Sport
27 February, 2026
Maryborough local ruckman Taj Bond earns VFL contract with the Geelong Cats
The Geelong Cats have recently added a Maryborough weapon to their VFL list, who’s ready to boost their ruck attack ahead of their 2026 campaign. His name is Bond, Taj Bond.
Fresh off an incredible season with Redan in the Ballarat Football Netball League and an impressive preseason at the Cattery, the Maryborough product is within touching distance of his childhood dream after earning a spot on Geelong’s VFL list.
It’s a landmark moment in the ascending career of the towering ruckman, who’s been one of the most promising local sporting prospects in recent years.
After working through the junior ranks predominantly as a Maryborough Magpie, Bond burst into the Magpies senior team in 2023 and became a regular for the Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League.
Despite not being picked in the 2024 AFL Draft following his final season at the Pioneers, Bond’s fire to reach the sport’s pinnacle was scolding, resulting in a breakout season with Redan in 2025.
“There was a bit of doubt (after not being drafted), but then when I had a full preseason with Redan and then played a full season there, it really put my face out there,” Bond said.
“Redan pushed me the whole year, and I was consistently playing week in and week out.”
Playing in all 18 games, Bond was more than just a ruckman for the Lions last season, leading the team in goals (36), marks (90) and hitouts (68) while also being second in score involvements (28) and third in ranking points (1552).
Knowing the talent Bond possessed, Redan reached out to Geelong about welcoming the ruckman to join the Cats during preseason.
After accepting the invitation, it didn’t take long for the 20-year-old to leave an impression.
“Geelong gave me a call back in September, and they said if I wanted to do a preseason with them before Christmas,” Bond said.
“I ended up heading down there at the start of November for a eight training sessions in a four-week block before Christmas.
“We were at GMHBA Stadium on Wednesday, and after training, the two coaches said to me they would like to offer me a contract, which I was a bit shocked about.
“It was only my second week, but I guess when you are pushing yourself at training, it all pays off in the end.
“I had to drive all the way back to Maryborough, so I was pretty happy the whole way back home.
“I’ve always thrived to push for the VFL and AFL, and now I’m on the VFL list, that’s the next step to where I want to be.”
Bond has a familiar face in his new surroundings, with Redan teammate Rory Gunsser joining Bond on the VFL list after a sensational season marshalling the Lions’ defence in 2025.
While the AFL affiliate begins its season next Friday against the Gold Coast Suns as part of opening round, Bond and Gunsser are still in the midst of preseason preparations.
Playing their first official preseason encounter against Carlton last Wednesday, Geelong will open its VFL season against Essendon on March 20.
As a new voyage is set to commence, Bond said he won’t be shaken or stirred, keen to showcase his skills after a formative preseason with any opportunity presented.
“We recently had an intraclub match and they didn’t take me off and let me play the whole game out,” he said.
“Having the intraclub matches and getting around all of the boys and playing against them was pretty special, and it was at GMHBA Stadium, so that was even better.
“I’m just going to go week by week and hopefully get through the games and just wait and see what happens.”