Key forward Kate Darby will return to the Cats for the 2022 AFLW season after being signed as a replacement for Renee Garing.
Garing announced last month she was expecting her first child with husband Tony in May, ruling her out of the 2022 season.
The announcement left open a list spot for Darby, who missed the 2021 season herself to welcome her daughter Ella into the world.
Darby had been training with Cats over the preseason and said she was excited to be back on the Cats’ list.
“This is the best possible scenario,” Darby said.
“I knew I would like to play again, and I thought I would love to come back, but I had no idea how I would go.
“Once I had Ella I thought I would be keen to see how I go and so it was a goal but it is still unexpected, so it is awesome and I am super happy.”
Darby played 10 games for the Cats and kicked six goals across the 2019 and 2020 seasons, before she was delisted in June.
She was also a foundation player at Carlton and played two games in the inaugural 2017 AFLW season.
Geelong head of women’s football Brett Johnson said Darby’s strong work on the track held her in good stead for the upcoming season.
“Kate has been outstanding in her training and preparation since returning, and we are thrilled that she now has the opportunity to be a member of our primary list for the 2022 season,” he said.
“Starting a family is a joyous time, and we have worked with Kate to ensure that she has been able to combine parenthood with her desire to continue as an elite athlete and part of our program.”
While she won’t take to the field in 2022, Garing will remain actively involved with the team throughout the season.
The midfielder has played all 23 games in the Cats AFLW history and has twice placed in the top four of the best and fairest.
“We are equally thrilled that Renee is expecting and will be starting a family with her husband Tony,” Johnson said.
“Our club believes that players should be supported to combine their family life and desire to pursue or continue their careers in AFLW.
“We will continue to work alongside players to ensure an environment that allows for the combination of family and footy.”
