As the AFL competition prepares for another gripping chapter, the Geelong Cats stand at a fascinating crossroads. Coming off a season that tested their resilience and exposed vulnerabilities, the Cats enter 2024 with a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talent, all under the steady guidance of Coach Scott. For a club that has defined sustained success in the modern era, this season represents more than just another campaign—it is a statement of intent. Will Geelong reassert its dominance, or will the shifting tides of the AFL landscape demand a new approach? This comprehensive preview dissects every facet of the Cats' 2024 journey, from list management to tactical evolution, and what it means for the faithful at Kardinia Park.
The 2023 Aftermath: Lessons from a Transitional Year
The 2023 season did not end with the silverware that Geelong supporters have come to expect. After a historic AFL Premiership in 2022, the Cats faced the inevitable challenges of sustaining excellence. Injuries to key figures like Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins disrupted continuity, while the retirements of club legends—most notably Joel Selwood—left a leadership void that could not be filled overnight. The Cats finished outside the top four for the first time since 2015, bowing out of the AFL Finals Series in a qualifying final defeat that exposed defensive frailties and a midfield lacking its customary bite.
Yet, within that disappointment lies opportunity. Coach Chris Scott has long emphasized that adversity reveals character, and the 2024 Geelong Cats squad has absorbed those lessons. The emergence of younger players in the second half of 2023 provided a silver lining, and the club’s recruiting team has been active in the AFL Draft and trade period to address specific needs. The question now is whether the Cats can channel that experience into a sustained premiership push.
List Management: The Balancing Act of Experience and Youth
The Core of Champions
Geelong’s premiership window has remained open longer than most, thanks to a core group of veterans who continue to defy age. Tom Hawkins, now entering his 18th season, remains one of the competition’s most imposing forwards. While his goal output dipped slightly in 2023, his ability to bring teammates into the game and command double-team attention remains invaluable. The Cats have managed his workload carefully during the preseason, aiming to keep him fresh for the critical stretch.
Patrick Dangerfield is another whose influence transcends statistics. After a frustrating 2023 hampered by hamstring and calf issues, Dangerfield has committed to a modified training regimen designed to preserve his explosive power. When fit, he remains a Brownlow Medal-caliber midfielder capable of turning games single-handedly. The Cats will need him to play 18-20 games minimum to challenge for the AFL Premiership.
The Next Generation
The 2023 AFL Draft yielded promising returns for Geelong. With an emphasis on speed and ball-winning ability, the Cats selected midfielders who can rotate through the engine room and provide support for the aging stars. Tanner Bruhn, acquired in a trade from GWS, showed flashes of class in his first season at the Cattery and is expected to take a significant step forward. Similarly, Jhye Clark, a first-round pick in 2022, has bulked up during the offseason and is pushing for a regular spot in the 22.
The development of Oliver Dempsey, Max Holmes, and Sam De Koning will be crucial. Holmes, in particular, has the explosive speed and kicking ability to become an elite midfielder. If these young guns can provide consistent output, the Cats will possess the depth required to navigate the rigors of the AFL season.
Key Additions and Departures
- Ins: The Cats used the draft to add speed and class, selecting George Stevens (midfielder) and Connor O’Sullivan (key defender) in the first round. Both are expected to contribute in 2024, with O’Sullivan potentially filling a need for intercept marking.
- Outs: The retirement of Joel Selwood leaves a leadership gap that will be filled collectively. Esava Ratugolea was traded to Port Adelaide, and Brandon Parfitt sought more opportunities elsewhere. These departures open spots for younger players to stake their claim.
Tactical Evolution: What Chris Scott Must Adjust
Defensive Structure
One of the most glaring issues in 2023 was Geelong’s vulnerability to quick, direct ball movement. Opponents exploited the Cats’ high press, leaving space behind the defensive zone. Coach Chris Scott has spent the preseason refining the team’s defensive structure, emphasizing a more conservative approach when possession is lost. The addition of Connor O’Sullivan through the draft provides a tall, athletic intercept marker who can complement Sam De Koning in the backline.
The Cats will also rely on Tom Stewart to return to his All-Australian form. Stewart’s ability to read the play and launch attacks from half-back is integral to Geelong’s transition game. If he can stay healthy, the defensive unit will be significantly more cohesive.
Midfield Balance
For years, Geelong’s midfield has been built around the power of Dangerfield and the silk of Selwood. With Selwood’s retirement, the Cats need to find a new balance. Cameron Guthrie and Tom Atkins provide grunt and defensive pressure, but the club lacks a pure, line-breaking midfielder. Max Holmes is the most likely candidate to fill that role, and his development will be a defining storyline of the 2024 season.
The ruck combination of Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs remains effective, but Stanley’s durability is a concern. Toby Conway, a developing ruckman, may see increased minutes if Stanley falters. The Cats’ ability to win clearances and generate quick scores will determine whether they can match the top-tier teams.
Forward Line Flexibility
Tom Hawkins remains the focal point, but the Cats are exploring ways to diversify their attack. Jeremy Cameron is one of the most talented forwards in the AFL, capable of kicking goals from anywhere inside 50. The challenge is ensuring both he and Hawkins coexist without crowding the forward line. Gryan Miers and Tyson Stengle provide crumbing and pressure, but Stengle’s form dipped in 2023 after a brilliant 2022. A return to his best would transform Geelong’s scoring potency.
