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Geelong father-son Oscar Brownless delisted, Dogs finally sign Roarke Smith, Josh Fraser returns to Pies

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
Oscar Brownless has been delisted for a second time.
Camera IconOscar Brownless has been delisted for a second time. Credit: Dylan Burns/via AFL Photos

Oscar Brownless, the son of Geelong great Billy Brownless, has officially been delisted for the second time by the Cats.

Brownless had spent three seasons on the Cats list, after arriving as a father-son pick back in the 2018 Draft, but failed to play a senior game.

He didn’t to travel with the Cats squad to Perth late this season; instead he remained home in Victoria after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.

The 21-year-old managed 27 VFL games for Geelong in his three seasons at the club.

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He finished runner-up in the Cats VFL best and fairest after averaging 22 possessions in a side that finished top four.

In a statement, Geelong footy boss Simon Lloyd thanked Brownless for his contribution to the club.

“Oscar’s warmth, positivity and professional attitude saw him form many strong relationships over his three years at Geelong.

Oscar Brownless tussles with his skipper Joel Selwood at training.
Camera IconOscar Brownless tussles with his skipper Joel Selwood at training. Credit: Daniel Pockett/via AFL Photos

“We look forward to seeing him succeed in his future endeavours.”

It’s the second time Brownless has been cut from the Cats list in his short AFL career.

At the end of 2019, Brownless was delisted before being re-signed as a rookie.

His dad Billy, dubbed the ‘King of Geelong’, played 198 games for the club and kicked 441 goals during his 11-year career.

SMITH SIGNS ON

After seven consecutive rookie deals, Roarke Smith has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the Western Bulldogs until at least the end of 2023.

The 25-year-old played 14 games this season, including all four finals, and kicked the first goal of the AFL Grand Final at Optus Stadium.

Bulldogs list manager Sam Power said the club was excited to see Smith’s deal upgraded.

Roarke Smith’s run of rookie deals is finally over.
Camera IconRoarke Smith’s run of rookie deals is finally over. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

“Having Roarke locked in for another two seasons is great, not only for the Club but also for him and his own development,” Power said.

“His athleticism and versatility are key strengths of his game, while his team-first approach is commendable. We see him as an important part of our future.

FRASER IS BACK IN BLACK (AND WHITE)

Josh Fraser has joined Collingwood as the new Head of Academy.

The 39-year-old spent 11 years at the Pies between 2000 and 2010, playing 200 games.

But after a move to the Gold Coast, the former ruckman moved into coaching.

He will depart his role as Northern Bullants coach in the VFL to return to Collingwood.

“It’s a thrill to be back,” Fraser said.

Josh Fraser is heading back to the Pies.
Camera IconJosh Fraser is heading back to the Pies. Credit: Michael Dodge/AFL Photos

“Obviously, a part of me has always been remained with Collingwood. So, returning is exciting. But the professional challenge is what I’m most excited about.

“To help build and mould a new squad under the guidance of Craig McRae and the team is a wonderful opportunity.”

Pies footy boss Graham Wright said the club was thrilled to welcome Fraser back.

“The skills Josh has as a coach and teacher of the game really complement what we want to do,” Collingwood GM of Football, Graham Wright, said.

“He is a worldy football person, someone who has lived the game from just about every angle and is able to relate that back to his teaching of the game.”

Fraser is the latest coach to join Craig McRae’s new-look line up.

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