Delisted Richmond forward Kaelan Bradtke has made the move to Geelong's VFL program for the 2024 season, with the Cats confirming their reserves list for the year ahead.
Bradtke spent 2023 at Punt Road after being recruited during the Supplemental Selection Period ahead of fellow train-on prospect and ex-Geelong midfielder Quinton Narkle.
The 22-year-old failed to break into the Tigers' senior side during his time with the club but would impress at VFL level, booting 24 goals from 16 games.
Bradtke did feature in two VFL matches for Sydney two years ago, but spent most of his year in the Ovens and Murray League where he booted 39 goals for Corowa-Rutherglen.
After being cut by the Tigers at the cessation of his sole season in the yellow and black, Bradtke has made the move to Kardinia Park to join the Cats' VFL program.
The strong and athletic Bradtke will offer a formidable service for Geelong, with last year's leading goalkickers Oliver Dempsey and Shannon Neale likely to get more attention at AFL level.
The key forward is one of 15 new faces at Geelong's state league side, while recently delisted Cat Osca Riccardi has remained in the hoops despite not being offered a new AFL deal over the off-season.
Joint 2023 Morrish Medal winner Patrick Hughes has also signed with the Cats' VFL side after a strong year with the Falcons that saw him earn a Team of the Year spot in the Talent League.
Geelong's reserves have lost reigning best and fairest Jhye Chalcraft to WAFL club Swan Districts in what is a significant blow to Mark Corrigan's side. Both Riccardi and Chalcraft were among the top five goalkickers at the Cat last year alongside the aforementioned Dempsey and Neale, as well as Ted Clohesy.
Defender Daniel Capiron and star Bailey van de Heuvel are among the leading names among the 22 players re-signed by the Cats' reserves for 2024 however, with former Essendon midfielder Brayden Ham also staying for another year.
Geelong finished 13th on the VFL ladder last year, amassing just eight wins from their 18 matches under Corrigan.
The Cats start their season against Werribee on Saturday, March 23 at GMHBA Stadium.
