Zali Friswell has been recognised for her outstanding performance against Hawthorn on the weekend, with the speedy winger rewarded with the AFLW Rising Star nomination for Round 10.
Friswell was among Geelong’s best in Saturday’s 40-point win at GMHBA Stadium with her trademark dashing run-and-carry on display.
The 19-year-old finished with 17 disposals, four marks, three tackles, and two clearances against the Hawks, as well as five intercepts and four score involvements.
It was another strong performance for Friswell who is averaging 10.6 disposals and 3.8 tackles a game in 2023.
Originally from Aberfeldie Football Club, Friswell was a part of the Calder Cannons program in her draft year, while also playing eight VFLW games with Essendon as an underage player before being drafted by Geelong with pick 7 in the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft.
After making her debut in Round 1 of 2022 Season 6, Friswell played seven games in her first season. She cemented her spot in the team in Season 7 and has played every game the past two seasons, taking her career tally to 28 games to date.
-
02:48InterviewInterview
Inside Pre-Season | Nigel Lappin
Nigel Lappin gives us an inside look into Geelong's pre-season, as they prepare to 2026 AFL Premiership Season. Proudly Presented by Deakin University
AFL
Preseason -
05:03FeatureFeature
At Home Or Far Away | Mark O'Connor's Fairytale Final
Relive the intimate moments behind Mark O'Connor and Dingle’s maiden All-Ireland Final victory, where mateship, connection, and community shone as fellow Cats travelled from far and wide to support one of our own from Geelong.
-
05:04Press ConferencePress Conference
Mark O'Connor Press Conference | All-Ireland Final Victory
Mark O'Connor spoke to the media after his return from Ireland where he helped his hometown team Dingle secure their maiden All-Ireland Final win! Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.
AFL
Preseason -
-
07:37InterviewInterview
Andrew Mackie Interview | Pre-Season Update
Hear from Andrew Mackie in this update on pre-season training ahead of State Of Origin and Opening Round.
AFL
Preseason -
01:27FeatureFeature
Inside Pre-Season | Jhye Clark
Jhye Clark takes us inside his pre-season training. Presented by Deakin
AFL
Preseason -
04:32PodcastPodcast
Locker Buddies Episode 4 | Shannon Neale & Ollie Dempsey
With Opening Round around the corner, it's time to put our AFL players under the microscope and hit them with the tough questions! Shannon Neale and Ollie Dempsey kick the year off with another episode of Locker Buddies thanks to Simonds Homes.
AFL
podcasts -
08:26Press ConferencePress Conference
Tom Atkins Press Conference | Pre-Season
Tom Atkins spoke to the media as Geelong prepare for the final block of training before the 2026 AFL Season begins. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.
AFL
Preseason -
01:14CommunityCommunity
2025 Community Wrap
Community Camps, Clinics, Colour your Clubs, Community Bays, Next Gen Academy, Wishes, BioCats, TRP. Take a look back at our year in the community.
AFL
Community -
-
01:39InterviewInterview
Glynn Harvey Interview | Carter-Costa Award Winner
Glynn Harvey spoke to Cats Media after he received the Carter-Costa Award at Geelong's 2025 AGM.
AFL
Awards -
03:59InterviewInterview
Les Tyack Interview | Life Membership Induction
Les Tyack spoke to Cats Media after his induction as a Life Member at the Geelong Cats.
AFL
Awards
Geelong Cats AFLW Senior Coach Dan Lowther congratulated Friswell on her nomination.
“Zali has been a fantastic addition to our playing group the past three seasons and is really coming into her own on the wing,” Lowther said.
“She brings a lot of energy to every training session and game day, and her pace, clean skills, and composure under pressure are a real benefit for our team.
“We’re thrilled to see Zali now receiving recognition from the football community with this Rising Star nomination.”
