AFTER missing out on finals in 2024, Geelong heads back to the AFLW Draft, holding up two selections within the first 16, and able to boost both their second and third selections in the draft while only losing the one player through the AFLW Trade Period.

>> FREE: View the 2024 AFLW Draft Guide

2024 RECORD: 10th, 4-6-1, 109.6%
2024 PICKS: 9, 16, 37

LIST CHANGES:
IN: Caitie Tipping (rookie), Pick 16, Pick 37
OUT: Darcy Moloney (Sydney), Brooke Plummer, Abbey McDonald, Lilly Pearce (delisted), Anna-Rose Kennedy (inactive) Pick 27, Pick 45

FIRST PICK:
Pick 9

All eyes will be on whether or not local draft hope Sara Howley makes it to the Cats at Pick 9 with the Falcons onballer and Vic Country MVP a chance to be there, but not guarantees. A high-production midfielder who has explosive speed and is capable of hitting the scoreboard as well as winning plenty of clearances, Howley brings the energy wherever she goes. The Newtown and Chilwell prospect also won the Rookie Me Central Medal in 2023, having had multiple years of sustained individual success.

If Howley is unavailable, the Cats might look for height at Pick 9 to provide some relief in the ruck which was heavily affected in 2024. That could be Dandenong Stingrays’ Elli Symonds who not only plays there, but can go forward and provide a target as well. Other choices around the mark are Vic Metro MVP Sierra Grieves and if somehow still on the board, Oakleigh Chargers forward Emma McDonald.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 16, 37

If the Cats did get Howley at Pick 9 and Symonds was still on the board at 16, the pairing would be a perfect situation for Geelong. At their second round selection, the Cats have a few potential options, with high-upside prospects often featuring. That could mean Central District’s Jasmine Evans or Eastern Ranges’ Grace Baba as a couple of eye-catching prospects, while Tasmanian defender Mackenzie Williams would fulfil extra support in the backline.

At Pick 37, the unknowns definitely creep in a little more, with the Cats able to fill a need, with Symonds’ teammate Zoe Besanko another ruck choice, while some more Stingrays in Jemma Reynolds and Kayla Dalgleish provide some important punch in attack. From the local contingent, the likes of Rebecca Clottey, Seisia White and Mekah Morrissy are all high-effort players with their different strengths.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will the Cats be able to secure local talent Sara Howley?
– At what selection does Geelong look for ruck depth?
– Do the Cats bring in another local late?