Three delisted ahead of AFLW draft

Recently delisted Cats AFLW defender Cassie Blakeway. (Twitter)

Geelong Cats delisted three women this week as the club finalised list changes ahead of the 2020 AFLW draft in October.

Two original members of the Cats’ women’s program, Anna Teague and Cassie Blakeway, and 2019 draftee Gemma Wright would be delisted, the club announced on Tuesday.

“Anna and Cassie have been fantastic members of our team and club since we introduced our women’s program,” Cats AFLW coach Paul Hood said.

“Both should be proud of their contributions to our club and what they achieved in the game.”

Teague and Blakeway were part of Geelong’s first VFLW and AFLW line ups and helped the Cats reach the VFLW grand final in 2018 and AFLW preliminary final in 2019.

Blakeway was one the Cats’ best in the 2018 VFLW grand final.

“I have absolutely loved my time at the Cats, and I’m very sad to be leaving,” she said.

“However, I am excited to have the time to pursue some of my passions outside of football.”

Teague joined the Cats after playing basketball in the WNBL with Bendigo and with Geelong in SEABL.

Teague said her “body’s lack of durability” meant her time as a player had come to an end.

“My time in footy is up, even though I feel I still have a lot to learn and give to the game.”

Wright was selected by Geelong in the 2019 AFLW draft but stepped away from football for personal reasons.

Captain Melissa Hickey in March announced she would retire at the conclusion of the 2020 AFLW season.

In the 2020 AFLW draft Geelong has gained picks 10, 20, 27 and 39 from Melbourne in exchange for picks 5, 35 and a fourth round pick.

The Cats also hold pick 21.