There’s something special about watching a Geelong Cats player walk up to the Brownlow Medal count stage, knowing they’ve just etched their name into AFL history. For Cats fans, the Brownlow isn’t just a medal—it’s a snapshot of greatness, a moment when individual brilliance meets team success. Over the decades, Geelong has produced some of the most memorable Brownlow Medalists in the Australian Football League, each with a unique story that reflects the club’s culture, resilience, and championship pedigree.
Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or new to the Cats, understanding these Brownlow winners gives you a deeper appreciation for what makes Geelong tick. Let’s dive into every Geelong Cats Brownlow Medalist and uncover the stories behind the votes.
The Early Legends: Building a Brownlow Tradition
Before Geelong became the powerhouse we know today, the club had players who set the standard. The first Cats player to claim the Brownlow Medal was Edward “Carji” Greeves in 1924—and his story is pure folklore.
Carji Greeves: The First Cat to Win
Greeves won the inaugural Brownlow Medal in 1924, back when the award was still finding its feet. He was a rover—think of him as a midfield general before the term existed—who could read the play like no one else. What makes his story remarkable is that he played in an era when the game was brutal, with minimal protective gear and a ball that felt like a brick. Greeves’ win put Geelong on the map and showed that the Cats could produce champions.
Fun fact: Greeves’ nickname “Carji” came from a local character, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in Geelong history. His legacy lives on in the club’s Hall of Fame.
Bernie Smith: The 1951 Champion
Fast forward to 1951, and Bernie Smith became Geelong’s second Brownlow Medalist. Smith was a tough, hard-running defender who could turn defense into attack in a heartbeat. He played in an era when Geelong was building toward its 1951 and 1952 premierships, and his Brownlow win was a testament to his consistency. Smith’s story is one of grit—he wasn’t the flashiest player, but he was the most reliable. He’d often be the one to shut down the opposition’s best forward while still racking up possessions himself.
The Golden Era: Brownlow Winners in the 1960s and 1970s
The 1960s and 1970s were transformative for Geelong, and the Brownlow Medalists from this period reflect the club’s growing ambition.
Alistair Lord: The 1962 Surprise
Alistair Lord won the Brownlow in 1962, and his story is one of unexpected glory. Lord was a half-forward flanker who wasn’t considered a superstar before the count—but his consistent performances throughout the season caught the umpires’ eyes. He was known for his precise kicking and ability to read the ball off the pack. Lord’s win was a shock to many, but it showed that Geelong had depth and talent across the board.
Polly Farmer: The Ruck Revolutionary
If you know anything about Geelong history, you know Polly Farmer. He won the Brownlow in 1963, and he wasn’t just a winner—he was a game-changer. Farmer revolutionized ruck work with his tap work and handball skills, turning the position into an art form. He was the first Indigenous player to win the Brownlow, and his impact on the AFL cannot be overstated. Farmer’s story is about breaking barriers and redefining what a ruckman could do. For Geelong, he was the catalyst for a more dynamic style of play.
Gary Ablett Sr.: The 1989 MVP
Gary Ablett Sr. won the Brownlow in 1989, and his story is the stuff of legend. Ablett Sr. was a forward who could do things no one else could—high-flying marks, impossible goals, and a presence that terrified defenders. His 1989 season was one of the greatest individual campaigns in AFL history, and his Brownlow win was a coronation. But here’s the thing: Ablett Sr. wasn’t just a goal-kicker. He was a complete player who could push up the ground and influence games. His win cemented Geelong’s reputation as a club that produced superstars.
The Modern Masters: Brownlow Winners in the 2000s and Beyond
The modern era has been Geelong’s golden age, with multiple Brownlow Medalists reflecting the club’s sustained success.
Jimmy Bartel: The 2007 Champion
Jimmy Bartel won the Brownlow in 2007, and his story is one of versatility and team-first mentality. Bartel was a midfielder who could also play forward or back, and his 2007 season was a masterclass in consistency. He polled 29 votes, winning by a comfortable margin, and his win came during Geelong’s dominant 2007 premiership season. Bartel’s story is about being the glue that held the team together—he wasn’t the flashiest player, but he was the most important.
Key moment: Bartel’s Brownlow win was celebrated as a team achievement because he was the engine room of a side that would go on to win three premierships in five years.
