Geelong has finalised its AFLW list changes ahead of the 2020 draft. 

Two original members of the Cats women’s program Anna Teague and Cassie Blakeway will finish with the club. Gemma Wright, who drafted by the Cats in 2019, will also be delisted. 

“Anna and Cassie have been fantastic members of our team and club since we introduced our women’s program,” Cats AFLW coach Paul Hood said.

“They have been integral to developing our culture and standards within the playing group. Both should be proud of their contributions to our club and to what they achieved in the game. They played in our inaugural games in AFLW and VFLW, and our first finals at both levels. 

“Gemma was only in our program a short time and we wish her well in her future football journey.”

Teague joined the Cats after a stellar basketball career in the WNBL with Bendigo and with Geelong in SEABL. She was a member of the very first Cats VFLW line up and helped Geelong to the VFLW grand final in 2018.

After four AFLW games with Melbourne, Teague re-joined Geelong when the Cats were granted an AFLW licence. She played in Geelong’s first AFLW game against Collingwood in 2019 and helped the Cats to the preliminary final in their first season. Overall Teague played nine AFLW games with Geelong over the past two seasons, and kicked two goals. She also played 26 games at VFLW level in the blue & white hoops.

Teague was reflective on her retirement, acknowledging that while she would love to play on, her body would make that difficult. 

“My time in footy is up, even though I feel I still have a lot to learn and give to the game,” Teague said.

“I am under no illusions about my body and the challenges of getting myself up for training and for games at AFLW level. In talking to Paul Hood and Ben Waller, it became clear that my body’s lack of durability meant my time as a player has come to an end. Whilst that is difficult to hear I understand the reality of the situation.

“I have had a great time in football. My focus is on the great experiences during the past few years. My teammates are a huge part of why I loved my time in footy so much. I wish them all the best and have my fingers crossed that all will go to plan for AFLW in 2021. 

“One great thing that I have learnt is the privileged position we are in to play the game at the highest level. It is also true that the team is only strong if everyone works together, so make sure you all take care of each other!”

Blakeway was another original Cats player. She also played in the very first VFLW clash against Box Hill in 2017 and finished as runner up in Geelong’s VFLW best & fairest that year. 

Blakeway played in the memorable first AFLW game against Collingwood and also in the Cats first AFLW final, the 2019 preliminary final against Adelaide. 

Overall Blakeway played 8 AFLW games over two seasons. She also represented Geelong at VFLW level 36 times, kicking five goals. She was among the Cats best in the 2018 VFLW grand final.

“I have absolutely loved my time at the Cats, and I’m very sad to be leaving,” Blakeway said.

“However, I am excited to have the time to pursue some of my passions outside of football.”

Wright was selected by Geelong in the 2019 AFLW draft. She stepped away from the game for personal reasons and did not play for the Cats. 

Captain Melissa Hickey had already announced her retirement at the conclusion of the 2020 AFLW season.