How delisted Geelong premiership player ended up in the WAFL

After eight years in the AFL, Brandan Parfitt has found himself in Western Australia suiting up for the 2025 WAFL season.

The 26-year-old, who played in Geelong’s 2022 premiership, was delisted by the Cats last September after 130 games in the blue and white hoops.

Parfitt recently spent time playing in Darwin with hometown club Nightcliff in the NTFL, but has made his way west to continue his career with the Perth Demons.

He says he was attempting to continue his AFL career after his Geelong departure so made sure to keep himself in good nick.

“I was trying to get back on an AFL list when I got let go by the Cats,” he said on SEN WA’s The Run Home.

“I spent a bit of time back in Darwin and this opportunity popped up. I was able to come over here and do a bit of work for a foundation, doing some youth mentoring stuff.

“I’ll get to play with a few of my mates that I played at the Cats with at the Perth Demons as well. I’ve stayed pretty fit and we’ll see what happens throughout the year.”

With a plethora of state league clubs to choose from, Parfitt says the presence of former Cats colleagues Charlie Constable, Sam Simpson and Blake Schlensog helped make his decision.

The fact his former North Adelaide development coach Brad Dodd is Perth’s GM of footy was the icing on the cake.

“I was going through the process of what’s next and the different state leagues on offering what my plans are,” Parfitt added.

“I’m really close with Charlie Constable who is the captain of the Perth Demons, and Sam Simpson and Blake Schlensog, ex-Cats players.

“I had a lot to do with Brad Dodd. When I was in Adelaide he was my development coach. He’s the GM at Perth, so there was a bit of a connection there.

“To be honest I always loved Perth and I thought why not try my luck in the WAFL and see what happens.”

Parfitt says putting himself in the shop window for another crack at the AFL is always in the back of his mind, however, he simply plans to enjoy his footy with the Demons in 2025.

“Yeah, I’d love to,” said Parfitt when asked if he still harbours AFL ambitions.

“I’ve kept myself pretty fit and strong to have a crack at it. I’m still 26 and I’d like to be fit enough and strong enough and if the opportunity arose I’d be ready.

“At the same time I just want to enjoy football and see where the season takes me.”

Listen to Parfitt on his WAFL move and his thoughts on the 2025 Geelong side below: