DENBY Taylor has walked away from football for good as Geelong finalised its list ahead of the AFLW draft later this month.
Taylor, who sat out the 2022 season along with now-departed fellow defender Millie Brown, has announced her retirement to pursue other interests.
“Thank you to the Cats, staff, players, supporters, friends and family for the ongoing support throughout my time in the Hoops,” Taylor said.
“I feel very grateful for the valuable knowledge I have gained, every experience I have had, and every friendship I now have.”
Brown joined the Cats with pick no.20 in the 2018 National Draft after winning the best-on-ground medal in the Geelong Falcons’ TAC Cup premiership win.
However, she was limited to just 18 games because of injury.
“Denby was always a bright and diligent member of our playing group across her time at the club and set a high standard with her work rate on the field,” Cats’ AFLW boss Brett Johnson said.
“We wish Denby all the best as she explores her other passions outside of football.”
The Cats have also farewelled ruck Rene Caris, forward Madisen Maguire and midfielder Carly Remmos after all three were told their time was up at GMHBA Stadium at AFLW level.
Caris joined the club from the Ballarat-based GWV Rebels among its inaugural draft selections and managed 12 games.
Maguire, who played with the Geelong Magpies in the first season of VFLW in 2o16, transitioned to the Cats when they took over the licence the following year.
She joined the AFLW list with pick no.98 in the 2019 draft and made ten appearances in the Hoops.
Remmos also joined Geelong via the 2019 draft, with the talented basketballer, selected with pick no.39, playing two AFLW matches.
“Rene, Madisen and Carly have all been wonderful people and players to have in our AFLW program, and we thank them for all they have given over their time at the club,” Johnson said.
“Rene has been here since the beginning of our AFLW journey and has been a hard-working and friendly member of the playing group during our formative years.
“Madisen had to work through some setbacks with injury, but to her credit was out there bringing her trademark pressure and tenacity in Season 6.
“Carly brought a lot of energy to our group and has always given her all whether playing at AFLW or VFLW level.”
The departure of Taylor, Caris, Maguire and Remmos takes to nine the number of players leaving the program.
Millie Brown (Western Bulldogs), Phoebe McWilliams (Carlton), Jordan Ivey (Melbourne), Stephanie Williams (Richmond) and Olivia Barber (Collingwood) have been traded to other clubs, while Dani Higgins has retired.
With former Demons duo Shelley Scott and Jackie Parry, ex-Tiger Ingrid Houtsma and West Coast Eagle Mikayla Bowen joining the club, and Renee Garing likey to return after giving birth to her first child late last month, Geelong, at this stage, will take four picks to the draft on June 29.
Twitter: @tom_king79
