Geelong Cats 2025: Key Ins and Outs Checklist

So you want to get your head around the Geelong Cats' list changes for the 2025 season? Smart move. Whether you're planning your membership, mapping out the fixture, or just trying to keep up with the chatter at the pub, knowing who's in and who's out is the foundation of any decent season preview. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a fascinating one for Geelong, with some big names moving on and fresh talent arriving via the draft and trade period.

This checklist will walk you through everything you need to track, from the obvious departures to the sneaky late-season additions that could make all the difference. By the time you're done, you'll be able to talk shop with anyone—and you'll have a clear picture of what Coach Scott is working with as the Cats aim for another premiership.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Before we dive into the steps, let's make sure you've got the basics covered. You don't need to be a list management expert, but a little preparation goes a long way.

• A recent Geelong Cats fixture list – You can grab the official 2025 AFL fixture from the club website or our fixture analysis page. Knowing the schedule helps you understand when new faces might debut or when experienced players return from injury.
• Access to the club's official announcements – Follow Geelong's social channels or bookmark the club website. Trade period news, draft picks, and injury updates drop there first.
• A basic understanding of the AFL Draft – You don't need to know every rule, but knowing that the draft happens in November and that Geelong typically picks late (thanks to consistent finals appearances) is helpful.
• Patience – List changes don't happen overnight. The trade period, draft, and pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) all unfold over months. This checklist is designed to be revisited as the 2025 season approaches.

Got all that? Great. Let's get into it.

Step 1: Track the Retirements and Delistings

The first thing to nail down is who's leaving. For the 2025 season, the biggest story is the retirement of Tom Hawkins. The Tomahawk has been a pillar of Geelong's forward line for over a decade, and his departure leaves a massive hole. He's not the only one—keep an eye on any other veterans who might hang up the boots after the 2024 season.

What to look for:

• Official retirement announcements from the club or the players themselves.
• Delistings at the end of the 2024 season. These are usually announced in October or November.
• Players who are "retired" but might be retained in a coaching or development role (think Joel Selwood's transition off the field).

Pro tip: Don't just focus on the big names. Role players who retire or get delisted can create unexpected gaps in the list. A depth player who leaves might mean a rookie gets elevated or a draftee gets a chance earlier than expected.

Step 2: Identify the Trade Arrivals

The trade period is where Geelong often does its best work. The Cats have a reputation for being aggressive but smart in the trade market, and the 2025 season is no different. Patrick Dangerfield was a famous trade acquisition years ago, and the club continues to look for ready-made talent to plug gaps.

What to look for:

• Official trade announcements during the October trade period.
• Players who request trades to Geelong (rumours often surface weeks before the trade period).
• Late trades that might fly under the radar—sometimes a fringe player from another club becomes a valuable role player at the Cattery.

Common mistake: Assuming every big-name trade rumour is true. The AFL media loves a good story, but not every rumour pans out. Wait for the official announcement before updating your checklist.

Interlink: For the latest whispers, check out our trade rumours page.

Step 3: Review the AFL Draft Selections

The draft is where Geelong builds for the future. Because the Cats are usually contending, they rarely have top-10 picks. But that doesn't mean they can't find gems. The 2025 season might see a draftee or two make an immediate impact, especially if the club targets needs like key position players or midfield depth.

What to look for:

• Geelong's draft picks (usually announced after the trade period).
• The club's draft strategy—do they go best available or target a specific need?
• Late picks or rookie selections that could be bargains.

Pro tip: Pay attention to the Geelong VFL team. Sometimes players drafted in the rookie draft or as category B rookies spend a year or two in the reserves before breaking into the AFL side. A strong VFL season can be a sign that a draftee is ready for the big stage.

Interlink: For a deeper dive, see our draft analysis.

Step 4: Monitor Injury Returns

Injuries are part of the game, but the 2025 season might see some key players return from long-term setbacks. Knowing who's coming back from injury is just as important as knowing who's arriving via trade or draft.

What to look for:

• Official injury updates from the club (usually released weekly during the season).
• Players who missed the 2024 season due to serious injuries (e.g., ACLs, hamstring issues).
• Pre-season training reports—players who are training fully by January are likely to be available for Round 1.

