The 2020 AFL season stands as one of the most extraordinary campaigns in Australian Football League history. For the Geelong Cats, this unprecedented year—defined by the league-wide relocation to hub environments due to the global pandemic—presented both formidable challenges and unique opportunities. This article provides a practical checklist and how-to guide for understanding and analyzing the Cats’ 2020 season. By following these steps, you will gain a comprehensive perspective on how Geelong navigated the hub year, from preseason preparations to the final siren of the Grand Final. Whether you are a long-time supporter or a newer follower of the club, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to assess the season’s key milestones, player performances, and strategic decisions that shaped the Cats’ campaign.

Prerequisites / What You Need

Before proceeding with this guide, ensure you have the following foundational knowledge and resources:

Basic Understanding of AFL Rules: Familiarity with the scoring system, positions, and match structure is essential.
Access to Match Records: Historical data from the 2020 season, including fixture lists, results, and player statistics, can be found on the official AFL website or through the Geelong Cats’ archives.
Knowledge of Key Personnel: Recognize the roles of Chris Scott as Geelong coach, and key players such as Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood, and Tom Hawkins.
Context on the Hub System: Understand that the 2020 season involved teams relocating to designated hub cities (e.g., Queensland) to minimize COVID-19 transmission risks.
Familiarity with Geelong’s Home Ground: Kardinia Park (also known as GMHBA Stadium) served as the Cats’ traditional base, though matches were played elsewhere during the hub period.
Access to Season Previews and Reviews: Refer to resources like the Geelong Cats Insider’s /championship-history page for broader club context and /2019-season-review for comparisons with the prior year.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Review the Preseason Context and Club Milestones

Begin by examining the lead-up to the 2020 season. The AFL competition announced a shortened 17-round fixture (reduced from 22) due to the pandemic, with matches commencing in June after a delayed start. For the Cats, this meant adapting to a compressed timeline and the absence of traditional preseason matches. Key milestones to note include:

The appointment of Joel Selwood as former captain, entering his 14th season with the club.
Patrick Dangerfield’s continued leadership as a midfield powerhouse, coming off a strong 2019 campaign.
Tom Hawkins’ role as the primary forward target, having kicked 48 goals in the previous season.
The integration of younger players from the AFL Draft, with the Cats having selected several promising prospects in the 2019 national draft.

Review the club’s official announcements and media releases from March to May 2020 to understand how the coaching staff, led by Chris Scott, prepared for the uncertainties of the hub year. This step sets the stage for evaluating performance under duress.

Step 2: Analyze the Fixture and Hub Location Challenges

The 2020 season saw teams placed in hubs to minimize travel and exposure risks. Geelong was initially based in Queensland, with matches played at neutral venues such as the Gabba and Metricon Stadium. To analyze this phase:

List the Cats’ first five matches, noting opponents, venues, and results. For example, Geelong defeated the Gold Coast Suns in Round 2 (their first match) and later faced the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.
Assess the impact of playing away from Kardinia Park. The Cats’ home ground advantage was nullified, as no matches were held at GMHBA Stadium during the hub period.
Consider the psychological toll of prolonged isolation. Players and staff were separated from families for weeks, which may have affected morale and consistency.

Cross-reference these factors with the team’s win-loss record. The Cats finished the home-and-away season with a 12-5 record, securing a top-four finish. This step highlights the resilience required to succeed without traditional home support.

Step 3: Evaluate Key Player Performances and Statistics

Dive into individual contributions that defined the 2020 season. Focus on the following players and metrics:

Patrick Dangerfield: Averaged 23.6 disposals and 4.6 clearances per game, earning All-Australian selection. His midfield dominance was critical, but note any periods of reduced impact due to injury (he missed two matches with a hamstring issue).
Joel Selwood: Despite being in his 14th season, Selwood averaged 21.1 disposals and 5.2 tackles, demonstrating leadership in the absence of a home crowd. His ability to inspire younger players was a key narrative.
Tom Hawkins: Kicked 38 goals for the season, including a remarkable 5-goal performance against the Sydney Swans in Round 10. Hawkins’ marking and set-shot accuracy were vital in close contests.
Defensive Unit: The Cats conceded the fewest points per game (62.4), thanks to the efforts of defenders like Mark Blicavs and Jake Kolodjashnij. This defensive solidity was a cornerstone of their success.

Use statistical databases (e.g., AFL Tables) to compare these numbers with career averages. This step reveals how players adapted to the hub environment.

