2009 Geelong Premiership: A Complete Championship History Checklist

The 2009 AFL Premiership stands as one of the most significant achievements in Geelong Cats history. After breaking a 44-year drought in 2007, the Cats returned to the grandest stage in 2009 to claim their second flag in three seasons—a feat that cemented this era as one of the greatest in Australian Football League history. This checklist will guide you through every essential chapter of that championship run, from the preseason buildup to the final siren at the MCG.

By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the 2009 premiership journey, including the key players, defining moments, statistical milestones, and the legacy it left for the Geelong Football Club. Whether you are a longtime supporter or a newer fan exploring the Cats' championship history, this checklist ensures you won't miss a single detail.

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Prerequisites / What You Need

Before diving into the 2009 premiership checklist, ensure you have the following:

• Access to match archives: The 2009 season is well-documented on the AFL's official website and various video platforms.
• A basic understanding of AFL rules: Familiarity with scoring, positions, and finals structure will enhance your appreciation.
• Club history context: Review the 2007 premiership for background on the Cats' resurgence under then-coach Mark Thompson.
• Player knowledge: Recognizing names like Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins, and Patrick Dangerfield (though Dangerfield joined later) will help contextualize the 2009 squad.
• A quiet space for reflection: This journey deserves your full attention.

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Step-by-Step Process: Tracing the 2009 Premiership Journey

Step 1: Understand the 2008 Hangover

The 2008 season ended in heartbreak for Geelong. After a record-breaking home-and-away campaign (21-1), the Cats entered the Grand Final as overwhelming favorites but were stunned by Hawthorn. This defeat—often called the "2008 Grand Final collapse"—fueled the 2009 campaign.

What to examine:

• The 2008 Grand Final loss (Hawthorn by 26 points)
• How the Cats responded in the 2009 preseason
• Media narratives about Geelong's "window closing"

This context is critical. The 2009 premiership was not just about winning—it was about redemption.

Step 3: Review the 2009 Home-and-Away Season

Geelong finished the 2009 regular season with an 18-4 record, securing the minor premiership. Key highlights include:

• Round 1: A dominant 66-point win over Hawthorn—a statement of intent.
• Round 9: A thrilling 5-point victory against St Kilda, who also finished 18-4.
• Round 22: A 51-point demolition of Collingwood, signaling finals readiness.

The Cats' percentage of 131.2 was the best in the AFL competition, underscoring their offensive firepower and defensive resilience.

What to track:

• The Cats' record against fellow top-four sides
• Individual milestones (e.g., Joel Selwood's emergence as a finals performer)
• The team's scoring patterns (Geelong averaged 107 points per game)

Step 4: Analyze the Finals Series Run

The 2009 AFL Finals Series featured three matches for Geelong:

Qualifying Final: Geelong defeated Collingwood by 73 points at the MCG. The Cats kicked 20 goals and showcased their trademark run-and-carry style.

Preliminary Final: A tense 7-point victory over the Western Bulldogs. This match tested Geelong's composure, with the Cats holding off a fierce Bulldogs challenge.

Grand Final: The ultimate test—a rematch against St Kilda, who had finished level on points with Geelong during the season.

Key takeaway: The Cats' finals campaign was defined by resilience. They faced quality opposition and rose to the occasion each time.

Step 5: Dissect the 2009 AFL Grand Final

The 2009 Grand Final is often described as one of the greatest deciders in AFL history. Played on September 26 at the MCG, Geelong defeated St Kilda by 12 points (12.8.80 to 9.14.68).

Critical moments:

• First quarter: St Kilda kicked five goals to one, establishing a 22-point lead.
• Second quarter: Geelong fought back, reducing the deficit to 7 points at halftime.
• Third quarter: The Cats took control, kicking four goals to two.
• Fourth quarter: A tense final term saw Geelong hold off St Kilda's surge, with Paul Chapman winning the Norm Smith Medal.

Player performances:

• Paul Chapman (Norm Smith Medal): 26 disposals, 3 goals
• Joel Selwood: 28 disposals, 1 goal
• Tom Hawkins: 2 goals in a breakout grand final performance
• Matthew Scarlett: Dominated in defense

What to study:

• The tactical battle between Mark Thompson and Ross Lyon
• Geelong's ability to absorb pressure and execute under fatigue
• The final 10 minutes, when St Kilda threw everything at the Cats

Step 6: Celebrate the Premiership Trophy and Club Milestones

The 2009 flag was Geelong's seventh VFL/AFL premiership and the second of the modern era. Key milestones associated with this championship include:

• Mark Thompson's second premiership as coach
• Joel Selwood's first premiership (he would go on to win four)
• Tom Hawkins' first flag (he now has three)
• The club's 150th anniversary season (Geelong was founded in 1859)

This premiership also solidified the Cats' reputation as a dynasty, with three grand final appearances in four years (2007, 2008, 2009).

Step 7: Connect to the Broader Championship History

The 2009 premiership is a cornerstone of Geelong's championship history. It sits between the 2007 flag (which broke the drought) and the 2011 flag (which completed the three-peat in four years).

How it fits:

• 2007: The drought-breaker
• 2009: The redemption flag
• 2011: The dynasty capstone

Understanding 2009 requires appreciating its place in this sequence. It was not the most dominant season (2007 holds that honor) nor the most dramatic (2011 was closer), but it was arguably the most significant for proving the Cats' sustained excellence.

Step 8: Recognize Key Figures Beyond the Players

The 2009 premiership was built by more than just the playing group. Acknowledge:

• Mark Thompson: The coach who guided the Cats through the 2008 trauma
• Brian Cook: The CEO who built the off-field culture
• The Kardinia Park redevelopment: Though later expanded, the facilities at GMHBA Stadium were already improving player development
• The Geelong VFL: The reserves program that fed talent into the senior side

These elements combined to create a sustainable success model.

Step 9: Explore the Legacy and Impact

The 2009 premiership had lasting effects on the club:

• Player recruitment: The Cats used the 2009 draft to secure future stars, including Daniel Menzel and Allen Christensen.
• Fan engagement: Membership surged past 40,000 for the first time.
• Cultural shift: Geelong was no longer a "country club" but a modern powerhouse.
• Brownlow Medal context: Gary Ablett Jr. won the 2009 Brownlow Medal, further cementing the Cats' star power.

This flag also set the stage for the 2011 premiership, with many of the same players returning for another title run.

Step 10: Compare to Other Eras

To fully appreciate 2009, compare it to other Geelong premierships:

• 2007: More dominant (won by 119 points)
• 2011: More dramatic (won by 38 points after trailing)
• 2022: More recent and built on a different core (Dangerfield, Hawkins, Selwood)

The 2009 flag is unique for its redemption narrative and the quality of the opposition (St Kilda was 20-2 before the grand final).

Step 11: Preserve the Memory

Finally, ensure the 2009 premiership remains alive in club lore:

• Watch the grand final replay annually
• Read player autobiographies (e.g., Joel Selwood's "All In")
• Visit Kardinia Park and see the premiership flags flying
• Share stories with younger fans who may not remember the era

The 2009 flag is not just history—it is a living part of Geelong's identity.

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Pro Tips / Common Mistakes

Pro Tips:

• Watch the 2009 Grand Final with a focus on the third quarter, where Geelong's midfield dominance (led by Joel Selwood and Gary Ablett Jr.) turned the game.
• Compare the 2008 and 2009 seasons side-by-side to understand how the Cats evolved tactically.
• Read match reports from the time to capture the emotional context—especially the "redemption" narrative.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Confusing 2009 with 2007: They are different premierships with different stories. 2009 was about resilience, not dominance.
• Overlooking St Kilda's quality: The Saints were a historically great team. Geelong's victory is more impressive when you appreciate the opponent.
• Ignoring the 2008 loss: You cannot understand 2009 without acknowledging the pain of 2008.
• Forgetting role players: While stars like Selwood and Hawkins shine, players like Max Rooke and David Wojcinski played crucial roles.

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Checklist Summary

Use this checklist to ensure you have covered every aspect of the 2009 Geelong Premiership:

• Understand the 2008 Grand Final loss and its emotional impact
• Review the 2009 home-and-away season (18-4 record, minor premiership)
• Analyze the finals series run (Qualifying Final, Preliminary Final, Grand Final)
• Dissect the 2009 AFL Grand Final (12-point win over St Kilda)
• Celebrate the premiership trophy and club milestones (7th flag, 150th anniversary)
• Connect to broader championship history (2007, 2011 context)
• Recognize key figures (Mark Thompson, Brian Cook, support staff)
• Explore legacy and impact (draft, membership, culture)
• Compare to other eras (2007, 2011, 2022)
• Preserve the memory through replays, reading, and sharing

The 2009 premiership is a masterclass in resilience, team culture, and high-stakes performance. By following this checklist, you will not only understand what happened—you will feel why it matters. For further exploration, dive into our championship history page, where you can compare the 2009 flag to the 2007 premiership and the 2011 premiership. You can also learn more about the stars of this era on our player profiles page and explore the individual accolades, including the Brownlow Medal winners from this golden period.

The 2009 Geelong Cats will forever be remembered as a team that refused to let one defeat define them. They turned heartbreak into history—and that is the mark of a true champion.