AFLW CAT ATTACK PODCAST – NOVEMBER 4
Erica Fowler has become the fourth Geelong AFLW player to announce her retirement, as she turns her attention to her career as a paramedic.
The 33-year-old spent one season with the Cats, making eight appearances in the Hoops, after signing as a replacement player to fill the spots left vacant by the inactive duo of Chantel Emonson and Irish talent Anna-Rose Kennedy.
Fowler played 46 games for Collingwood before being delisted at the end of last year, with her form at VFLW level for Sandringham earning her a chance at GMHBA Stadium.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had across my time at Collingwood and Geelong in the AFLW, and all the incredible people I’ve met along the way, including in my time with Collingwood and Sandringham in the VFLW,” Fowler said.
“Across the past eight seasons, I’ve crossed paths with wonderful athletes, coaches and football staff, and have enjoyed being able both to learn and to share my experience at various stages of my journey.
“I want to thank my family and friends who have supported me along the way. I look forward now to what life holds for me after my AFLW career, and being able to dedicate more of my time to my other career as a paramedic.”
AFLW: CATS TRIO IN ALL-AUSTRALIAN CONTENTION
Fowler joins captain Meg McDonald, Kate Darby and Shelley Scott in hanging up the boots.
“As Erica retires from the AFLW, we thank her for her efforts this year, joining us as a replacement player to bring extra experience and add to our key position depth this season,” Geelong AFLW boss Dominque Condo said.
“Erica has made a significant impact at both her Clubs, following seven seasons at Collingwood, before joining us this year and fitting into our playing group seamlessly.
“We wish Erica all the best for the next chapter, and thank her for her contribution to our AFLW program.”
Meanwhile, Geelong has delisted Bella Smith, Gabbi Featherston and Mel Bragg, while also confirming Kennedy won’t return in 2026 after having this year off.
Smith, 22, played six games this season, including the final round clash loss to Melbourne, for a total of 11 across two years at the Cats after arriving from the Brisbane Lions, where she made one appearance.
Featherston, who turns 22 next Wednesday, featured in three games this year for a career tally of 22 since being drafted from the Geelong Falcons ahead of the 2022 season.
Bragg, a former star netballer good enough to play Super Netball with Collingwood, impressed at VFLW level before getting her AFLW opportunity ahead of Season Seven in 2022.
The 30-year-old played 18 games, of which three came this year.
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