Geelong midfielder Sam Menegola will make a final appearance in hoops this weekend before departing Kardinia Park.
Menegola, who has managed just seven senior games this season as he has battled injury, has been named in Geelong's side that will host the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night in the Cats' season finale.
The Cats published a club release on Friday afternoon confirming Saturday would be Menegola's final Geelong outing, though there was no specific mention of retirement for the 31-year-old; leaving the door open to an off-season club change.
"The time I have had at Geelong has had an immeasurable impact on our lives. I have enjoyed successes, faced challenges, learnt lessons, and developed relationships that will stay with me for a long time," said Menegola as part of Friday's club release.
"I have had a chance to fulfil a lifelong dream here, and I look forward to what's next."
One last time in the Hoops 💙 Thanks Sam! #OneInHoops
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) August 25, 2023
Geelong football boss Simon Lloyd expressed his gratitude to Menegola for his service to the club.
"Across Sam's entire time at the Cats, he has been an integral and consistent member of our midfield group with his ability to run both ways, find plenty of the ball, and regularly hit the scoreboard being among his greatest strengths," Lloyd said on Friday afternoon.
"He sets extremely high standards when it comes to preparation, training, and on matchday. His work ethic and professionalism are something to behold and a wonderful example for any young player coming through the AFL system.
"Sam has shown resilience throughout his career, repeatedly returning from injury setbacks to play at the highest level. Although this season hasn't gone as planned, Sam has been an invaluable mentor to our younger midfielders and we hope we can cap his time off in Geelong with a win on Saturday.
"On behalf of the Cats, we would like to thank Sam, his wife Emma and boys Otis and Remi for the last eight seasons, and we wish him all the best in their next chapter."
Menegola was already slated to enter unrestricted free agency this year, therefore he may seek an opportunity at another club for the 2024 season.
The Cats will blood two debutants on Saturday; ruckman Toby Conway and midfielder Ted Clohesy, while injured veteran ruckman Jonathon Ceglar announced his AFL retirement during the week.
