Cats defender Chantel Emonson will reach the next milestone in her career this weekend, playing her 50th AFLW game on Saturday against the Dockers. 

Emonson joined Geelong last year after 22 games with Melbourne, quickly becoming a key pillar in the back half as one of the Cats key rebounders out of defence. 

The 30 year old has been rock solid once again in 2023, averaging 17 disposals and over 370 metres gained per game as she anchors one of the top defensive units in the competition. 

Well renowned for her play on the field, Emonson’s qualities off field were also highly regarded as she was added to Geelong’s leadership group in her first season at the club. 

Renee Garing discussed the major impact Emonson has had these past two years, on this week’s episode of the Geelong AFLW podcast ‘Yeah the Girls.’ 

“Since joining us she has just made a huge impact on our team, not just on the field but off it as well,” Garing said. 

“Obviously starting her career at Melbourne, she then came here last year and joined us. 

She moved into the leadership group in her first season, voted in by players and staff because of the impact she has through her actions and the way she goes about her football. 

She is a quiet achiever, and she brings up a big 50th game this weekend." 

Before turning her attention to football, Emonson was a star junior cricketer playing at state and national levels before returning to join the VFLW competition.

The defender landed on Melbourne’s list as a rookie signing in 2018, spending three years there before arriving at Kardinia Park via trade ahead of the 2022 season.

Emonson will bring up her 50th game this Saturday, as the Cats face Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium.