Geelong’s youngest listed player, Brooke Plummer, is set to make her debut when the Cats host St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday evening.
The 17-year-old Northern Knights / Diamond Creek graduate is one of three inclusions for the Cats as they take on the Saints and strive to return to the winners’ list.
Selected with pick 42 – the Cats’ second pick – in the 2022 draft as a medium-sized defender capable of creating drive off half-back and pushing into the midfield.
It is Plummer’s outside run that will be key for the Cats on Thursday.
“She’ll be more of an outside runner so she can use the space to then utilise her assets, which is her football fundamentals,” Geelong AFLW coach Dan Lowther said.
“Brooke is a very good decision-maker; she’s a very good kick of the football, so we’re hoping that she can get into some time and space to show us some of her attributes in that area.
“Brooke will be there to support our outside runners as well.”
Lowther praised Plummer’s attitude and ability to blend in well with the Cats’ playing group, and highlighted her knowledge of the game and decision-making as key reasons behind her getting her opportunity at the top level.
It is a big week for Plummer, who has been a big Geelong Cats fan since she was young.
To make her AFLW debut when Geelong’s AFL team is playing in a grand final will add to the occasion for the 17-year-old.
“Just to play this week of all weeks, her first game – massive Geelong fan, family of massive Geelong supporters, I think she’s just pumped that she gets to do it this week,” Lowther said.
“Brooke’s full of energy, and playing for the team that she barracks for, she’s over the moon. I don’t think she expected to play so early, so it’s been a bit of a shock to her, but she’s just taken it in her stride.
“She’s a natural footballer who, over the journey, hasn’t had any interference in her football pathway, so she’s going to add another element of football to our group which is different again, which is a positive.”
The Cats take on the Saints from 5.10pm on Thursday. Get your tickets from Ticketmaster today, or tune into the broadcast on 7 Mate. The game can also be streamed through Kayo, womens.afl or the official AFLW or AFL Live Apps.
