Geelong Cats forward Shelley Scott has announced her retirement from the AFLW following a career spanning 10 seasons across two clubs.

The most experienced player on Geelong’s list, Scott has played 77 games across her career, with 28 of those in the Hoops since crossing from her original club Melbourne ahead of 2022 Season 7.

Drafted by Melbourne with pick 41 in the 2016 AFLW draft, Scott made her debut for the Demons in their first official AFLW game, running out in Round 1 of the 2017 season against Brisbane at Casey Fields.

Balancing the commute from near Colac – where she was working on a farm – with her football commitments, Scott played 49 games for the Demons, co-captaining the side in 2019 with Elise O’Dea and winning the Club best and fairest award in 2020.

In June 2022, Scott made the move closer to home, joining the Cats during the trade period alongside Jackie Parry, with the duo adding experience and potency to Geelong’s attack.

Chloe Scheer, Shelley Scott, Mikayla Bowen all made their way to Geelong during recent Sign and Trade Periods. Photo: AFL Photos

Although initially starting out in defence for the Cats to help fill a need, Scott switched back to her familiar position in the forward line in Round 5 that year against St Kilda, kicking three goals and making an instant impact.

Scott went on to play 28 games for Geelong, providing a reliable target up forward with a great goal sense, but injury has denied her the chance to play a game this season.

Fans will get the opportunity to farewell Scott at Saturday’s game against her former Club Melbourne, with the 37-year-old being celebrated with a guard of honour at the conclusion of the game.

“I have loved my time in the AFLW at both Melbourne and Geelong, and am grateful I was able to be there for the first 10 seasons of the competition,” Scott said.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 01: Shelley Scott of the Cats celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFLW Round 10 match between the Geelong Cats and Kuwarna (Adelaide Crows) at GMHBA Stadium on November 01, 2024 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

“It has been great to see the growth of the league from the very beginning to where it is now, and I’ve made great friends along the way.

“I feel the time is right now hang up my boots and say thanks to both clubs, all the players, staff and supporters, for an enjoyable career in the AFLW.”

Geelong Cats Senior AFLW Coach Dan Lowther congratulated Scott on her career.

“Shelley has brought fantastic leadership and made a great contribution to our AFLW program,” Lowther said.

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 16: Shelley Scott of the Cats during the round four AFLW match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Geelong Cats at University of Tasmania Stadium on September 16, 2022 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Simon Sturzaker/AFL Photos)

“She joined our program when our playing list was younger and looking to take the next step up in the competition, and her mentorship and professionalism was invaluable to our group, not to mention the strong impact she had on field.

“We thank Shelley for her wonderful contributions to our football club and wish her all the very best for her next chapter.”

Geelong takes on Melbourne this Saturday at GMHBA Stadium, with first bounce at 7.15pm.

Be there to farewell Kate Darby, Meghan McDonald and Shelley Scott in the Cats’ last home game for the season. Get your tickets today through Ticketmaster.