Geelong Football Club Announces Delisting of Key Players

Geelong Football Club has announced the delisting of seven players following their exit from the Australian Football League (AFL) finals. Among the notable players released are premiership team members Gary Rohan and Brandan Parfitt. This move comes after Geelong’s loss to Brisbane in the preliminary final.

Gary Rohan, who has been with Geelong since 2018, played 12 senior games this season. Rohan, aged 33, previously had a career with the Sydney Swans before joining Geelong and has participated in 98 games for the team. His tenure at Geelong includes winning the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final against his former team, Sydney.

Brandan Parfitt, drafted by Geelong in 2016, struggled to secure consistent senior opportunities this year, featuring in only nine games. Over his time with the club, Parfitt made 130 appearances, most notably playing more than 20 games in a season twice, back in 2019 and 2021.

Also released are Phoenix Foster, Oscar Murdoch, James Willis, Mitch Hardie, and former Hawthorn player Emerson Jeka, none of whom played an AFL game this season. Geelong’s General Manager of Football, Andrew Mackie, expressed gratitude for their contributions, stating, “This time of year is always difficult, and to farewell seven great teammates is never easy. Both members of our 2022 premiership team, Brandan and Gary, have had a profound on-field impact in the Hoops.”

The decision marks a significant moment in Geelong’s off-season, especially following the announced retirements of club veterans Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy. Hawkins and Tuohy will be acknowledged alongside the departing players at the upcoming 2024 Carji Greeves Medal event scheduled for October 3.

Gary Rohan’s career has been marked by both professional achievements and personal challenges. Drafted in 2009, he experienced the highs and lows of the sport, including a tragic personal loss in 2018. Despite these challenges, Rohan’s talent and efforts contributed to Geelong’s successes on the field.

The club’s changes point towards a period of transition as they prepare for future seasons. The recent moves come at a critical time as Geelong adjusts its roster following their early exit from the AFL finals series.