GEELONG has farewelled veteran forward Phoebe McWilliams in a deal that strengthens the club’s hand ahead of the AFLW Draft later this month.
McWilliams, who played 31 games and kicked 21 goals for the Cats after arriving from the GWS Giants, has joined Carlton.
As well as farewelling the 36-year-old, Geelong has traded pick no.8 in the Victorian pool for selections 10 and 23.
“Phoebe has been an experienced leader in our attack since joining our club in 2019, and we thank her for all she’s done at the Cats,” Geelong AFLW boss Brett Johnson said.
“She has been a strong focal point for us up forward, and we wish her well as she looks to continue her footballing journey at Carlton.”
Later on Friday, Geelong also farewelled young tall Olivia Barber.
She has joined Collingwood in exchange for pick no.33 in the National Draft after ten games in two seasons at the Cats.
“I would like to thank Geelong for the past two years and for giving me my first AFLW opportunity,” Barber said.
“As a Collingwood supporter, it’s always been a dream of mine to wear the black and white stripes so for this to now be my reality is very special. I can’t wait to meet the girls and begin this next chapter of my life as a Pie.”
Geelong has been active during the sign and trade period.
On Tuesday, the Cats acquired former Geelong Falcon Ingrid Houtsma in a deal that sent Stephanie Williams to Richmond.
On Thursday, former vice-captain Jordan Ivey joined Melbourne along with Victorian pick 26 in exchange for Demons duo Jackie Parry and Shelley Scott.
The departures of McWilliams and Ivey, Sophie van de Heuvel signing with Essendon, and Dani Higgins’s retirement have whittled the number of inaugural Cats remaining at the club to 11.
Twitter: @tom_king79
