ tackling pressure, strong mark and dominance up forward saw her named in the 2018 AFLW All-Australian squad.

“I would like to thank the GWS Giants for the past two years and the opportunity they gave me. I have made some long-lasting friendships at the club and won’t forget my time there.

“The opportunity to return home to Victoria and be close to my family and friend was a large part of my decision to join Geelong. I’m really excited to join the Cats in their inaugural AFLW season and I can’t wait to begin my next football chapter.”

Geelong Cats AFLW Coach Paul Hood is looking forward to welcoming Maddie and Phoebe into the club.

“We are really pleased to welcome Maddie and Phoebe into our AFLW group for 2019,” Hood said.

“Maddie is an inspiring teammate, who worked tirelessly in our VFLW side last year to provide a target up forward.

“Maddie selflessly dedicates herself to the team and has proven herself to be a handy backup ruck over the first two AFLW seasons.

“Phoebe’s list of achievements in her AFLW career speak to the talented player she is and we are excited not only by her ability in front of goal but by her versatility to play in key positions at either end of the ground.

“Phoebe’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable to adding to the leadership that we are looking to build around our group in 2019.”