Geelong Cats small forward Kate Surman has officially called time on her AFLW career, announcing that the 2026 season will be her last at the elite level.  

It brings to a close an incredible journey spanning seven years, three different states and a trio of AFLW clubs, for one of the brightest and bubbliest personalities in the game.  

Held in high regard by teammates and coaches for her impact both on and off the field, Surman has had a remarkable influence at the Geelong Football Club during her four seasons in the blue and white Hoops. 

Surman’s AFLW career commenced in 2019, when she was recruited by the Gold Coast Suns in an expansion club signing period, ahead of their inaugural season in the competition. Making her debut immediately in the 2020 season, Surman had an instant impact as a prime connector between the midfield and half forward, helping to lead the Suns to a Finals berth in their first year.  

She spent three seasons on the Gold Coast and was renowned for her ability to impact the scoreboard, finishing fifth in the Suns’ best and fairest during the 2021 campaign.  

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 14: Kate Surman (left) and Jasmin Stewart of the Cats are chaired from the field after the 2026 AFLW Second Semi Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at GMHBA Stadium on November 14, 2026 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Midway through 2022, the livewire forward was involved in a four-player trade between the Suns and Port Adelaide, commencing the next chapter of her story at Alberton. It would be a brief stint in the City of Churches for Surman, who played 10 games across the AFLW’s 2022 Season 7 for the Power, continuing to showcase plenty of craft and polish with her delivery inside 50.  

But after helping Port Adelaide navigate their opening season in the league, the Cats came calling and Surman was involved in another exchange, which saw her land at Kardinia Park for the 2023 season.  

She made an immediate impact, collecting 17 disposals and kicking two goals in her club debut against the Western Bulldogs, proving to be the valuable link in the chain between Geelong’s midfield and the forward 50.  

Her inaugural season in the blue and white Hoops was a raging success, with Surman featuring in all 13 of Geelong’s games, helping them to win their first Final and progressing all the way through to a club-best Preliminary Final.  

Surman has continued to have an impact through her four years at the Cattery, playing 45 games and kicking 12 goals through to Saturday's Semi-Final. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 14: Kate Surman of the Cats runs with the ball during the AFLW Second Semi Final match between Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans at GMHBA Stadium, on November 14, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Geelong Cats General Manager AFLW, Dom Condo, thanked Surman for her contribution to the Cats. 

“Spud has been a much-loved member of our playing group over the past four seasons,” Condo said.  

“She's brought great energy and personality to our Club, and her tenacity, competitiveness and ability to connect the play have made her a valued contributor on field. She's also been a great teammate and someone who brings plenty to our group off the field. 

“She feels it is the right time to return home and be with her family on the Gold Coast. We thank Spud for everything she's given to the Cats and congratulate her on a fantastic career." 

Affectionately nicknamed ‘Spud’ since childhood, just as important as her work on-field was what Surman was able to do off it, always providing a burst of energy and a laugh for teammates and coaches with her electric personality.  

Surman’s career came to a close on Saturday, after Geelong's season concluded with a three-point loss to the Sydney Swans at GMHBA Stadium.