Geelong has signed cross-code athlete Samantha Gooden as an other sport rookie for AFLW Season Seven.

The former netballer will join the Cats for week two of pre-season training this week, returning to her home state after spending the past few years in South Australia.

Gooden played 20 games across four seasons in Suncorp Super Netball, with a season each at the Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Vixens, before spending 2020 and 2021 with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, and previously represented Victoria at Under 19 and Under 21 levels.

The 25-year-old former goal shooter made the switch to footy this year, honing her craft in her new sport with the Glenelg Tigers in the SANFL Women’s Development League.

The Cats are looking forward to helping Gooden further develop as a footballer and team with Olivia Fuller to form a formidable ruck combination.

“Samantha already has extensive experience in an elite sporting environment, and we’re excited by the diversity she will bring the Cats,” Geelong Head of AFLW and Pathways Brett Johnson said.

“While she is still in the early stages of her development as a footballer, Samantha has shown promise already in her time at the Glenelg Tigers and we look forward to helping her further develop as a footballer at GMHBA Stadium.”

With Gooden’s signing, the Cats will have two other sports rookies on their list for Season 7, with Irish sporting star Rachel Kearns set to run around again in the Hoops after a strong debut season.