The draft has the ability to change lives in an instant with emerging stars, often younger than 20 years old, realising their lifelong dreams and earning an opportunity at the highest level of the game. 

But while the moment is often full of excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead, it can also bring substantial change as players are relocated right across the vast expanses of the country. 

For talented Cats AFLW defender Evie Cowcher, that was no different as Geelong read out her name in the 2025 draft, sealing her move from Perth to the 'Sleepy Hollow.'

Along with fellow West Australian, Renee Morgan, Cowcher made the transition ahead of her first season with the Cats, noting how the process unfolded and how she adapted in the early stages. 

"The first couple of weeks were a bit of a shambles," Cowcher said. 

"We didn't have a house, Renee and I or anything. We were living with Georgie for a week or two, then we went out to Anglesea for a bit.

"We were out there couch surfing for a while, which I think wasn't too bad because it kept our minds busy.

"We made a good relationship with 'Pres,' she is like an older sister to me which means the world."

Cowcher made her debut right away in the 2026 season, performing strongly against North Melbourne despite the result, immediately cementing her place in the starting line-up. 

She has gone on to play each of Geelong's seven games so far this year, sitting in the top five at the club for intercept possessions and leading the Cats for spoils. 

Perhaps her best performance so far came in last week's victory over Hawthorn, where Cowcher collected 15 disposals and seven intercept possessions, helping to lead the Cats to a sixth consecutive victory. 

With plenty of big influences in defence, Cowcher noted how she has been able to learn from some of Geelong's biggest stars and coaches, slotting seamlessly into the Cats' back six. 

"It has been pretty smooth at the moment," Cowcher said. 

"The likes of Becky [Webster] and 'Gunj' in the backline, they have helped me every step of the way. Then Georgie [Rankin] off field, despite her unfortunate injury, she has been really helpful and she reaches out most weeks.

"The way they go about it is unreal.

"Definitely 'Simmo' [Sam Simpson] as my backline coach too. He actually went to WA for a couple of years, so it is very good to have him by my side.

"He is very helpful and helped to make the move a lot easier."