The 2025 NAB AFLW Season has arrived and Geelong are set to embark on an exciting campaign, which will kick off this Saturday afternoon at GMHBA Stadium against the Kangaroos. 

The Cats will be looking to return to Finals this year after narrowly missing out last season, but there was plenty of positives to takeaway from 2024 including a win over Brisbane and a draw against the Kangaroos, who ultimately went undefeated en route to winning the premiership. 

Lead by head coach Dan Lowther and captain Meg McDonald, Geelong will be bolstered by some exciting new players alongside established stars such as Aishling Moloney and Georgie Prespakis. 

Ahead of the Round 1 clash with the Kangaroos, take a look ahead at everything you need to know about the upcoming 2025 NAB AFLW Season. 

Geelong – 2024 AFLW Season

Coach: Daniel Lowther 
Captain: Meghan McDonald 
Home and Away: 4-6-1 (109.6%) 
Ladder Position: 10th Place

Club Best & Fairest

1. Nina Morrison - 138 Votes
2. Aishling Moloney - 98 Votes
3. Georgie Prespakis - 74 Votes

AFLW Leading Goalkicker Award

1. Aishling Moloney (GEEL) & Taylor Smith (BRIS) - 21 Goals
3. Caitlin Gould (ADE) - 17 Goals
4. Kate Shierlaw (NM) - 15 Goals

Ins and Outs

Ins: Caitie Tipping (rookie), Piper Dunlop, Lexi Gregor, Sienna Tallariti, Erica Fowler (replacement player), Emma Kilpatrick (replacement player)
 
Outs: Darcy Moloney (trade), Olivia Fuller, Abbey McDonald, Lilly Pearce, Brooke Plummer (delisted)
 
Inactive list: Anna-Rose Kennedy, Chantel Emonson (pregnancy)

Three Players to Watch

Bryde O'Rourke: She showed plenty of great signs in Geelong's two practice matches, but Bryde O'Rourke looks well and truly poised to become an important part of the Cats line-up in 2025. With an abundance of speed and agility, O'Rourke will be looking to become an impact player on the wing with an ability to provide the Cats with plenty of run and carry. 

Kate Kenny: What does season number two have in store for Geelong's Irish recruit, Kate Kenny? Another exciting player with plenty of athleticism and skill, Kenny has also spent time on the wing throughout the pre-season and fitted in seamlessly, continuing to utilise her Gaelic football skills while adapting to Australian Rules Football. Kenny could be a real breakout candidate for the Cats this year. 
 
Georgie Prespakis: Geelong's superstar midfielder put together a solid 2024 campaign but perhaps did not quite reach the lofty heights of previous seasons, which is an exciting prospect for the Cats heading into 2025. Prespakis has already made a statement this year, amassing a whopping 41 disposals in Geelong's practice match against Gold Coast, showing that she is well and truly ready for Round 1. 

New Spark

Emma Kilpatrick: A tenacious defender with stellar skills by foot, Kilpatrick made an immediate impact for the Cats in their practice matches and looks ready to make a difference in 2025. Signed as a replacement player ahead of the AFLW season, Kilpatrick has been touted as one to watch by her teammates after a strong block of training, someone who never takes a backwards step in the contest. 

It’s a Big Year For

Claudia Gunjaca: Geelong's star defender has come on in leaps and bounds over the past couple of seasons, but Gunjaca is ready to establish herself as one of the competition's best players this year. Gunjaca led the Cats for intercept possessions in each of the last two seasons, often tasked with nullifying the opposition's best forward on the last line of defence. 

Three Must Watch Games

2025 AFLW Squad 

1. Mikayla Bowen 
2. Bella Smith 
3. Amy McDonald 
4. Caitie Tipping
5. Jackie Parry 
6. Julia Crockett-Grills 
7.  Kate Surman 
8.  Kate Darby 
9.  Nina Morrison 
10. Georgie Rankin 
11. Meghan McDonald 
12. Kate Kenny 
13. Sienna Tallariti
14. Chloe Scheer 
15. Shelley Scott 
16. Chantel Emonson (inactive) 
17. Erica Fowler 
18. Anna-Rose Kennedy (inactive) 
20. Zali Friswell 
21. Becky Webster 
22. Rachel Kearns 
23. Bryde O’Rourke 
24. Chantal Mason 
25. Caitlin Thorne 
26. Claudia Gunjaca
27. Emma Kilpatrick
30. Alexis Gregor 
32. Gabbi Featherston 
38. Piper Dunlop
41. Georgie Prespakis 
44. Melissa Bragg 
45. Aishling Moloney