Geelong added Hunter Holmes to its list after being drafted at pick 33 on Thursday night.
The 187cm midfielder Holmes is the brother of Cats’ gun Max Holmes and played with Oakleigh Chargers in the Coates Talent League this season.
Geelong used only the two picks in the 2025 AFL draft, picking up South Australian Harley Barker with pick 24 on the opening night, although the wingman will miss the majority of next season while he recovers from an ACL injury.
“Over the course of the two nights, we came in with a definite plan,” Geelong recruiting boss Stephen Wells said.
“We really rated this draft, we thought there were going to be a lot of good players in it and as it has turned out, we have been able to add to our stocks of good young developing talent that our coaches can work with.
“We think they have got a long way to go with their footy, whether it be because of Harley’s knee injury that he is recovering from, or Hunter Holmes who has only been in the system for a year and hasn’t had much experience. We are excited to get those two players, after considering a lot of other players when it came to our pick.”
Geelong VFL player Tobyn Murray was selected by Fremantle at pick 40 while Bell Park and Geelong Falcons forward/midfielder Hugo Mikunda was picked at No 48 by North Melbourne.
It came after Newtown & Chilwell product Josh Lindsay was taken by West Coast in the opening round at pick 19 on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile the Cats have parted ways with AFLW coach Dan Lowther.
Lowther has been coach for the past five years and informed the club he will step down from his role to explore other opportunities.
“It’s been a privilege to coach and develop such dedicated and driven young athletes throughout my time at the Cats, as well as work and learn alongside some of the best minds in football,” he said.
“Although the decision to step down was incredibly tough, I feel the timing is right for both myself and the team in order to embrace new challenges.
“I’m proud of the achievements we’ve made since I took on the role and have no doubt this group have all the right ingredients to challenge the best sides moving forward.
“I’d like to thank the Geelong Football Club for providing me the opportunity and wish the team nothing but success.”
