Geelong re-sign five

Rhys Stanley. Picture Marcel Berens

Rhys Stanley and Gary Rohan headline five players who have been re-signed by Geelong for the 2022 season.

Stanley, Rohan, Brad Close, Zach Guthrie and Francis Evans have all agreed to terms to pull on the hoops again next season.

Stanley has led the Cats ruck division in recent years, playing 105 games, including 13 finals, since crossing from St Kilda.

Rohan has been a key player in the Geelong forward line since crossing from Sydney in 2019. He kicked 32 goals this season, as the Cats made another preliminary final.

Close is one of the Cats rising stars and cemented his spot in the team this year.

In his second season, he played 22 games and 15 goals.

Guthrie has played 33 games and kicked two goals since debuting in 2017. The defender, who has been in and out of the side, has played 13 games in 2021, including two finals.

Evans broke through for his debut early in the 2021 season, before suffering injury in his second game.

The young forward returned to the field late in the season at VFL level.

Geelong’s general manager of football Simon Lloyd said they were are pleased that the five had committed to the club.

“Frank is an up and coming player and we believe he can play well at AFL level. Zach played his best footy this season, while Rhys, Gary and Brad were mainstays of our team this year. All have a strong desire to continue develop their football and make strong contributions to the club.”