Geelong has started working through a lengthy list of out-of-contract players by locking away Brad Close.
As first reported by K rock Football, the talented small forward will remain in the Hoops until at least the end of 2028 after signing a three-year contract extension.
“I am really excited to sign on; I have loved my time at Geelong so far and I am looking forward to the years ahead and what we can achieve,” Close said.
“I still pinch myself every day that I landed at the Cats. The goal was to play one game, but to now tick over 100 games last year with hopefully more to come is something I am looking forward to.”
Joining the Cats as a 21-year-old from SANFL club Glenelg with pick 14 in the 2020 Rookie Draft, Close has played 101 games and kicked 89 goals since making his debut against Fremantle in Round 8, 2020.
Since 2021, he has played 93 of a possible 98 games, including the 2022 grand final in a season in which he kicked a career-high 26 goals.
Close kicked 25 goals last year and finished ninth in the Carji Greeves Medal.
“Brad has become an integral piece of our team. He is a great teammate and someone who can impact the game in multiple ways,” football boss Andrew Mackie said.
“We look forward to seeing him continue to improve and develop over the next three years alongside a core group of players.”
Key Cats who remain out-of-contract ahead of the new season, which starts with Saturday’s GMHBA Stadium meeting against Fremantle, include premiership quartet Jeremy Cameron, Mark Blicavs, Sam De Koning, and Tom Atkins, reigning Rising Star Ollie Dempsey, and young forwards Shannon Neale and Ollie Henry.
X: @krockfootball
