So you’re gearing up for the 2025 AFL season and you want to know which young Cats are about to make a splash. Maybe you’re a die-hard fan who’s been tracking the draft picks since November, or perhaps you’re a fantasy footy player looking for that breakout star before anyone else. Either way, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to spot the rising talent at Geelong, from the fresh faces out of the AFL Draft to the VFL team standouts who are knocking on the door of senior selection. By the time you finish, you’ll have a clear checklist to track these young guns all season long—and a few names to keep on your radar before the first bounce.
Let’s get into it.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, make sure you’ve got these basics covered:
- A 2025 AFL season fixture (grab one from the official AFL site or your preferred footy app)
- Access to Geelong VFL match reports (the club website usually posts them weekly)
- A notebook or digital doc (I use a simple Google Sheet, but whatever works for you)
- Patience—young players don’t always explode in their first season, and that’s okay
Step 1: Start with the AFL Draft Class
The easiest place to begin is with the Cats’ most recent draft haul. Every year, Geelong adds two to four new names through the national draft, and these are the players most likely to debut in 2025.
Head over to our draft analysis page for a full breakdown, but here’s what to look for:
- First-round picks – These are the guys the club invested the most in. They usually get early opportunities.
- Mature-age recruits – Sometimes Geelong picks up a player from the state leagues who’s ready to contribute immediately.
- Academy or father-son selections – These kids often have a built-in connection to the club and may fast-track into the senior side.
Once you’ve identified the draftees, bookmark their names. You’ll be following them closely in the preseason.
Step 2: Watch the Pre-Season Training Reports
Preseason is where whispers become headlines. Starting in late November, the club releases training updates, and keen-eyed reporters note who’s standing out.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Who’s training with the main group? If a first-year player is already running drills with the seniors, Coach Scott is clearly impressed.
- Who’s added size? Young players often bulk up over the off-season. A noticeable physical transformation can signal they’re ready for AFL-level contact.
- Who’s getting praise from the veterans? When Patrick Dangerfield or Joel Selwood (even in retirement, his voice carries weight) mentions a young player by name, take note.
Step 3: Track the Pre-Season Challenge Matches
The AFL preseason competition—whether it’s the official series or club-run scratch matches—is your first real look at how these kids handle game speed.
Make a checklist for each young player you’re watching:
- Did they get a full game or limited minutes?
- How did they perform under pressure?
- Did they play in their natural position or get shuffled around?
- Any standout moments (a contested mark, a goal, a crunching tackle)?
Also, pay attention to how Coach Scott uses them. If a draftee is getting time in the midfield rotation during a preseason match, that’s a huge vote of confidence.
Step 4: Follow the Geelong VFL Team Closely
This is where the real gold is. The VFL team is the direct pipeline to senior selection. If a young Cat is tearing it up in the reserves, you can bet the match committee is watching.
Here’s your VFL watching guide:
- Check the weekly team sheets – Who’s named? Are any AFL-listed players dropping back for game time?
- Look for consistent performers – One good game is a fluke. Three or four in a row is a statement.
- Track their role – Are they playing midfield, forward, or defense? Versatility helps, but a clear specialty is more likely to earn a call-up.
Step 5: Monitor Mid-Season Opportunities
Injuries happen. That’s just the reality of AFL. When a senior player goes down, it opens a door for a young gun.
Keep an eye on:
- Injury reports – The club releases weekly updates. If Tom Hawkins or Patrick Dangerfield is out for a few weeks, someone’s getting a shot.
- Form slumps – Sometimes a veteran gets dropped. That’s another opportunity.
- Resting players – Later in the season, the Cats might rest a star ahead of finals. That’s a golden chance for a debut.
Step 6: Use the AFL Finals Series as a Crucible
If a young Cat is playing in the finals, you’re watching something special. The pressure of September football separates the future stars from the flash-in-the-pans.
What to watch for in finals:
- Composure – Do they fumble under pressure or keep their cool?
- Impact – Are they affecting the game, or just going through the motions?
- Physicality – Finals are tougher. Can they handle the heat?
Step 7: Evaluate at Season’s End
Once the 2025 AFL season wraps, it’s time to look back and assess.
Ask yourself:
- Which young players exceeded expectations?
- Who struggled and might need another year in the VFL?
- Any surprise retirements or trades that open up spots for 2026?
Pro Tips for Spotting Young Guns
Here are a few insider tricks that go beyond the basics:
1. Watch for “pre-season buzz” from the media. If multiple reporters are talking about the same young player, there’s usually fire behind the smoke.
2. Follow the club’s social media. Geelong’s Instagram and Twitter often highlight training standouts or VFL performers you might miss otherwise.
3. Look at the Kardinia Park redevelopment. The stadium upgrade means better facilities for development. Young players training in a world-class environment often fast-track their growth.
4. Check fantasy footy forums. Fantasy coaches are obsessive about tracking young talent. If a name keeps popping up on forums, it’s worth investigating.
5. Don’t sleep on mature-age recruits. The Cats have a strong history of picking up players from other clubs or state leagues who blossom late. They might not be “young” in years, but they’re new to the AFL system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overhyping a pre-season star. Some players peak in January. Wait for real games.
- Ignoring the VFL. The reserves team is your crystal ball. Skip it at your own risk.
- Assuming draft order equals talent. A pick in the 30s can outperform a top-10 pick.
- Forgetting about injuries. A hamstring strain can derail a season. Be patient.
- Comparing everyone to Joel Selwood. That’s unfair to anyone. Let them be their own player.
Checklist Summary
Here’s your quick-reference list for tracking Geelong’s young guns in 2025:
- Identify the 2024 AFL Draft class (check our draft analysis page)
- Follow preseason training reports for standout performers
- Watch preseason challenge matches and note who looks comfortable
- Track Geelong VFL team sheets and stats weekly
- Monitor injury reports for debut opportunities
- Watch young players in the AFL Finals Series under pressure
- Review the season and project who’s ready for 2026
- Keep a running list of names for fantasy footy and player profiles
The 2025 AFL season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Geelong. With a mix of seasoned stars like Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins still leading the way, and a fresh crop of talent emerging from the draft and the VFL team, there’s plenty to be optimistic about.
Whether you’re scouting for your fantasy team, writing player profiles, or just want to be the most informed fan at the Cattery, this checklist will keep you ahead of the curve.
Now get out there, watch some footy, and enjoy watching the next generation of Cats grow. And hey—when one of these young guns becomes a star, you’ll be able to say you saw it first.
Want more? Check out our 2024 season preview for context on how last year’s young players performed, or dive into our player profiles for deep dives on individual Cats. If you’re new to fantasy footy, our fantasy footy basics guide will get you started. And for the full scoop on who’s coming through the ranks, our draft analysis page is updated year-round.
See you at the footy.
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