Narkle among latest Cats signings
- Updated: November 24, 2020
Quinton Narkle has signed a one-year contract extension. (Sports Media Image/Marcel Berens)
QUINTON Narkle is among five Geelong players to sign a new contract with the club ahead of tomorrow’s AFL list deadline.
The Cats have revealed one-year deals for Zach Guthrie, Ben Jarvis and Category B rookie Stefan Okunbor, while ruckman Darcy Fort will remain until at least the end of 2022.
Geelong also confirmed Australian underage basketball representative Paul Tsapatolis as a Category B rookies for 2021.
However, Jake Tarca has been delisted after two seasons.
Narkle played five matches in an injury-interrupted 2020 season to take his career total to 17.
Fort also played five games to take his tally to eight across two seasons at GMHBA Stadium.
Guthrie added three matches to his total of 20 across four years.
Jarvis, who was drafted in 2018, made his debut as a late inclusion for Gary Rohan in the Round 17 loss to Richmond.
“We see Quinton, Darcy, Zach, Ben and Stefan as still having improvement in front of them,” Geelong football boss Simon Lloyd said.
“They each had limited opportunities this year, but all five players worked hard and got better. We are looking forward to their continued improvement.”
A junior footballer in Melbourne’s western suburbs until the age of 15, Tsapotolis stands 202cms.
He represented Australia at last year’s under-17 Oceania Championships.
“Paul was highly sought after, and we believe our development program will allow him to maximise his potential as a footballer,” Lloyd said.
“Paul is athletic and agile, and the fact he played junior football gives him a head start along this journey.
“We are excited to have him join the Cats, and he is equally excited to get down here, meet his new teammates and begin the process to him becoming the best player he can be.”
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Tarca, who was drafted in 2018 from SANFL club South Adelaide, played 17 games and kicked 12 goals in Geelong’s VFL team in 2019.
“We all enjoyed having Jake as part of our squad over the past two years and wish him every success in his future in football and outside the game,” Lloyd said.
“Jake improved as a player during his time at the club, and we hope that he can get another opportunity.”
Geelong has 41 players signed for 2021 – 35 to its primary list, four Category A rookies and two Category B rookies.
At this stage, the Cats will have up to three selections at next month’s National Draft.
Twitter: @tom_king79
