WELCOME TO GEELONG CATS: CLUB SECURES PRE-CONTRACT WITH SHADEAU BRAIN ON THREE-YEAR DEAL
Promising young talent to join from Brisbane ahead of 2027 AFL season
GEELONG, Australia – The Geelong Cats have today announced the signing of dynamic utility Shadeau Brain to a three-year pre-contract, securing the services of the Brisbane Lions talent ahead of the 2027 AFL season. The deal marks a significant recruitment coup for the 10-time premiership club, as Brain – who has been identified as a rising star of the competition – commits to GMHBA Stadium until at least the end of 2029.
The 22-year-old, who was initially drafted to Brisbane as a Category B rookie in 2022, has built a reputation as a versatile player capable of contributing across the half-back line, wing and forward line. After making his AFL debut in round 9 of the 2024 season against Adelaide, Brain went on to feature in nine senior games for the Lions, showcasing his agility, decision-making and ability to read the play under pressure. In the VFL, he has been a consistent performer, including a career-best four-goal haul against Sydney in 2023.
Geelong Cats head coach Chris Scott praised Brain’s decision to join the club, highlighting his potential to become a key contributor to the team’s future success. “We are thrilled to welcome Shadeau to the Geelong family,” Scott said. “He is a young player with enormous talent and a strong work ethic that aligns perfectly with our club’s values. His versatility gives us flexibility across multiple positions, and we believe he has the character and drive to thrive in our environment. We look forward to supporting his development as he takes the next step in his career.”
Brain, who grew up in Noosa as one of 13 siblings – with seven brothers also playing Australian rules football – expressed his excitement about the move. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the Geelong Cats,” he said. “The club has a proud history and a track record of developing young players into elite AFL performers. I’m ready to embrace the challenge and work hard to contribute to the team’s goals.”
The signing comes as Geelong continues to build for the future, balancing experienced premiership players with emerging talent. Brain will remain with the Brisbane Lions for the 2026 season before relocating to Geelong to begin pre-season training ahead of 2027.
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