Geelong premiership defender Jed Bews says he'll be happy to continue his playing career at West Coast if the club needs experience in 2027.
Bews was delisted by the club after his 13th season at the Cats, with 175 games and a flag under his belt.
The Cats are looking to rejuvenate their defence, headed by the acquisition of Essendon interceptor Jordan Ridley, while the father-son product already struggled to play senior football.
The 32-year-old recently signed a WAFL contract with the Eagles, but hasn't ruled out returning to the top-flight if an opportunity arose.
“I'd be happy to. I'm not sure on the rulings and all that, but if something opened and there's a spot there and they need it filled, I'd be more than happy to jump in and give it a red-hot crack,” Bews said on SENWA.
The veteran defender admitted he'd packed up his locker at Geelong 12 months earlier before getting another contract.
Bews didn't play a senior game in 2026, spending his time in the VFL and helping the club develop its next group of players as they push towards the AFL, which is something he'll be doing at the Eagles.
"Last year I'd already packed up my locker. I thought, I'll just get ahead of the game and pack that up and get ready,” he said.
"I was surprised to get another year. I didn't play a game. I spent my time in the VFL, which in a way was good to help the young guys there, and play that role, which is probably more what I'll be doing again this year (at the Eagles).
“I'm happy to come and help some of the small defenders, even the small forwards if they want some defence on them at different times during the year."
Former teammate Mitch Duncan, who is an assistant coach at West Coast, helped generate interest in bringing Bews to Western Australia.
"I was pretty impressed when I walked in," Bews said.
"I thought I could definitely spend the last couple of years playing a little bit here.
"Him (Duncan) and Harry Taylor (helped with selling the place). I've spent some time over here with him (Taylor) travelling. I knew I already liked this state."
