Geelong this week announced contract extensions of promising young duo Shannon Neale and James Willis.
Neale was selected with pick 33 in the 2020 draft and is an emerging 203cm key forward and ruck. He has signed a two-year contract extension to remain at the club until the end of 2025.
After debuting in Round 11 last year, the 20-year-old has had an injury-interrupted 2023 campaign but is set to make his return to VFL this Friday night against Casey Demons at GMHBA Stadium.
The Cats pounced on Willis with pick 32 in the 2021 national draft and has shown promising signs at the VFL level since being drafted.
Mainly playing in the midfield, the 19-year-old had a standout performance against Southport Sharks in Round 7 this season, collecting 21 disposals, five tackles and three goals.
Willis has signed a one-year contract extension and will remain at the Cattery until the end of 2024.
Geelong Cats head of list management Andrew Mackie said the club was thrilled to see Neale and Willis put pen to paper on their contract extensions.
“It is fantastic to see James and Shannon both recommit to the club and remain in the hoops until 2024 and 2025 respectively, they both have a great work ethic and are exciting prospects,” Mackie said.
“Shannon has shown encouraging signs in the games he’s been able to play to this point and we couldn’t be happier with the way he has integrated into the club culture and environment.
“James is a strong character who has some exciting attributes, notably his speed and power. We are looking forward to seeing him continue to develop as a footballer.”
