Geelong has completed its list for its inaugural AFLW season, drafting 10 players today at the NAB AFL draft. True to the club’s philosophy, seven of the 10 players selected had deep Geelong ties, including number one overall pick Nina Morrison. 

The Cats had already secured 20 players, and added a mix today of youth and experience through the draft. Seven of the selections played in the TAC Cup in 2018, including three with the premiership winning Geelong Falcons squad. Geelong also selected three players from the Greater Western Victorian Rebels and six of the players selected have experience in the VFLW with the Cats.

Four players selected by Geelong have earned All-Australian under-18 honours in either 2017 or 2018.

Players selected by Geelong are:

Nina Morrison (selection 1)

Switched to football after an open try out day at Deakin University, Morrison has jumped to the number one selection in just two years. Has excellent ball-winning ability and uses it well, Morrison can play a variety of roles. Morrison helped the Geelong Falcons win the TAC Cup and spent the last part of the year playing with the Cats in the VFLW, including the grand final. Morrison finished tied for the TAC Cup best & fairest, was co-MVP of the under 18 national championships, earned All-Australian honours and was named in the TAC Cup team of the year.  

Sophie Van de Heuvel (selection 2)

A multi-sport star, Van de Heuvel earned All-Australian honours at the under-18 national championships and was named in the TAC Cup team of the year. A stand out performer with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels at under-18 level, Van de Heuvel progressed to VFLW with Williamstown, playing six times, earning a rising star nomination. She has elite speed and agility and is strong in the air. Van de Heuvel also excels at cricket and has represented Victoria at under-18 level. 

Becky Webster (selection 7)

An All-Australian and TAC Cup team of the year member, Webster has come through the Murray Bushrangers program. She enjoyed a taste of senior in the VFLW with Melbourne University. Webster has spent most of her time playing as a key defender, is an exceptional mark and thrives in one on one contests.  

Olivia Purcell (selection 14)

Purcell helped the Geelong Falcons win the TAC Cup and then progressed to the Cats VFLW team, helping Geelong to the grand final. Purcell won the Falcons best & fairest, has twice been named in the TAC Cup team of the year and is a multiple All-Australian at under-18 level. Purcell is a midfielder with elite endurance and clean hands on the inside. 

Denby Taylor (selection 20)

Taylor was best on ground in the Geelong Falcons TAC Cup grand final win, and was named in the TAC Cup team of the year in both 2017 and 2018. A versatile player who can play either forward or back, Taylor has good speed and agility and is a strong mark. 

Georgia Clarke (selection 24)

A tall defender who was named in the All-Australian under-18 squad and the TAC Cup team of the year playing with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels, Clarke is a tall defender who is strong in one-on-one contests and fiercely competitive. Clarke played four games with the Cats VFLW team in 2018. 

Rene Caris (selection 35)

Caris is originally from Horsham and has spent the past two years playing TAC Cup with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels. She also gained experience at VFLW level with Carlton, playing four games. A tall who has played mainly in the ruck, Caris has represented Victoria Country at the past two under 18 national championships. Caris was named in the All-Australian under-18 squad in 2018.

Maighan Fogas (selection 47)

Fogas finished as runner up in the Cats VFLW best & fairest in 2018 after a breakout season. She played every game and helped the Cats reach the grand final for the first time. Fogas who previously played with Golden Point and Redan, is a skilful midfielder who uses the ball well.  

Elise Coventry (selection 55)

One of the most consistent performers for the Cats VFLW unit over the past two years, Coventry will now get the opportunity at AFLW level. A running defender, Coventry has played 30 times for Geelong and was a member of the Cats VFLW grand final team. A former netballer, Coventry has strong local ties. 

Madeline Keryk (selection 60)

A former vice-captain at Carlton, Keryk joined the Cats VFLW squad in 2018 and enjoyed an impressive campaign. She helped the Cats reach the VFLW grand final and fitted into the club well. A hard running midfielder, Keryk played 8 games with the Blues and also played with Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs in the AFL exhibition series. 

The drafted players today join the following players in making up the inaugural Geelong Cats AFLW list.

Cassie Blakeway, Maddie Boyd, Hannah Burchall, Mia-Rae Clifford, Rocky Cranston, Julia Crockett-Grills, Kate Darby, Renee Garing, Bec Goring, Mel Hickey, Erin Hoare, Jordan Ivey, Meg McDonald, Maddie McMahon, Phoebe McWilliams, Aasta O’Connor, Daniele Orr, Georgia Rankin, Anna Teague, Hayley Trevean