Step 4: Examine Tactical Adjustments by Chris Scott

Chris Scott’s coaching strategy underwent significant evolution during the hub year. To understand his approach:

Review the team’s game style, which emphasized a high-pressure defensive system and efficient ball movement. The Cats ranked first in tackles per game (67.3) and second in disposal efficiency (74.5%).
Analyze the use of the interchange bench. With shorter quarters (16 minutes plus time-on, reduced from 20 minutes), rotations were managed carefully to maintain intensity. Scott often used six forwards and six defenders in a fluid structure.
Note the deployment of Patrick Dangerfield in forward bursts, a tactic that allowed him to rest while still contributing goals. This dual role added unpredictability to the Cats’ attack.

Compare these tactics to the 2019 season, as documented in the /2019-season-review, to identify specific adjustments made for the hub year.

Step 5: Assess the Team’s Path Through the AFL Finals Series

The Cats entered the AFL Finals Series as minor premiers after finishing first on the ladder. The postseason comprised four matches:

Qualifying Final: Geelong defeated the Brisbane Lions by 31 points at the Gabba, with Tom Hawkins kicking 4 goals.
Preliminary Final: The Cats faced the Port Adelaide Power at Adelaide Oval, winning by 16 points in a tense contest. Patrick Dangerfield’s 28-disposal performance was pivotal.
Grand Final: The Cats met the Richmond Tigers in the AFL Grand Final at the Gabba. Despite a strong start, Geelong lost by 31 points (12.9 to 7.4), with Richmond’s pressure proving decisive.

For each match, evaluate factors such as:

Turnovers and contested possession counts.
Individual errors (e.g., Joel Selwood’s uncharacteristic fumbles in the Grand Final).
The impact of neutral venues on crowd dynamics (no fans were present due to COVID-19 restrictions).

This step culminates in understanding why the Cats fell short of the AFL Premiership.

Step 6: Reflect on Post-Season Developments and Club Milestones

After the season, the Cats undertook several key actions:

AFL Draft: Geelong held picks 13 and 17 in the 2020 national draft, selecting players like Max Holmes and Tanner Bruhn. These additions aimed to inject youth into the list.
List Changes: Several veterans retired or were delisted, including Gary Ablett Jr. (who retired after the Grand Final) and Harry Taylor. The club also traded for Jeremy Cameron from the GWS Giants, a move that reshaped the forward line.
Kardinia Park Redevelopment: The stadium upgrade continued, with plans for increased seating and improved facilities. This long-term project remained unaffected by the season’s disruptions.

Review the club’s official website or the /2022-premiership page to see how these moves laid the groundwork for future success.

Pro Tips / Common Mistakes

Pro Tips

Focus on Context: When analyzing the 2020 season, always consider the pandemic’s broader impact. The hub environment was unprecedented, so comparisons with other seasons should account for these unique conditions.
Use Multiple Sources: Combine match reports, player interviews, and statistical analysis. For example, the Geelong Cats Insider’s /championship-history page provides historical context that enriches your understanding.
Track Player Development: Note how younger players like Gryan Miers and Tom Atkins performed under pressure. Their growth was a silver lining in a challenging season.
Watch Full Matches: If possible, view replays of key games (e.g., the Preliminary Final) to observe tactical nuances that statistics may miss.

Common Mistakes

Overlooking Defense: Many analysts focus on attacking stars like Tom Hawkins, but the Cats’ defensive system was their true strength in 2020. Ignoring this can lead to an incomplete assessment.
Comparing Directly to Other Seasons: The 2020 season had shorter quarters and a condensed fixture. Avoid drawing direct statistical comparisons without adjusting for these variables.
Dismissing the Grand Final Loss: While the Cats fell short, their journey to the premiership decider was remarkable. Do not let the final result overshadow the season’s achievements.
Neglecting the Hub’s Psychological Toll: Players faced isolation and uncertainty. Acknowledging this human element adds depth to your analysis.

Checklist Summary

Review preseason context and club milestones (e.g., Joel Selwood’s leadership, Patrick Dangerfield’s form).
Analyze the fixture and hub location challenges (e.g., neutral venues, absence of Kardinia Park).
Evaluate key player performances (e.g., Tom Hawkins’ goal tally, defensive stats).
Examine tactical adjustments by Chris Scott (e.g., defensive pressure, rotation management).
Assess the team’s path through the AFL Finals Series (e.g., Qualifying Final win, Grand Final loss).
Reflect on post-season developments (e.g., AFL Draft, list changes, Kardinia Park Redevelopment).
Cross-reference with club history (e.g., /2019-season-review, /2022-premiership, /championship-history).
Document key takeaways for future analysis (e.g., lessons learned from hub adaptation).

By following this checklist, you will have a thorough understanding of the Geelong Cats’ 2020 season—a year that tested the club’s resilience and set the stage for future campaigns. For further reading, explore the /championship-history page to see how this season fits into the Cats’ storied legacy.

2020 Season Preview: The Hub Year