The Geelong Cats have reportedly offered premiership player Jed Bews a new one-year contract after parting ways with fellow flag winner Cam Guthrie. The Cats announced on Monday that Guthrie hasn’t been offered a new contract after 240 games and a premiership for the club (in 2022).
But Mitch Cleary of Channel 7 reported that fellow premiership player Bews has been offered a new deal. Bews has played 175 games for the Cats since debuting in 2014, and was part of the 2022 team that won the grand final.
The Geelong Cats have offered premiership player Jed Bews (L) a new deal. Image: Getty
The 31-year-old is out of contract but has reportedly been offered a new one-year deal for 2026. He only played four games at AFL level in 2025, but many thought he was stiff to miss out on selection for the grand final loss to Brisbane when Tom Stewart was ruled out with concussion. He was instead used as the emergency.
Jed Bews and Mark Blicavs at a Geelong training session. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
As for Guthrie, the Cats made the difficult call to cut him loose on Monday. The two-time club Best and Fairest winner was limited to just six games in 2023, four last year and didn’t play a single AFL game this season.
“Cam has been an outstanding and dedicated servant of the Geelong Football Club, both on and off the field,” Cats football boss Andrew Mackie said in a statement. “He has been ultra-consistent and had the special ability to elevate his game in key moments and times of success, particularly throughout our 2022 premiership campaign. Cam will always be a great Geelong person, with his influence extending well beyond what he achieved on the field.”
RELATED:
Essendon and GWS announce player departures
Meanwhile, Essendon and GWS also announced list changes on Monday. The Giants revealed that Wade Derksen won’t be back in 2026, while the Bombers have parted ways with Ben Hobbs and Luamon Lual.
Hobbs played 65 games for the Dons over four seasons, kicking 21 goals. The 22-year-old featured in 18 games at AFL level this season. Lual debuted in 2024 and played a total of 12 games for the Bombers. Many thought he had a bright future at Essendon, but it wasn’t to be.
“We wish to thank Ben and Luamon for their service to Essendon and their professionalism and dedication throughout their careers,” said Essendon’s general manager of AFL Daniel McPherson. “It goes without saying that it’s always difficult with list spots at this time of year, but they leave the club with our very best wishes.
“We have five selections at next month’s AFL Draft, and the list squeeze means some challenging choices had to be made. Both Ben and Luamon have handled the news with maturity and we applaud them for that. We wish each of the lads all the best for the future.”
Essendon have cut Ben Hobbs (L) and Luamon Lual (centre), while GWS aren’t retaining Wade Derksen (R). Image: Getty
AFL fans react to player de-listings
As for Derksen, his de-listing comes after the Giants refused to budge and trade him last year. The club’s executive general manager of football Jason McCartney said: “This time of year always brings tough decisions, and unfortunately we weren’t able to offer Wade a contract for the 2026 season.
“Since joining us via the Mid-Season Rookie Draft, he approached every opportunity and challenge with professionalism and determination and made a strong impact within our program, particularly at VFL level. Wade and his young family have been much-loved members of our football club over the past three years and we wish them all the best for the future.”
Speculation is rife as to where Derksen, Hobbs and Lual might end up in 2026. Plenty of fans were left questioning the decisions from GWS and Essendon on social media.