Cats alter AFLW side for 2022

Geelong Cats have delisted Rocky Cranston. (Supplied)

Richelle ‘Rocky’ Cranston, Bec Goring, Kate Darby and Olivia Purcell will depart Geelong’s AFLW side, with two new players joining for next season.

Cranston joined Geelong from Melbourne and kicked 11 goals in 21 AFLW matches for the Cats.

The 31-year-old also won Geelong’s VFLW best and fairest medal in 2018.

Goring departs after five years with Geelong including three seasons of AFLW from 2019 to 2021.

The key defender captained Geelong’s first VFLW team in 2017, and made the league’s Team of the Year and the grand final in 2018.

She balanced 17 AFLW games for the Cats over three seasons with pursuing a professional music career.

Darby played two games with Carlton in 2017 before joining the Cats.

She played 10 AFLW games for Geelong kicking six goals but did not play last season after welcoming her firstborn Ella.

Geelong head of AFLW Brett Johnson thanked the trio for their contribution to the club.

“It’s always difficult to see players finish with the club, but it’s even harder given all that Rocky, Bec and Kate have done since the start of our women’s program,” he said.

Earlier this week the Cats secured young forward Chloe Scheer and winger Chantel Emonson along with draft selection 15 in a three-way trade with Adelaide and Melbourne.

The Cats describe 21-year-old Scheer as an explosive forward with a strong overhead marking ability.

A premiership player with Adelaide in 2019, Scheer averaged 11.3 disposals a game in 2021.

Emonson, 28, arrives at the Cats after three season with the Demons.

A rookie draft selection in late 2018, she switched to football after playing state level cricket as a junior.

Midfielder Olivia Purcell will depart Geelong for Melbourne after 19 games for in blue and white as result of the trade.

Purcell enjoyed a strong debut season in 2019 and excelled in 2020, claiming Geelong’s best and fairest award.

An ACL injury in round 5 this year saw the 20-year-old undergo surgery and begin rehabilitation.

Johnson welcomed Scheer and Emonson while thanking Purcell.

“Olivia’s enthusiasm and competitiveness was unwavering and we wish her all the best in her future AFLW career,” he said.