Geelong has turned to former Richmond-listed ruck Lilly Pearce to fill the spot vacated by Mia Fuller.
The Cats announced earlier this month that they had placed Fuller on the inactive list while she pursues a career in the Australian Defence Force.
186cm Pearce, a national-level heptathlete, joined the Tigers ahead of the 2023 season from QAFLW club Southport.
Ironically, she took the spot at Punt Road that was vacated by former Geelong player Stephanie Williams.
Pearce is currently playing with Collingwood in the VFLW competition where she is averaging 33 hitouts per game.
“With Liv Fuller unavailable for this season, we were keen to add another ruck to our list, and Lilly Pearce is a great fit for us,” assistant football boss Brett Johnson said.
“Lilly has been dominant in the ruck at state league level for a few years in both Queensland and
Victoria and she already has some experience in an AFLW environment from her time at
Richmond.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Lilly continue to grow and develop her game at Geelong, and
know she is going to fit in really well with our playing group.”
Pearce becomes the fifth new face on Geelong’s list, joining former Brisbane Lion Bella Smith, Irish dual-sport star Kate Kenny, and draftees Chantal Mason and Bryde O’Rourke.
The Cats officially commence pre-season training next week, with Round 1 set for late August.
The AFLW is expected to be released this week, with clubs playing 11 matches over ten weeks.
X: @krockfootball
