Geelong has added Bendigo Pioneers father-daughter midfielder Bryde O’Rourke with pick 23 in the 2023 AFLW draft.
O’Rourke, whose father Ray played two games for Geelong in 1969, played 18 games across three seasons for the Pioneers in the Coates Talent League, and represented Vic Country at the National Championships this year.
Playing as both a midfielder and forward, O’Rourke averaged 16.1 disposals, 3.5 tackles and 2.7 marks per game in 2023, as well as kicking six goals across 11 games.
The Cats took key forward Chantal Mason with pick 18.
The Geelong Falcons product is 177cm tall and excelled inside 50 in the Coates Talent League winning the leading goal kicker award after slotting 31 goals in her 13 regular season games.
It included a stunning streak in the middle of the season where she booted 21 goals in four games, with hauls of 7.2 and 6.1 against the Pioneers and Tasmania Devils respectively.
AFLW Draft Recap
Pick 18 – Chantal Mason
Position: Forward
Height: 177cm
State: Victoria
Clubs: Geelong Falcons/St Joseph’s
Pick 23 – Bryde O’Rourke (matched bid)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 174cm
State: Victoria
Clubs: Bendigo Pioneers/Strathfieldsaye
