Geelong has informed Josh Cowan he will not be offered a contract for season 2018 and he will be free to pursue another opportunity as a free agent.

Over his eight seasons with the Cats, Cowan played 16 senior games and kicked five goals.

Hailing from Daylesford, Cowan was recruited from North Ballarat with pick 56 in the 2009 national draft.

Cowan made his debut for the club in round 10, 2011 before hamstring and achilles injuries restricted his football opportunities.

The 26-year-old displayed his talent in nine AFL games in 2016 including two finals but managed only two AFL games this season.

Geelong’s general manager of football Simon Lloyd thanked Cowan for his services to the club.

“Josh’s great character and resilience held him in high regard with his teammates and coaches over his eight years at Geelong,” Lloyd said.

“Josh has and will continue to be greatly respected by everyone at the club and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”

Cowan joins Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonergan on the list of departures from Geelong this year.