Decorated young duo Georgia Patrikios and Caitlin Greiser have each signed contract extensions to tie them to the red, white and black for another two seasons.
The re-signing comes off the back their magnificent debut campaigns, which saw the pair accumulate a wealth of recognition and league-wide honours by season’s end.
Greiser earned All-Australian selection and took out the AFLW Leading Goalkicker Award, while Patrikios was named in the All-Australian squad and was voted as the AFLPA’s Best First-Year Player.
Both were selected in the AFLPA 22Under22 team, were nominated for the 2020 NAB Rising Star and remain frontrunners for St Kilda’s inaugural best-and-fairest, the date of which is yet to be confirmed.
Head of Women’s Football Jamie Cox said the club was overjoyed to have the shining duo ink a contract extension with the club.
“It’s a great sign for the Club to have Caitlin and Georgia recommit to the Saints for another two years,” Cox said.
“From the six games they each played in their debut season, it’s evident how much pleasure and joy they bring to footy fans.
“Like all of our girls, we are proud to have them in our colours and excited to see what comes next.”
The pair follow exciting youngsters Olivia Vesely, Molly McDonald, Nicola Xenos and Tarni White in extending their stays at RSEA Park by two years.
Patrikios, taken at pick No. 5 in last year’s Women’s Draft, said she was “honoured” to put pen to paper and be part of St Kilda’s future.
“I’m really honoured to be offered a two-year contract and knowing they want me involved at the club,” Patrikios said.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity the coaches gave me during this season and I’m looking to build on it and continue to have an impact for the next two years.
“When I came to the club, straight away, not only myself, but my family also felt very welcome, so that was really important for me.
The 19-year-old was keen to line up with Greiser again in Season 2021.
“G-Train’s an absolutely superstar, when you look into the forward you know she’s always there and she’s just an all-round really great person,” Patrikios said.
“To have her there for another for another two years is really going to set us up for great success moving forward.”
Greiser said she was “still in shock” she’d been re-signed, but was thrilled to continue her journey at St Kilda.
“Everything happening this year and how we did as a team has been a bit surreal, but I’m so grateful that I’ve been offered a two-year contract,” Greiser said.
“To be re-signed with GP too, you can’t say anything bad about her, so it’s great to play with her and she’ll be really good for the women’s game, but especially at the Saints.”
The All-Australian full forward was also eager to get back in the action for Season 2021, whatever shape it may take.
“It’s a bit nerve-wracking with every going on at the moment, but it’s good to know we’ve got dates set and if we get the chance to play, it’d be awesome to get the fans back to watch us,” Greiser said.
“I love the Saints fans, they get around us a lot, so I can’t wait to get out there next year and be able to play for them.
“I love this club and I can’t see myself playing anywhere else."
St Kilda’s future re-signings will be confirmed in the coming days.
