'I can get back to my best': Ridley banking on Cats' track record to revive career

Jordan Ridley is banking on Geelong getting his body right after a frustrating run with injuries

INJURY-PLAGUED defender Jordan Ridley has crossed from Essendon to Geelong and has high hopes the Cats can get his body right after just 26 games across the past three seasons.

After being denied a trade last year, 27-year-old Ridley got his wish for a fresh start after Essendon and Geelong agreed to a deal on Wednesday.

Geelong gave up utility Jack Bowes, a 2027 first-round pick and 2028 second-round pick to acquire Ridley.

Ridley, who was signed with Essendon until the end of 2029, arrives at the Cattery after a torrid run with injuries in recent season.

The intercepting defender won Essendon's best and fairest in 2020 and was selected in the 40-man All-Australian squad that season.

Ridley was confident he could get his body right at Geelong and return to his best.

"They have a really good history of getting guys in my position back," he told Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio.

"You've seen what they've done with Jack Martin over the last couple of years.

"I really feel like I've still got a way to go in terms of improvement in my football. I've only played 111 games - I think I've still got a lot of footy ahead of me. I'm really confident that if I can get my body right, I can get back to my best."

At 28, Bowes joins his third AFL club after he was drafted by Gold Coast with pick No.10 in 2016.

The 152-gamer was a regular in Geelong's side across his first three seasons and played in their 47-point loss to Brisbane in the 2025 grand final.

But he fell out of coach Chris Scott's favour this season, featuring in just nine AFL games.