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Rohan and Parfitt among axed Cats

September 24, 2024 4:45 pm in by
Gary Rohan marks in front of Jimmy Webster during Geelong's win over St Kilda in Round 9. (Sports Media Image/Marcel Berens)

The number of departures from GMHBA Stadium has grown to nine, with Geelong axing seven players, including premiership duo Gary Rohan and Brandan Parfitt.

The Cats have also farewelled Phoenix Foster, James Willis, rookie-listed trio Oscar Murdoch, Mitch Hardie and former Hawthorn player Emerson Jeka.

All five failed to play an AFL game in the Hoops.

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Parfitt arrived at Geelong at pick 26 in the 2016 National Draft and debuted alongside Tom Stewart in Round 1 of the following season.

The sub in the 2022 grand final, he leaves the Cats with 130 games to his name, including nine this year.

Rohan started his career at Sydney, and after 96 goals from 106 games in nine injury-impacted seasons, he joined the Cats.

In the Hoops, Rohan kicked 120 goals from 98 games and will be forever remembered for his performance in the 2022 qualifying final win over Collingwood.

He was limited to just 12 games this year before suffering a fractured skull in the VFL semi-final loss to Southport.

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Willis spent three years at Geelong after being drafted in 2021, Foster and Murdoch arrived in 2022, Hardie via the 2023 midseason rookie draft, and Jeka late last year.

“This time of year is always difficult, and to farewell seven great teammates is never easy,” Mackie said.

“Both members of our 2022 Premiership team, Brandan and Gary have had a profound on-field impact in the Hoops, but it can’t be overstated the influence they both have had on their teammates and the Club more broadly,” football boss Andrew Mackie said.

“They have both been incredible for our football program and the wider Geelong community.

“We thank Phoenix, James, Oscar, Mitch and Emerson for their contribution to our football program; we wish them all the best in their next chapter.”

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The delistings follow the retirement of Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy.

New deals are expected for captain Patrick Dangerfield, veteran duo Rhys Stanley and Mitch Duncan, defenders Jake Kolodjashnij and Jed Bews, and rookie midfielder Ted Clohesy.

X: @krockfootball

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