Geelong have decided against offering two-time best and fairest winner Cameron Guthrie a new contract for the 2026 season.
Guthrie has endured three injury-riddled seasons since being a part of the Cats’ 2022 premiership side, playing just 10 games.
The 32-year-old didn’t feature at AFL level this year due to an ongoing calf issue, which followed an Achilles injury that placed him on the sidelines for an extended period.
Guthrie managed four VFL games this year as he looked to return to AFL level; however, he faced ongoing setbacks in his bid for senior selection.
The Cats have made the difficult decision to part ways with the 240-gamer after 15 years.
“Cam has been an outstanding and dedicated servant of the Geelong Football Club, both on and off the field,” Cats football boss Andrew Mackie said in a club statement.
“He has been ultra-consistent and had the special ability to elevate his game in key moments and times of success, particularly throughout our 2022 premiership campaign.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 24: Cameron Guthrie of the Cats runs the ball during the round 14 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Geelong Cats at The Gabba on June 24, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
“Cam will always be a great Geelong person, with his influence extending well beyond what he achieved on the field.”
Guthrie joined Geelong as the 23rd overall pick at the 2010 AFL Draft, debuting the following year as the Cats claimed a premiership in their first season under coach Chris Scott.
The veteran midfielder became a mainstay by his second season, playing 18 games. He would play at least 20 games in nine of his 10 subsequent seasons.
Guthrie developed into one of the best outside midfielders in the competition by 2020, winning best and fairest and All-Australian honours that year.
He would go on to claim a second Carji Greeves Medal in 2022 – a premiership-winning campaign – sharing the title with spearhead Jeremy Cameron.
Guthrie’s exit follows the departures of Mitch Duncan (retired), Xavier Ivisic (delisted) and Patrick Retschko (Richmond Tigers) this off-season.
