Geelong made their first big move of the 2026 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period on Wednesday, securing star defender Jordan Ridley in an exchange with Essendon. 

Standing at 195cm tall and bringing 111 games of AFL experience, Ridley is set to bolster Geelong's backline in the 2027 season and beyond. 

A best and fairest winner after just 26 games at the top level, the recruit has proven himself to be among the highest echelon of defenders in the competition when he is at full flight. 

Get to know a little bit more about Jordan Ridley as he prepares to pull on the Hoops for the first time. 

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Welcome, Jordan Ridley | Trade Period Highlights

Geelong have secured Jordan Ridley from the Bombers in a trade during the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.

Ridley's Playing Stats

Games Played: 111

Goals Kicked: 2

Disposal Average: 18.80

Brownlow Votes: 8

Debut: Round 9, 2018 v Geelong @ MCG (25 Disposals, Five Rebound 50s)

Games Against Geelong: 8 (1-7 Record)

Games at GMHBA Stadium: 3 (1-2 Record)

Finals Played: 1 (0-1 Record)

Other Notable Awards & Stats:

  • 2020 Essendon Best and Fairest Award
  • 2 x 22Under22 Team: 2020, 2021
  • 2020 All Australian Squad

Ridley's Career-Highs

Statistic Total When it Occurred
Disposals 35 Round 3, 2021 v St Kilda @ Marvel Stadium
Marks 15 Round 18, 2024 v Collingwood @ MCG
Rebound 50s 12 Two Occasions - Round 4, 2021 v Sydney @ SCG &
Round 2, 2021 v Port Adelaide @ Adelaide Oval
One Percenters 18 Elimination Final, 2021 v Western Bulldogs @ University of 
Tasmania Stadium
Intercept Possessions 14 Round 11, 2024 v Richmond @ MCG
Intercept Marks 8 Round 11, 2024 v Richmond @ MCG
Score Involvements 7 Round 11, 2020 v Gold Coast @ People First Stadium
Spoils 16 Elimination Final, 2021 v Western Bulldogs @ University of 
Tasmania Stadium

Interesting Facts

  • Despite being a renowned defender, Ridley once kicked six goals in a TAC Cup match
  • Ridley has always been known for his elite skills by foot, winning the kicking test at the 2016 AFL Draft Combine