Melbourne four are top priority for Geelong

STAR Melbourne duo Lily Mithen and Richelle Cranston remain high on Paul Hood’s wish list as Geelong attempts to assemble its list for next year’s introduction into AFLW.

Talks have started with Mithen, who won the Cats’ VFLW best-and-fairest last year, and Cranston, as well as fellow Demons Erin Hoare and Anna Teague, all of whom play for Geelong’s VFLW team.

The club is not yet able to sign the quartet, with the rules around player movement still to be finalised.

But Hood, the Cats’ VFLW coach who will take the AFLW mantle next year, said the four would be on top of his wish list as the Cats aim to be competitive in their first season in the top-flight competition.

“That’s been our stated intention all the way along, that they’re a very high priority for us,” he said.

“But like everyone else, they’ve got free choice to go to the program they think best suits their needs.

“We certainly let them know that they’re highly valued and much sought after down here, but it’s up to each of the girls to decide what they want to do, and that’s probably the way the world should be.”

Jordan Ivey would also be a natural target for Geelong.

Ivey tore her ACL in the opening AFLW season playing for Carlton and was unable to play this year, but will return for the Cats’ VFLW side this season.

Hood said his club would continue to talk to players while the club awaits clarity around signing recruits.

“It’s a matter of talking to players at clubs and see if they want to play with you,” Hood said.

“Because all the players in AFLW are on one-year contracts, they’ve all got freedom of movement, whether it’s going to an expansion club or asking for a trade, or going to draft.

“At the moment, it’s all happening pretty slowly because no one exactly knows what they can sign for. We’re hoping to hear something from the AFL next week. We’ve just got to be patient.”