Geelong will farewell its second-last pioneer player when the 2023 AFLW season concludes after Renee Garing announced her retirement.
The 35-year-old, who has played 29 games, confirmed today (Wednesday) that this season will be her last.
Garing’s retirement will leave Kate Darby as the lone survivor from the first women’s team to represent the Cats at any level – the Round 1, 2017 VFLW win over Box Hill.
“Despite being a Geelong supporter growing up, I could never have dreamt of playing for the Cats because it wasn’t a possibility then,” Garing said in a statement.
“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to pull on the Hoops and pave the way for future generations of young girls that can now dream of playing football at the elite level,” Garing said.
“From the very beginning, I have felt right at home at Geelong, from the early days of learning the fundamentals of the game to being supported throughout my pregnancy journey with Parker and with my return to playing AFLW.
“Through all aspects of my journey, I couldn’t have asked for a better environment to help me develop and thrive as an athlete and a mum.
“I would like to thank everyone that has played a role in my football journey, in particular my husband Tony, my son Parker and our parents for their ongoing support and encouragement.”
A star netballer, Garing won three Geelong Football Netball League A grade best-and-fairest awards and represented the Geelong Cougars in the Victorian Netball League.
She immediately caught the eye at a series of tryouts held at Deakin University in late 2016 and was part of Geelong’s inaugural VFLW squad the following year.
Garing finished fourth in the Cats’ best-and-fairest before a back injury limited her to just five games in 2018.
However, she was among the first signings made to Geelong’s AFLW list, was named in the leadership group, and finished third in the best-and-fairest in the Cats’ debut season.
Garing didn’t play in either of the 2022 seasons as she gave birth to Parker but has made six appearances this season, with a season-high 12 disposals and just her second career goal coming in the critical Round 9 win over Richmond.
“Renee is the epitome of professionalism and competitiveness and sets an impeccable standard at the club, living our team values of consistent, competitive and combative,” coach Daniel Lowther said.
“While Renee is a fierce footballer on the field, she is also one of the most caring people I have ever met, and she has played a big role in shaping our group to what it is today.
“While we’ll miss her presence on the field after this season, Renee will always be a Geelong person, and we wish her, Tony and Parker all the very best in their next chapter.”
Garing’s retirement leaves just six members of Geelong’s inaugural AFLW team playing at the club.
Meg McDonald, Georgie Rankin, Julia Crockett-Grills, Nina Morrison, Kate Darby, and Rebecca Webster are the only survivors from the victory over Collingwood at GMHBA Stadium in the opening round of the 2019 season.
