LESS than a month after giving birth to her first child, Renee Garing has been confirmed as recommencing her AFLW career.
The 33-year-old is one of 22 players announced by Geelong as being locked for next season, which is due to start in late August.
“We are all delighted for Renee and Tony on the safe arrival of little Parker,” AFLW boss Brett Johnson said.
“We’re committed to providing our players support before and post the birth of a child and flexible pathways to return to play from parental leave.
‘We look forward to welcoming Renee back and working together on whatever path she chooses.
“Amid the expansion, we’re proud to have a really strong core of players re-commit to the Cats and the trajectory that this team is on, including all three extraordinary mums on our AFLW playing list, whose dedication inspires us all.”
Garing will be one of two mums on the list, with Kate Darby earning another contract after solid performances as the replacement player for Garing.
Geelong farewelled eight active and two inactive players in the recent sign and trade period.
Sophie Van De Heuvel (Essendon), Stephanie Williams (Richmond), Phoebe McWilliams (Carlton), Jordan Ivey (Melbourne), Olivia Barber (Collingwood), and the inactive Millie Brown (Western Bulldogs) were all traded.
Rene Caris, Madisen Maguire and Carly Remmos were delisted, while the inactive Denby Taylor has retired.
The Cats welcomed Demons duo Jackie Parry and Shelley Scott as part of the Ivey deal, former Geelong Falcon Ingrid Houtsma arrived in exchange for Williams, while Mikayla Bowen’s come across from West Coast.
Geelong will take picks 33, 42, 56, 67 and 85 to the AFLW Draft on June 29.
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GEELONG AFLW RETURNING PLAYERS
Meghan McDonald (c), Nina Morrison, Julia Crockett-Grills, Georgie Rankin, Maddy Keryk, Chantel Emonson, Amy McDonald, Darcy Moloney, Kate Darby, Renee Garing, Olivia Fuller, Chloe Scheer, Georgia Clarke, Laura Gardiner, Zali Friswell, Rebecca Webster, Rachel Kearns, Maddy McMahon, Claudia Gunjaca, Annabel Johnson, Gabbi Featherston, Georgie Prespakis
