Cats pounce on top trio
GEELONG has rewarded a trio of its stars for their form at VFLW level with AFLW contracts for next season.
The Cats announced last night midfielder Hannah Burchell and forwards Hayley Trevean and Mia-Rae Clifford had committed to the club for its inaugural AFLW season.
For Clifford (Melbourne) and Trevean (Carlton), Geelong presents as an opportunity to have another crack at AFLW.
For Burchell, it’s the chance to play for her home club after playing junior football at Ocean Grove and Newtown & Chilwell.
“Hannah is a highly skilled outside midfielder with terrific two-way running abilities,” Geelong AFLW coach Paul Hood said.
“She is also just as comfortable supporting the defence as she is getting forward to create scoring opportunities.
“At a young age, we look for- ward to many seasons in the hoops from Hannah.”
Clifford has played 14 games for the Cats, booting 14 goals.
“Mia-Rae brings a wealth of experience from her time at Melbourne’s AFLW side and the St Kilda Sharks,” Hood said.
“A passionate Geelong fan, Mia-Rae wears her heart on her sleeve on game day and has developed this season into a terrific contested forward threat with the rare ability to win the ball in the air, on the lead and on the ground.
“Her goal scoring this season has knocked down the door for her AFLW squad selection.”
Trevean has been named in Geelong’s best four times from eight games at VFLW level this season.
“Hayley brings AFLW experience, terrific skill and competitiveness to our group,” Hood said.
“Hayley has set the tone among our program for contested possession and forward pressure in her time so far, she has a great football brain and puts her teammates first on and off the field.”
MEANWHILE, Geelong yesterday announced Viva Energy as its shorts sponsor for next year’s AFLW season. The company will also feature on the Cats’ media backdrop.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with such a longstanding Geelong-based institution that shares our passion and commitment to the local community and in driving positive social change,” Viva Energy’s CEO Scott Wyatt said.