MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Evie Cowcher of the Cats poses during the 2025 AFLW Draft at Marvel Stadium on December 15, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
Cats Secure Decorated WA Defender Cowcher with First Draft Pick
Boddington’s Evie Cowcher has fulfilled her AFLW dream after Geelong selected the gun defender with its first pick (11th overall) at Wednesday night’s national draft, with the highly decorated prospect overcoming an injury-interrupted top-age year to earn her shot at the top flight.
The 18-year-old’s path to the draft was derailed by a mid-season injury that limited her 2025 campaign, but her extraordinary junior resume left no doubt about her talent. A dual All-Australian – at both under-16 and under-18 level – Cowcher also claimed Western Australia’s MVP award in both age groups, adding back-to-back under-18 MVP honours to her growing collection of silverware.
Her breakthrough came in 2023 when, at just 15, she made her WAFLW debut for Peel Thunder and took out the competition’s Rising Star award – a sign of the elite skills that would set her apart as a prospect. A strong, 175cm intercepting defender with impressive run-and-carry ability, Cowcher has built a reputation for reading the play instinctively and turning defensive wins into attacking opportunities.
Geelong list manager Brett Johnson said the club had targeted Cowcher from the start, describing her as the perfect fit for their backline despite having to wait until pick 11 due to early academy bids. “Evie’s resilience to push through injury and maintain her standard is as impressive as her football,” Johnson said. “Her strength one-on-one, intercepting prowess and ability to break lines will add real depth to our defence from day one.”
Cowcher, who admitted the move from Western Australia would be emotional given her close family ties, expressed gratitude for the chance to wear the Cats’ hoops. “Playing AFLW has been my goal since I was a kid, so hearing my name called out by Geelong was surreal,” she said post-draft. “I know I’ve got work to do to settle in and prove myself, but I’m ready for every minute of it.”
The Cats complemented the Cowcher pick with Tasmanian wing Priya Bowering (27th) and South Fremantle midfielder Renee Morgan (43rd), focusing on strengthening their outside run and midfield depth alongside their new defensive recruit.
