Geelong tackling machine Tom Atkins will remain in the Hoops until at least the end fo 2027 after signing a two-year contract extension.
The 29-year-old Cats VFL product, who was eligible for free agency at the end of the season, has been a key plank in the club’s solid first half of this season, comfortably leading the AFL for tackles.
Atkins has laid 109 tackles, 23 more than the competition’s next best, West Coast’s Jack Graham.
He is averaging career-high numbers in contested possessions (11.45) and clearances (5.55).
“Tom is a player that is strong in the contest and who can play a variety of different roles for us,” football boss Andrew Mackie said.
“Tom is a quality Geelong person; he is a great leader within our program, and we love how he goes about it.”
A product of local club St Joseph’s, where he won a Geelong League premiership in 2015, Atkins spent three years on the Cats’ VFL list before earning his chance in the 2019 rookie draft.
He has since played 138 games, including the 2022 premiership.
Atkins joins Mark Blicavs and Gryan Miers as recent re-signings at Geelong, leaving 13 players without a deal for 2026.
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