Cats cut three including father-son, GF forward
Geelong’s Sam Simpson, Cooper Whyte and Osca Riccardi have been informed they will not be offered contracts for next season
GEELONG has delisted 2020 Grand Final player Sam Simpson as well young duo Cooper Whyte and Osca Riccardi.
Simpson played three finals for the Cats in 2020, including the loss to Richmond in the Grand Final, and managed six games this year having joined the club in 2017.
Whyte, drafted in 2021, played his only senior game as the sub against Carlton in round two this year while Riccardi, the son of former Cat Peter, didn’t play a senior game after being drafted last year.
The delistings follows that of midfielder Sam Menegola as well as the retirements of Isaac Smith and Jon Ceglar.
“All three players have been great teammates who are well respected and have lived the Geelong values during their time at the Club,” Geelong list boss Andrew Mackie said.
“We thank Sam, Cooper, and Osca for their efforts over their time at Geelong and wish them every success in the future. The Club will continue to support them on and off the field.
Geelong has delisted three players following the conclusion of their 2023 season, with Sam Simpson among the trio.
Simpson played a total of 25 games in the hoops during a stint that has been heavily influenced by injuries.
The 25-year-old played in the 2020 Grand Final, an indication of how highly he was rated internally, but being limited to six appearances in 2023 has cruelled his chances of a new deal.
He was the Cats’ last re-signing in 2022 after three games that season and has been at Geelong since 2016.
Simpson is joined by Cooper Whyte and Osca Riccardi, who also won’t have their contracts renewed beyond this year.
Whyte was taken at pick 64 in the 2021 National Draft and debuted earlier this year, while Riccardi departs the Cattery without a senior appearance.
In a club statement, list manager Andrew Mackie offered a small statement thanking the trio.
“All three players have been great teammates who are well respected and have lived the Geelong values during their time at the Club,” Mackie stated.
“We thank Sam, Cooper, and Osca for their efforts over their time at Geelong and wish them every success in the future. The Club will continue to support them on and off the
