Geelong has appointed Carlton recruit Mel Staunton as its VFLW captain for 2025.
The 20-year-old, who hails from the NSW South Coast, will head up a five-player leadership group.
Staunton, a former GWS Giants Academy member who was a train-on with the Cats’ AFLW squad last year, will have Abby Favell as her deputy.
Poppy Schaap and Liv Stewart, who were part of last year’s leadership group with Favell, and Madi Sexton are also in the PLG for 2025.
“It’s an incredible honour to be able to help lead this group this year,” Staunton said.
“It’s my first year at the club, but I’m super excited to get started with the girls.
“We’re a young group, and I’m just super excited to see what the girls have got.
“It’s fun being out there with your mates, so I’m stoked to get started and get some games under our belt and see where we can go.”
Geelong has confirmed a 32-strong squad for the upcoming season, which is starting later than the past.
The Cats have also named nine train-on players, including Mackenzie McGrath, the daughter of 200-game defender Tim.
“We’ve got a good mix of players on our list, with some familiar faces returning, as well as a host of players looking to make their VFLW debut for Geelong,” rookie coach Taylah Hassett said.
“It’s always exciting at this time of year, and we’re looking forward to launching into our practice games ahead of our season-opener next month.”
Geelong had its first pre-season hit-out last night against Collingwood and will play Essendon and the Western Bulldogs before opening its campaign on Easter Saturday (April 19) against Box Hill at Deakin University.
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| # | Name |
| 18 | Lily Jordan |
| 27 | Ava McKeegan |
| 28 | Madeline Sexton |
| 30 | Mel Staunton |
| 31 | Seisia White |
| 33 | Stephanie O’Kane |
| 34 | Liv Stewart |
| 35 | Poppy Schaap |
| 36 | Breanna Pratt |
| 37 | Hayley Peck |
| 40 | Sophie Mahar |
| 42 | Abby Favell |
| 47 | Grace Synnott |
| 49 | Molly Walton |
| 50 | Zoe Cowan |
| 51 | Janessa FitzGerald |
| 52 | Johanna Sunderland |
| 53 | Ally Duff |
| 55 | Zoe Larkins |
| 56 | Jemima Woods |
| 57 | Mekah Morrissy |
| 58 | Brooke Bailey |
| 60 | Ruby Dale |
| 63 | Lucy Marescuk |
| 65 | Camryn Tyrrell |
| 66 | Zoe Penno |
| 67 | Olivia Woods |
| 68 | Kelsea Gray |
| 70 | Simone Nalder |
| 74 | Cecilia Lowrey |
| 80 | Elise Cook |
| 81 | Chloe Bryant |
TRAIN-ON PLAYERS
| Name |
| Chloe Leen |
| Daisy Wilson |
| Ella Firth |
| Faith Qoon |
| Filomena Iannuzzi |
| Katie McAloon |
| Kiara Woods |
| Leila Owens |
| Mackenzie McGrath |
| Rachel Gastin |
