The Geelong Cats are pleased to announce that Round 1 of the 2026 NAB AFLW season will see Evie Cowcher, Priya Bowering and Emma Murray make their AFLW Debuts. 

Evie Cowcher joined the Cats with their first round pick (#11) in the 2025 Telstra AFLW draft from Peel Thunder.

The 19-year-old boasts an impressive junior resume, awarded All-Australian honours in under 16s and 18s, winning Western Australia’s MVP award at both age groups.  

Cowcher has slotted right into AFLW level, impressing across match simulations and practice matches in pre-season.

 The tough and tenacious defender is powerful around the contest, using her athleticism and footy IQ to halt the opposition’s attack and drive the ball in transition.  

Tasmanian product Priya Bowering, taken with the Club’s second pick in the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft, is an exciting midfielder who was touted as one of the most well-rounded players in the draft crop.  

Also with an impressive junior resume, Bowering averaged 19.5 disposals, 4.2 clearances and five tackles per game while representing the Allies, claiming their MVP award and All-Australian honours.

A player who excels around the stoppages and is an aerial threat, Bowering will be a player to watch this season. 

Geelong’s latest Irish recruit Emma Murray will make her AFLW debut just three months after arriving in Australia.  

Captain of her home Gaelic Football team, Waterford, Murray won her first All Star award after a stellar 2025 campaign, becoming the first Waterford player to win a Ladies’ Football All Star award since 2007. Murray’s dynamic running ability and impressive body of work over the pre-season have earned her a spot in Geelong’s Round 1 side.  

Geelong’s full AFLW Round 1 team will be announced on Thursday at 6.20pm. 

The Cats take on the Kangaroos in a double header this Saturday at Marvel Stadium at 1.00pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.