Rene Caris' believes her Geelong AFLW side are looking fitter and stronger ahead of 2022 season opener

The Cats have a big test in front of them when they get their season underway against a formidable North Melbourne on Saturday.

Caris, who played a career-high five games in 2021, is keen to start the season and said her side is in good shape ahead of the season opener.

READ MORE:

"We're looking certainly a lot better than last year," Caris said.

"There's been a lot of changes at the club; they've implemented a lot of procedures and that sort of thing, so we've got a new running coach -we've got Olympic strength and Olympic running coaches.

"I think we're probably fitter than we've ever been and as strong as we've ever been."

Superior fitness will be an asset to any side in 2022, as the season starts earlier in summer rather than its traditional late January/early February start.

On paper, though, the Cats will be boosted by the return of star midfielder Nina Morrison and the inclusion of highly-touted number-two draft pick Georgie Prespakis.

Prespakis, like her star older sister Maddy at Carlton, will be hoping to make an immediate impact in the Cats' midfield. The Cats also drafted Gabbi Featherston, Zali Friswell and Annabel Johnson in 2021.

"We've got a lot of young girls to come in, they're all fresh 18-year-olds so it's pretty amazing just how good they are already and they only have one preseason under their belt," Caris said.

"She's going to be a very exciting player to watch Georgie."

With nine career games to her name, Caris aims to cement her spot in 2022, whether in the ruck or another position.

"(I'm hoping) Just to get in as many games as I can and get up as much experience as possible," she said.

"Hopefully, we can have some success off that as well.

MORE NEWS:

"I've been training a bit in the forward line as well this year. I think they want us to just be a bit more versatile, so a lot of us have been moving around a little bit."

Unfortunately, Caris won't get the opportunity (in the regular season) to face her sister Maggie at the highest level after Maggie's Demons weren't fixtured to play the Cats.

"Funny enough Geelong have never played Melbourne and once again we don't," Caris laughed.

"I don't know how the draws ended up like that for the last years but it just keeps happening."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: