Cats revelation Lawson Humphries has signed a one-year contract extension to tie him at the club until at least the end of 2026.
Recruited from Wickham Wolves Junior Football Club and Swan Districts in Western Australia with the final selection in the 2023 National Draft, Humphries burst onto the scene after making his debut against Essendon in Round 16.
Impressing with his elite foot skills on both sides of the body and his composure, Humphries earned the Round 18 Telstra Rising Star nomination for his performance against Collingwood. He collected 23 disposals at an impressive 96 per cent efficiency, to go along with 13 marks and six intercept possessions.
Geelong has also re-signed premiership players Jake Kolodjashnij and Jed Bews as well as Ted Clohesy.
Kolodjashnij (end of 2026) and Bews (end of 2025) have extended their time after playing key roles in Geelong’s run to a preliminary final in 2024.
The 29-year-old Kolodjashnij has been a consistent and durable performer for the Cats over his 11 years at the Club and is often tasked with matching up on the opposition’s most dangerous tall forward.
Playing all but one game in 2024, Kolodjashnij ranked in the top 25 in the AFL for spoils in 2024 and enjoyed a rare feat, kicking only his fourth career goal when he snuck forward against GWS in Round 12. Currently sitting on 198 games, Kolodjashnij is set to celebrate his 200th AFL game in 2025.
Bews, who worked his way back into Geelong’s AFL team in the latter stages of the season, played a pivotal role in Geelong’s 2024 Finals campaign.
After strong VFL form where he averaged 17 disposals, Bews returned to the AFL side against North Melbourne, and played five of the last six games.
Bews showed his reliability as part of Geelong’s back six playing on the opposition’s best small forward.
After making his AFL debut in Round 24, 2023, against the Western Bulldogs, Clohesy has inked a one-year extension taking him through until the end of 2025.
“We are pleased Jake, Jed, Lawson and Ted have signed on and will remain at the Cats,” general manager of football Andrew Mackie said.
“Jake continues to be a vital player to our backline structure and has enjoyed another consistent season. Jed is a great club person and was a key part of the team in the backend of the season. With their experience and the way they approach their footy, both players play an important role for our emerging group of young players.
“Lawson has been extremely impressive in his short time at the club. He has quickly established himself at AFL level with his disposal and ability to make good decisions. Ted has shown promising signs the last two years as he continues to develop his craft as an inside midfielder and as a forward, and we can’t wait to see both Lawson and Ted continue to grow and develop.”
