Erin Hoare back in Geelong hoops after being draft number one in the AFLW Supplementary Draft. (Image: AFL website)
Geelong have been reunited with a former face after it selected Erin Hoare with the number one pick in Tuesday night’s AFLW supplementary draft.
Playing for the Cats in their inaugural season, Hoare makes a return to the field after a four-year absence.
The 33-year-old said that she is rapt to be offered another opportunity to play at the top level, among the other draftees.
“[It is] a real privilege and I suppose [I am] just really excited for all of us taken in the supplementary draft and to have another chance at this,” Hoare said.
A hiatus from the game was always going to be temporary for the ruck, who said that returning to the highest level was an added bonus.
“Football is such a big part of my life, and [there’s] nothing better than having teammates and being a teammate. So, I was always going to play at some level until I couldn’t,” Hoare said.
“I suppose the opportunity to come and play at the highest level is just awesome, and [I am] obviously super grateful, but also really confident in giving it all I’ve got and making a contribution to the team.”
More Aussie Rules News
2023 AFL Free Agency: Your club’s free agents
AFLW: Season Eight Supplementary Draft Wrap
Announcing her retirement in 2019 after 11 games, Hoare moved to the UK, completing her post-doctorate fellowship at Cambridge University. However, when she and her partner Chris welcomed their first child Edie on New Year’s Day in 2020, the family decided to move back to Australia.
After the birth of son Connor in November 2022, Hoare was passionate about playing footy again, with her comeback a testament to the support she has received from the club.
“The support I’ve received is just phenomenal. This wouldn’t be possible without [the club’s support],” the former Cat said.
“They have been a super big inspiration and [I am] just so excited to now join them as a player.”
With the absence of Sam Gooden who is on maternity leave, Hoare will look to provide ruck assistance for Liv Fuller and hopes to work in tandem with the youngster.
“My role will certainly be to support and hopefully partner Liv Fuller who’s been doing such a magnificent job in the ruck,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to learning from her and I’m sure we’ll be able to work together really well with training and whatnot.”
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’Us6pHay0SjxduohO74-Z4w’,sig:’kp3jzknUfth9mLxDykZ2SprlUH60JaMGX1HxCBRdVnU=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’1479883620′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});Subscribe to our newsletter!
About Author
