Geelong is set to unveil three debutants and celebrate two long-anticipated returns in Saturday’s season-opener against Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium. 

Irish recruit Aishling Moloney has been named to start in the forward line, alongside former Port Adelaide and Gold Coast Suns high half-forward Kate Surman, while Season 7 draftee Abbey McDonald has earned her debut after an impressive VFLW season and AFLW pre-season. 

Moloney, from Ladies Gaelic Football Association club Tipperary, impressed in the Cats’ pre-season hit-outs against Collingwood and Adelaide, and will play as a mobile tall forward for the Cats, complementing Jackie Parry and Kate Darby. 

Surman shapes as a great connector between midfield and forward line as the Cats look to improve their scoring consistency this season, while McDonald proved to be a great small defender who can drive rebounding attacks during the 2023 VFLW season. 

Uncompromising midfielder/half-forward Renee Garing is also set to play her first game since 2021, completing her AFLW return after giving birth to son Parker in May last year, while AFLW Season 8 Supplementary Draft number one pick Erin Hoare – a skilled tap ruck – will play her first AFLW game since 2019. 

Three Cats were unavailable for selection this week, with Becky Webster (hamstring; 3-5 weeks), Gabbi Featherston (wrist; 4 weeks) and Shelley Scott (calf; 1 week) the only players on Geelong’s injury list heading into Round 1. 

The Cats open their 2023 AFLW campaign against the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium at 5.05pm on Saturday. 

Tickets are just $10 for adults and free for juniors. Purchase your tickets here. Members can access their tickets through the ‘Mobile Membership’ tab on the official Geelong Cats App. 
There will be a huge range of family-friendly activities at the game, include a sausage sizzle, arcade games, a 360 Photobooth, dedicated Kids Zone and Sensory Areas, as well as half-time entertainment and a DJ. 

Round 1 AFLW Team

New: Kate Surman (Port Adelaide), Abbey McDonald (Calder Cannons), Aishling Moloney (Tipperary - LGFA)