Premiership Cat leaving AFL door ajar

Former Geelong defender Jed Bews has left the door open to an AFL comeback with West Coast after agreeing to join the Eagles’ WAFL side for 2027.

The 175-game defender, who played in the Cats’ 2022 premiership, said he would welcome an opportunity to return to the top level if the Eagles needed his experience.

“I’d be happy to. I’m not sure on the rulings and all that, but if something opened and there’s a spot there and they need it filled, I’d be more than happy to jump in and give it a red-hot crack,” Bews said on SENWA Breakfast.

However, the Geelong life member confirmed his discussions with West Coast had centred only on playing WAFL football, with no talks about joining the AFL list.

Bews said the move West was partly driven by his partner, who has been living in Perth, and partly by a desire for a fresh start after spending his entire football career at Geelong.

“I’ve been in Geelong, I guess, my whole life and was kind of ready for a little bit of change, a bit of forced change in the end, but still ready for it,” he said.

The 32-year-old said his departure from the Cats had not come as a surprise, revealing he had expected his AFL career to end a year earlier than it did.

“Last year I’d already packed up my locker. I thought, I’ll just get ahead of the game and pack that up and get ready,” he said.

West Coast assistant coach Mitch Duncan, a former Geelong teammate, helped generate interest in bringing Bews to the Eagles’ WAFL side, while fellow former Cat Harry Taylor played a part in making Western Australia an attractive destination.

Bews believes his body remains in good shape and that he has another couple of years of football in him.

He is also keen to share his experience with West Coast’s developing players, particularly the club’s smaller defenders.

“I’m happy to come and help some of the small defenders, even the small forwards if they want some defence on them at different times during the year,” he said.

For now, his focus is firmly on making an impact at WAFL level, but the veteran has made it clear he would not turn down another chance to play AFL football.

Listen to the full chat with Bews below: