Geelong has signed three new talents to its AFLW list. Claudia Gunjaca and Olivia Fuller have joined Geelong as mature-aged signings, along with Rachel Kearns from Ireland as an other sports rookie.
After impressive seasons in Geelong’s VFLW side, Gunjaca and Fuller have been rewarded with an opportunity at the top level.
Gunjaca, Geelong’s VFLW vice-captain, is a strong-marking, key-position player with the ability to play at both ends of the ground.
A former Geelong West Giant in the AFL Barwon league, it was a move to Sydney in 2019 that took the now 23-year-old’s football to the next level.
Captain Claudia couldn't stop smiling after our VFLW Semi Final win!#GeelongStrong | @bendigobank pic.twitter.com/DushgeNIAG
— Geelong Cats Womens (@catswomens) July 14, 2021
A stellar season for UTS saw Gunjaca awarded AFL Sydney’s highest honour, the Mostyn Medal. In late 2020 Gunjaca arrived at GMHBA Stadium as an AFLW train-on player before taking the field in the 2021 VFLW season.
Fuller is a developing ruck, who has also spent time up forward for the VFLW Cats this season. An athletic former basketballer, the 21-year-old represented South Australia at under-18 level.
Fuller has enjoyed a consistent season, highlighted by her best-on-ground performance in week one of the VFLW finals, collecting 22 touches, 6 tackles and 36 hit-outs.
Olivia Fuller was a force in the Qualifying Final ??#GeelongStrong | @bendigobank pic.twitter.com/hqUAQIASIo
— Geelong Cats Womens (@catswomens) July 6, 2021
Geelong’s first Irish AFLW player, Kearns has an elite sporting background, skilled in Gaelic football, soccer and boxing.
The 24-year-old from county Mayo was an LGFA Allstar full forward in 2019, a member of the Republic of Ireland under-19 soccer squad and awarded two All-Ireland boxing medals.
A Galway women’s football striker, Kearns was recently awarded player of the month in the Women’s National League (WNL).
With experience in both defence and attack, Kearns’ speed, competitiveness and strong overhead ability sees her as a welcome addition to the team.
Geelong’s Head of AFLW Brett Johnson congratulated the trio on their opportunity.
“Claudia and Olivia made a great impression across the VFLW season, and their perseverance has paid off," he said.
“Claudia and Olivia are being rewarded for their hard work and talent, and we look forward to them making the most of their opportunity at AFLW level.”
“Rachel is an experienced athlete, her list of achievements speak for themselves.
“She is well suited to the physicality of AFLW and we see her making a strong contribution.”