Gary Ablett Jr.: The 2009 and 2013 Double
Gary Ablett Jr. is the only Geelong player to win multiple Brownlow Medals, taking home the award in 2009 and 2013. His story is one of legacy—he followed in his father’s footsteps but carved his own path. Ablett Jr. was a midfielder with sublime skills, incredible acceleration, and a football IQ that was off the charts. His 2009 win came during Geelong’s back-to-back premiership years, and his 2013 win was a testament to his individual brilliance even after he moved to Gold Coast.
Interesting note: Ablett Jr.’s 2013 win was the first time a player had won the Brownlow while playing for a different club than their previous win. It showed that his talent transcended team colors.
Patrick Dangerfield: The 2016 Dominator
Patrick Dangerfield won the Brownlow in 2016, and his story is about taking the AFL by storm. Dangerfield joined Geelong at the end of 2015, and in his first season with the Cats, he produced one of the greatest individual seasons ever. He polled 35 votes—the equal-highest total in Brownlow history at the time—and his win was a statement that Geelong was back in premiership contention. Dangerfield’s story is about impact: he didn’t just win the Brownlow; he transformed the entire team’s fortunes.
What makes it special: Dangerfield’s 2016 season included 10 best-on-ground performances, and his ability to break tackles and kick goals from the midfield made him unstoppable.
Patrick Dangerfield (Again): The 2020 Co-Winner
In 2020, Dangerfield shared the Brownlow with Lachie Neale of the Brisbane Lions, becoming the first Geelong player to win the award twice (joining Ablett Jr.). His story in 2020 was about resilience—the season was shortened due to COVID-19, and Dangerfield played through injuries to still produce elite performances. His co-win showed that even in a disrupted season, his class shone through.
What These Brownlow Winners Tell Us About Geelong
Looking at the list of Geelong Cats Brownlow Medalists, a few themes emerge:
Consistency Over Flashiness
Many of Geelong’s winners—like Bernie Smith, Jimmy Bartel, and even Patrick Dangerfield—were known for their consistency rather than just highlight-reel moments. The Cats have always valued players who show up week after week, and the Brownlow reflects that.
Team Success Often Follows
While the Brownlow is an individual award, most of Geelong’s winners were part of successful teams. Carji Greeves won during a strong era, Polly Farmer helped build a dynasty, and Jimmy Bartel and Gary Ablett Jr. were key figures in the 2007-2011 premiership run. The Brownlow Medalists are often the tip of the spear for Geelong’s AFL Premiership success.
The Cattery Connection
Kardinia Park—or GMHBA Stadium, as it’s now known—has been the backdrop for many of these Brownlow-winning seasons. The home ground advantage at the Cattery has helped players like Dangerfield and Bartel put up the numbers that earn votes. The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has only enhanced that, making the venue one of the toughest places for opponents to visit.
Practical Tips for Understanding Brownlow Voting
If you’re new to the Brownlow Medal, here’s how to follow the count like a pro:
- Focus on midfielders: The Brownlow tends to favor midfielders because they get more touches and influence games more consistently. Forwards and defenders have won, but it’s rare.
- Watch for consistency: Players who poll well are often those who are best-on-ground multiple times. One great game isn’t enough—you need a string of them.
- Look at team success: Players from top-four teams often get more votes because umpires see them in high-stakes games. Geelong’s Brownlow winners have almost always come from strong Cats sides.
- Check the round-by-round leaderboard: During the count, follow the live updates to see how your favorite Cat is tracking. The tension builds with every round.
The Future: Who Could Be Next?
As we look toward the 2025 AFL Season, Geelong has several players who could join this elite list. Tom Hawkins has come close but hasn’t won—his consistency as a forward is remarkable, but the Brownlow often favors mids. Joel Selwood was a perennial contender but never won, which is a testament to how tough the award is. Younger players like Max Holmes or Tanner Bruhn could emerge as future contenders if they develop into elite midfielders.
The AFL Draft continues to bring talent to the Cats, and with Chris Scott at the helm, the team’s system is designed to produce stars. Don’t be surprised if a new name joins the Brownlow winners list in the coming years.
Conclusion: Celebrate the Legacy
The Geelong Cats Brownlow Medalists are more than just names on a trophy—they’re stories of grit, brilliance, and loyalty. From Carji Greeves in 1924 to Patrick Dangerfield in 2020, each winner has added a chapter to the club’s rich history. Whether you’re watching from the stands at Kardinia Park or following from home, understanding these stories makes every Cats game more meaningful.
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The next Brownlow count is coming, and you never know—a Geelong Cat might just be walking up to claim the medal. Stay tuned, and go Cats!
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