Geelong has made a number of list changes prior to Thursday’s list lodgement deadline.



Lachie Henderson has been informed he will not be offered a playing contract for season 2020, which will see him depart GMHBA Stadium.



After playing 117 games and kicking 104 goals with Brisbane and Carlton, Henderson joined the Cats ahead of the 2016 season.



Henderson played 54 games in the navy & white hoops, the 29-year-old played in six finals across his four seasons with the club.



Geelong’s Recruiting & List Manager Stephen Wells thanked Henderson for his efforts with the Cats.



“Lachie filled a number of roles with us and we wish him well in his future,” Wells said.



“Lachie has shown himself to be a selfless clubman and a great teammate over his time with the Cats. He helped us win a lot of games and always took up whatever role we needed him to do.”



Zach Guthrie has been promoted to the senior list.





After three seasons on the club’s rookie list, Zach Guthrie and Sam Simpson have been promoted to the senior list.



Guthrie and Simpson made their AFL debut in the same game, round 15, 2017 where the Cats drew with the GWS Giants.



Guthrie has played 17 AFL games across three years, with the defender spending most of 2019 working on his game at VFL level. Guthrie played a variety of positions in the VFL, including work in attack, on the wing and half-forward. The 21-year-old added to his versatility whilst continuing to improve his intercept marking and work in defence.



Simpson capped off a brilliant season in the VFL, claiming the 2019 VFL best & fairest award. Simpson’s work as an inside midfielder allowed his skillset to shine, he was frequently seen evading tackles and clearing congestion. The 21-year-old played 19 VFL games in 2019, with his name regularly amongst the Cats best performers each week averaging 20 disposals and five tackles per game.



Sam Simpson in action for the Bendigo Bank Cats.





Category B rookie Blake Schlensog has also signed a one-year extension with the club that will see him remain at GMHBA Stadium in 2020.



In further list changes, Geelong has delisted both Ryan Abbott and Oscar Brownless, with the club committed to reselecting both players in November’s rookie draft.



A former basketballer, Abbott was playing local football with the Grovedale Tigers prior to his selection by Geelong at pick 69 in the 2016 national draft. The 28-year-old ruckman has played five AFL games over three seasons at the club.



Brownless arrived at Geelong as a father-son selection in the 2018 national draft. The 19-year-old finished 10th in the VFL best & fairest after playing 18 games at VFL level in his first season at the club.



“The club would like to recognise and thank Ryan and Oscar for their willingness to work with the club on this decision. They have both demonstrated a club-first attitude throughout the process, and we are grateful for their cooperation,” Wells said.



“We look forward to both Ryan and Oscar enjoying successful seasons for Geelong in 2020.”