Lawson Humphries’ impressive first season at Geelong has been rewarded with a contract extension.
The young defender is one of four Cats to sign new deals, with premiership defenders Jake Kolodjashnij and Jed Bews, as well as rookie Ted Clohesy, also committing.
Humphries, contracted for next year, is locked away until at least the end of 2026.
Kolodjashnij has signed a new two-year deal, while Bews and Clohesy have put pen to paper on one-year contracts.
“Jake continues to be a vital player to our backline structure and has enjoyed another consistent
season,” football boss Andrew Mackie said.
“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.”
Humphries was the penultimate pick (No.63) in last year’s National Draft from WAFL club Swan Districts.
He made his AFL debut in Round 16 and held his place in Geelong’s run to a preliminary final, earning a Rising Star nomination in Round 18.
Kolodjashnij played 24 of a possible 25 games this year to enter next season on 198 games in the Hoops.
After forcing his way into the team late in the season, Bews managed five games, including both of the Cats’ finals, to end the year on 171 matches.
Clohesy added two games in 2024 – as the sub against the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne in rounds 19 and 20 – to his lone appearance last year.
In 17 VFL games, he averaged 22.1 disposals and 6.5 tackles and kicked 17 goals.
Captain Patrick Dangerfield and fellow veterans Mitch Duncan and Rhys Stanley remain the only players without public confirmation of their future.
The Cats have farewelled nine players since the end of the season.
Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy have entered retirement, while Brandan Parfitt, Gary Rohan, Phoenix Foster, James Willis Oscar Murdoch, Mitch Hardie and Emerson Jeka were delisted.
X: @krockfootball
