Defender Claudia Gunjaca has been rewarded for another solid season in Geelong’s defensive unit with a three-year contract extension.
The 27-year-old played every game in 2024 to take her AFLW tally to 39 games since joining the Cats as a Special Assistance Selection from the club’s VFLW team ahead of the first of the 2022 season.
Geelong has also locked away a young winger Zali Friswell and Irish hard-nut Rachel Kearns ahead of the AFLW trade period.
Both have signed two-year deals.
Friswell, 20, arrived at GMHBA Stadium with pick seven in the 2021 National Draft, while Kearns was Geelong’s first international signing.
The County Mayo product has now played 34 games, while Friswell has played 41 of a possible 44 games since making her debut.
“We’re thrilled to see Claudia, Rachel, and Zali extend their time with the Cats; they are all great teammates and valuable members of our playing squad on and off the field,” assistant football boss Brett Johnson said.
“Claudia, Rachel, and Zali are a part of our core group who have played together for the last few seasons.
“To be able to secure them along with others longer term is exciting, and we can’t wait to see that group continue to build and play some great football in 2025 and beyond.”
The signings of Gunjaca, Friswell, and Kearns leaves nine players without a deal for 2025: captain Meg McDonald, fellow veterans Kate Darby, Kate Surman and Shelley Scott, as well as Bella Smith, Gabbi Featherston, Mel Bragg, and Caitlin Thorne.
Darcy Moloney is also out of contract but has been linked to a trade, with Sydney reported to be the frontrunner for her services.
Late last month, Geelong announced the re-signing of All-Australian Aishling Moloney and the arrival of volleyball star Caitie Tipping on a three-year deal.
Brooke Plummer, Abbey McDonald, and Lilly Pearce have been delisted.
X: @krockfootball
