GEELONG has turned to a talented netballer to boost its ruck stocks ahead of the next AFLW season.
The Cats have signed Samantha Gooden as an ‘other sport rookie’ after she impressed with Glenelg in the SANFL development league
The 25-year-old took up Australian Rules after featuring at Super Netball level with Collingwood, Melbourne Vixens and Adelaide Thunderbirds.
She also represented Victoria at under-19 and under-21 levels.
With Liv Barber departing for the Magpies and Rene Caris delisted, Liv Fuller was the only recognised ruck remaining.
“Samantha already has extensive experience in an elite sporting environment, and we’re excited by the diversity she will bring the Cats,” Geelong AFLW boss Brett Johnson said.
“While she is still in the early stages of her development as a footballer, Samantha has shown promise already in her time at the Glenelg Tigers, and we look forward to helping her further develop as a footballer at GMHBA Stadium.”
Gooden joins Irish import Rachel Kearns as an other sport rookie.
She is one of five new faces to arrive at the club this off-season, joining former Melbourne duo Shelley Scott and Jackie Parry, former West Coast star Mikayla Bowen and ex-Geelong Falcon Ingrid Houtsma (Richmond).
It leaves Geelong with three selections at next Wednesday’s AFLW Draft. They are currently Victorian selections 18, 23 and 31.
Twitter: @tom_king79
