Premiership Cats axed after prelim loss
Experienced Geelong duo Gary Rohan and Brandan Parfitt will leave the club after they were among seven delistings following the Cats’ preliminary final loss on Saturday.
The 2022 premiership pair will go amid an overhaul of the Cats’ list as Phoenix Foster, Oscar Murdoch, James Willis, Mitch Hardie and Emerson Jeka were also axed.
It follows the retirements of Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy, leaving nine vacant spots on Geelong’s list for next season after its first round of changes.
Cats list boss Andrew Mackie thanked Rohan and Parfitt for their “incredible service” after both played important roles in the 2022 triumph.
Rohan, 33, kicked 120 goals in 98 games for the Cats after joining from Sydney following 106 games between 2010 and 2018.
He trained last week despite undergoing surgery on a fractured skull as he tried to keep his selection hopes alive for a potential grand final.
Parfitt played 130 games, but only 18 over the last two years after he was the sub in the 2022 grand final and came on for a late goal.
“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.
“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.”
The decision to delist Hardie came after the 27-year-old midfielder was never tried at senior level despite starring for the Cats’ VFL side since he was selected in the 2023 mid-season draft.
Hardie finished fourth in the Liston Trophy this season after averaging 29 disposals, six clearances and five tackles per game, while he also kicked 14 goals.
Foster was impressive towards the end of his second season at VFL level, booting 2.2 in the Cats’ semi-final loss to Southport a fortnight ago, but Geelong opted to move on the 20-year-old key position prospect.