Common mistake: Assuming a player will be the same after a major injury. Some players take a full season to regain form, even if they're physically fit. Be patient.

Step 5: Check the Rookie and Supplemental Selections

The rookie list and supplemental selection period (SSP) are where Geelong often finds hidden value. These players might not be household names, but they can provide crucial depth during the long AFL season.

What to look for:

• Rookie draft selections (usually in November).
• SSP signings (often in February or March).
• Category B rookies (international players or athletes from other sports).

Pro tip: Keep an eye on any players who impressed in the Geelong VFL team during the 2024 season. Sometimes a reserves player gets elevated to the senior list after a strong year.

Step 6: Factor in the Kardinia Park Redevelopment

This one might seem unrelated to list changes, but the Kardinia Park redevelopment (also known as the GMHBA Stadium upgrade) could influence how the Cats approach the 2025 season. A bigger, better stadium means more home games with a genuine home-ground advantage. That might make Geelong a more attractive destination for players looking to join a successful club.

What to look for:

• Updates on the stadium upgrade timeline.
• How the redevelopment affects the fixture (more games at the Cattery?).
• Any player comments about the new facilities.

Pro tip: The redevelopment isn't just about the fans—it's about player facilities too. Better recovery rooms, gyms, and change rooms can be a selling point for free agents.

Step 7: Watch the Pre-Season and Practice Matches

Once the list is mostly settled, the pre-season is where you'll see the new faces in action. Practice matches and pre-season games are the first chance to see how the 2025 team is shaping up.

What to look for:

• Which new players slot straight into the starting 22.
• Position changes—sometimes Coach Scott tries a player in a new role during the pre-season.
• Any surprise omissions or players who seem to be struggling.

Common mistake: Reading too much into pre-season form. Some players coast through practice matches and save their best for the real season. Others peak in February and fade. Take it with a grain of salt.

Step 8: Finalise Your Predicted 22

After all the ins and outs are confirmed, it's time to put together your predicted best 22 for Round 1 of the 2025 season. This is where all your research pays off.

What to include:

• The established stars (e.g., Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Hawkins if he's still going, Joel Selwood in a mentoring role).
• The new arrivals (trades, draft picks, rookies).
• The returning players (injury comebacks).
• The depth players who might push for selection.

Pro tip: Don't forget about the AFL Grand Final experience factor. Players who have been in premiership deciders before often handle big moments better. Balance youth with experience.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes

Pro tips:

• Use a spreadsheet or notes app to track your checklist. The off-season is long, and details can slip.
• Follow multiple sources for trade and draft news. No single outlet gets it right every time.
• Talk to other Cats fans. Sometimes the best intel comes from someone who watches the VFL team every week.
• Remember that list changes don't stop after the draft. The SSP and mid-season draft can still bring in players.

Common mistakes:

• Overreacting to early trade rumours. Most don't eventuate.
• Ignoring the VFL team. The reserves are a goldmine of information about future stars.
• Assuming a player's age means they're done. Some players (like Tom Hawkins in his later years) defy the ageing curve.
• Forgetting that the Brownlow Medal isn't everything. A player who doesn't poll votes can still be a crucial part of the team.

Checklist Summary

Here's your quick-reference checklist for tracking the Geelong Cats' key ins and outs for the 2025 season:

• Track all retirements and delistings (official announcements only)
• Identify trade arrivals (wait for confirmation)
• Review AFL Draft selections (focus on needs and value)
• Monitor injury returns (check pre-season training reports)
• Check rookie and supplemental selections (don't overlook the SSP)
• Factor in the Kardinia Park redevelopment (how it affects recruitment)
• Watch pre-season and practice matches (first look at the new-look team)
• Finalise your predicted best 22 for Round 1 (balance experience and youth)

Bookmark this page and come back to it as the off-season unfolds. The 2025 season is going to be a big one for Geelong, and being prepared means you'll enjoy every moment of the ride.

For more season preview content, check out our 2024 season preview, fixture analysis, and draft analysis. And if you hear any trade whispers, head over to our trade rumours page to separate fact from fiction.

Go Cats.