GEELONG was one of a number of clubs who changed coaches over the ultra-fast off-season, sacking Dan Lowther and bringing in Melbourne premiership coach Mick Stinear to take the reigns. Stinear has a finals-contending side to work with, and despite a stack of retirements, is well placed heading into 2026.

>> FREE: View the 2025 AFLW Draft Guide

2025 RECORD: 13th (H&A) | 5-7 | 92.9% | Eliminated: Regular Season
2025 PICKS: 7, 25, 43, 61, 79
FUTURE PICKS: ’26 R1 (Geelong), ’26 R3 (Geelong) ’26 R3 (St Kilda), ’26 R4 (Geelong)

LIST CHANGES:

IN
Jasmin Stewart (delisted free agent, Port Adelaide), Alissa Brook (delisted free agent, Port Adelaide), Nicola Stevens (trade, St Kilda), Emma Murray (other sport rookie)

OUT
Kate Darby (retired), Meghan McDonald (retired), Shelley Scott (retired), Erica Fowler (retired), Melissa Bragg (delisted), Gabbi Featherston (delisted), Bella Smith (delisted), Caitlin Thorne (delisted), Anna-Rose Kennedy (retired)

The Cats had a whopping five retirements on top of four delistings, making as many list changes as some of the bottom few sides, before trading in Nicola Stevens and recruiting Port pair Jasmin Stewart and Alissa Brook.

FIRST PICK:
Pick 7

On paper Pick 7 looks like a high number, but there is every chance that gets pushed out to at least 12 by the time the Cats are on the clock. Could they add to the bidding by nominating a positional need in Madeleine Quinn? If that happens there is a chance they can secure her.

In terms of who they might pick, Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels’ Maggie Johnstone screams a Cats pick with her power around the stoppages and ability to go forward. She can add that X-factor inside 50 and arguably kick 15 goals in a season, with her strength overhead hard to match.

There are plenty of impactful midfielders with lovely kicks in that range, with Priya Bowering and Carys D’Addario likely to be thereabouts, while if the Swans match Quinn, the Cats might pounce on Eastern Ranges tall Josephine Bamford to fill the hole that has been plaguing them a little over the last couple of seasons.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 25, 43

There is every chance the Cats have looked at the first two selections and worked out a strategy which could be dependent on how the draft is faring as to what they do in what order. It is tipped it will be a tall and midfield pairing, with a Quinn, Bamford or even Evie Cowcher – would have to be the first selection – then a readymade midfielder or player who can add some spark to the side.

Geelong might love the flexibility that strong utility Jade McLay offers, and while it is highly unlikely Chloe Baker-West is there at the Cats first pick, it would be a great story if they pair up the Cannons duo. If they go a midfielder with their first selection, the Cats still have tall options at the second pick, with Olivia Crane and Mizuki Brothwell in the mix.

At 43 it gets a little trickier to try and work out what will be there, but South Australian Mikaylah Antony and Bendigo Pioneers’ Ella Jeffrey provide some run-and-carry. For more midfield depth, Renee Morgan or the readymade Tahlia Sanger are there.

However the Cats are known for looking within their own VFLW squad, is best and fairest winner and ruck Hayley Peck the tall they pair up with two other talented top-agers?

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Do the Cats go tall or small at the first selection?
– Will they continue to sure up their defensive depth?
– Does Geelong look internally to its VFLW list to add immediate relief?