Geelong has selected father-daughter prospect Bryde O’Rourke with pick 23 in the 2023 AFLW Draft at Marvel Stadium on Monday night.
O’Rourke, whose father Ray played two games for Geelong in 1969, played 18 games across three seasons for the Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League, and represented Vic Country at the National Championships this year.
Playing as both a midfielder and forward, O’Rourke averaged 16.1 disposals, 3.5 tackles and 2.7 marks per game in 2023, as well as kicking six goals across 11 games.
The 18-year-old shapes as an exciting prospect for the Cats, with her explosive speed, evasive skills and height enabling her to play multiple positions and roles.
Geelong Cats General Manager of Football Brett Johnson said the Club was thrilled to welcome O’Rourke.
“Bryde is an exciting and athletic player, who has had an exceptional year with the Pioneers and Vic Country,” Johnson said.
“She will fit in well in our group, she has strong offensive attributes and is damaging with ball in hand.
“We are excited to be able to welcome Bryde to the Club and look forward to her integrating in our squad in 2024 and beyond.”
Earlier in the night, the Cats pounced on Chantal Mason with pick 18.
Mason is a key position forward from the Geelong Falcons program. Standing at 177cm tall, Mason excelled inside 50 in the Coates Talent League winning the leading goal kicker award after slotting 31 goals in her 13 regular season games.
This included a stunning streak in the middle of the season where she bagged 21 goals in four games, with hauls of 7.2 and 6.1 against the Bendigo Pioneers and Tasmania Devils respectively.
After announcing contract extensions for 26 players earlier today, the Cats now have 29 players contracted for 2024.
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AFLW Draft Recap
Pick 18 – Chantal Mason
Position: Forward
Height: 177cm
State: Victoria
Clubs: Geelong Falcons/St Joseph’s
Pick 23 – Bryde O’Rourke (matched bid)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 174cm
State: Victoria
Clubs: Bendigo Pioneers/Strathfieldsaye
