Geelong lockdown defensive posts as pair sign new deals

Geelong will be thrilled after locking away defensive pair Zach Guthrie and Jack Henry to long-term deals.

Guthrie - who has become one of the competition's best small defenders - was already committed until the end of 2025 but added an extra three years to his contract, keeping him in the hoops until the end of 2028.

The 26-year-old was forced to bide his time after being taken with Pick 33 in the 2017 Rookie Draft, playing 20 games in his first four years at the club.

However, as the Cats strode to premiership glory in 2022, the development of Guthrie played a pivotal role in becoming the stingiest defensive units in the competition.

The Calder Cannons product hasn't missed since Round 8 of that year and is set to play his 100th AFL game in Round 24 when the club takes on West Coast.

As for Henry, who would have been an unrestricted free agent at the cessation of the 2024 season, his strong form and necessity in the backline under Chris Scott was rewarded with a five-year deal, locking him away until the end of 2029.

Like Guthrie, Henry was pivotal in 2022 down back for Geelong and was instrumental on grand final day, keeping Sydney superstar Lance Franklin goalless.

The 25-year-old was also a rookie pick-up, proving that the Cats go far and wide to find diamonds in the rough.

Henry has been a standout in defence since 2018, playing 140 games for Geelong.

Cats GM of Football Andrew Mackie said the club was thrilled to see both players extend their stay at Kardinia Park.

“Zach has developed into a reliable member of our defensive group and more importantly is highly respected and regarded by all his teammates,” Mackie said.

“Jack is tough one-on-one defender and his ability to intercept in the back half continues to be super important for us. He is a key cog in our defensive structure and a big part of our future.

“We look forward to seeing both Zach and Jack excel in the Hoops in the years ahead and importantly seeing both thrive in the back end of this season as we chase greatness in 2024.”

The club will be looking to re-sign captain Patrick Dangerfield, who remains as the only restricted free agent in the competition while veterans Mitch Duncan, Gary Rohan, Jake Kolodjashnij, Jed Bews, Rhys Stanley and Zach Tuohy are without deals beyond 2024.