Season Fixture: Navigating the Challenges
The AFL fixture for 2024 presents both opportunities and pitfalls for the Cats. Geelong will play 11 games at Kardinia Park, a venue that has become a fortress. The GMHBA Stadium redevelopment has enhanced facilities and increased capacity, ensuring a hostile environment for visiting teams. However, the Cats also face five interstate trips, including daunting journeys to Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney.
Key Matchups
- Round 1 vs. St Kilda: A season opener at the Cattery sets the tone. Expect a physical contest that will reveal early form lines.
- Round 4 vs. Collingwood: The reigning premiers visit Kardinia Park in a blockbuster that could have significant ladder implications.
- Round 10 vs. Brisbane Lions: A trip to the Gabba tests Geelong’s ability to win away from home against a premiership contender.
- Round 18 vs. Melbourne: A mid-season clash at the MCG that could define the Cats’ finals aspirations.
The Leadership Transition: Life After Selwood
No single change has been more significant than the retirement of Joel Selwood. For 16 seasons, Selwood was the heartbeat of the Geelong Cats—a captain who led by example, demanded excellence, and inspired teammates through sheer will. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled by one person alone.
Patrick Dangerfield has assumed the captaincy, a natural progression given his standing in the game. Dangerfield’s leadership style is different—more vocal, more expressive—but equally effective. He will be supported by a leadership group that includes Tom Hawkins, Tom Stewart, and Cameron Guthrie. The collective approach is designed to distribute responsibility and empower younger players.
The Next Leaders
Players like Sam De Koning, Max Holmes, and Jhye Clark are being groomed for future leadership roles. The Cats have invested heavily in leadership development programs, ensuring that the culture established under Selwood endures. The 2024 season will be a test of whether that culture can sustain success without its iconic figure.
Player Watch: Key Individuals to Monitor
Patrick Dangerfield
- Role: Midfielder/forward
- Expectation: 18+ games, All-Australian form
- Key Metric: Clearances per game (target: 6+)
Tom Hawkins
- Role: Key forward
- Expectation: 50+ goals, consistent presence
- Key Metric: Contested marks (target: 2.5+ per game)
Max Holmes
- Role: Midfielder/forward
- Expectation: Breakout season, top-10 in best and fairest
- Key Metric: Inside 50s (target: 4+ per game)
Tom Stewart
- Role: Half-back
- Expectation: All-Australian, defensive leader
- Key Metric: Intercepts (target: 6+ per game)
The Geelong VFL Pipeline: Developing Depth
The Geelong VFL team plays an increasingly important role in the club’s success. With the AFL competition demanding greater squad depth, the reserves provide a breeding ground for future stars and a proving ground for injured players returning to form.
In 2024, several VFL players are pushing for senior selection. Toby Conway (ruckman), Ollie Wiltshire (midfielder), and Mitch Knevitt (midfielder/forward) have impressed during the preseason. The Cats’ coaching staff has emphasized that performance in the VFL will be rewarded, creating a competitive environment that benefits the entire squad.
The VFL team also allows the Cats to experiment with tactical adjustments before implementing them at the AFL level. This synergy between the two teams has been a hallmark of Geelong’s sustained success.
The Kardinia Park Factor: Home Ground Advantage
The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has transformed GMHBA Stadium into one of the most formidable venues in the AFL. The increased capacity and improved facilities have created a genuine home-ground advantage that the Cats have leveraged for years. In 2024, Geelong will play 11 home games at the Cattery, and they will need to win the vast majority to secure a top-four finish.
The unique dimensions of Kardinia Park—narrower than the MCG—favor the Cats’ contested style of play. Teams that rely on speed and width often struggle to adapt, giving Geelong a distinct edge. The redevelopment has also enhanced the fan experience, ensuring that the crowd remains a vocal twelfth man.
Season Prediction: Realistic Expectations
Predicting the Geelong Cats’ 2024 season requires balancing optimism with realism. The core of champions remains, but the supporting cast is unproven. The midfield lacks a pure ball-winner, and the defensive structure needs refinement. However, the Cats have a favorable home fixture, a coach with a proven track record, and a culture that breeds resilience.
- Best-case scenario: The Cats finish in the top four, win a qualifying final, and reach the AFL Grand Final. Patrick Dangerfield stays healthy, Max Holmes breaks out, and the defensive unit returns to elite form.
- Worst-case scenario: Injuries to key players derail the season, the midfield struggles to generate consistent drive, and the Cats finish outside the top eight for the first time since 2015.
- Most likely scenario: Geelong finishes 5th-7th, wins an elimination final, but falls short against the top-tier teams. The young core gains valuable experience, setting the stage for a sustained push in the 2025 AFL Season.
Conclusion: The Journey Ahead
The 2024 season is more than a campaign—it is a defining chapter in the Geelong Cats’ storied history. The club is navigating a transition from one era to the next, balancing the brilliance of its champions with the promise of its youth. Under the guidance of Coach Chris Scott, the Cats have the talent, culture, and infrastructure to remain competitive, but the margin for error in the AFL is razor-thin.
For the faithful who pack Kardinia Park week after week, the hope is that this season marks the beginning of another premiership push. Whether that dream becomes reality depends on health, development, and a little bit of luck. But one thing is certain: the Geelong Cats will not go quietly.
As the 2024 AFL season unfolds, stay connected with Geelong Cats Insider for comprehensive coverage, analysis, and stories that matter. Explore our key stories for in-depth features, track the progress of our young guns, and dive into the numbers with our team statistics. The journey starts now—let’s go Cats.
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