Geelong have revealed why they made the “tough decision” to delist the son of club legend Billy Brownless.
Oscar Brownless arrived at the Cats as a father-son selection via pick 74 in the 2018 national draft but never broke through for a senior game, instead mustering 27 appearances in the VFL.
The 2021 VFL season saw Brownless average 22 disposals per match and finish runner-up in the best and fairest, but that wasn’t enough to convince the Geelong brains trust that the 21-year-old was worth being offered a new deal.
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The Cats’ long-time list guru, Stephen Wells, explained the call to delist Brownless on SEN radio.
“We just felt we were at a time where we needed to turn over the list a bit and take advantage of some opportunities we’ve got through the draft and perhaps even the rookie draft,” Wells said.
The list boss added that Brownless had had little luck during his time at the Cats.
“Whether it be Oscar or any of our other players, it’s very, very hard to make that decision. It’s the worst time of year when you’re telling players that they’re not getting a contract,” Wells said.
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“Oscar has had three years at the club. The last two years have been COVID-affected where he hasn’t had the opportunity to play as much footy as he possibly could in a normal circumstance and show his development and show where he could’ve gone with his footy.
“He’s now got a shoulder injury, as well, so we’re supporting Oscar as best we can.
“When we sat down with him the other day and said unfortunately he wasn’t getting a contract, we did really encourage him to not give up on his dream to be an AFL player, if that’s what he still wants to do.
“It can still go his way. Just because you’re getting delisted now after three years doesn’t mean he won’t get another opportunity in the future.”
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Wells had praise for Brownless’ attitude to footy.
“He’s got that character that, if he wants to put his mind to it, he’ll get the best out of himself,” Wells said.
“It was a tough decision.”
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