The sun is setting on one chapter and rising on another at Kardinia Park. As the Geelong Cats prepare for the 2025 AFL Season, there's a tangible shift in the air—a blend of nostalgia for legends past and electric anticipation for the talent stepping up to fill their boots.
If you've been following the Cats for any length of time, you know that "rebuild" isn't a word we throw around lightly. Geelong has a knack for staying competitive while quietly refreshing its list. But 2025 feels different. This isn't just another season; it's the dawn of a new identity. With iconic figures like Joel Selwood already in the rearview mirror and Tom Hawkins entering what could be his final campaign, the guard is changing.
So, what can we expect from the Cats in 2025? Let's dive into the fixture, the list changes, the coaching strategies, and the burning questions that will define this pivotal year.
The End of an Era: Life Without the Old Guard
Let's address the elephant in the room—or rather, the absence of a few elephants. The Geelong Cats have been defined by a core group of champions for over a decade. While Joel Selwood hung up the boots after the 2022 premiership, his leadership shadow still looms large. And now, with Tom Hawkins turning 37 during the season, the forward line is entering a transition phase.
Hawkins' Final Dance?
Tom Hawkins, or "Tomahawk" as we affectionately call him, is still a force. But Father Time is undefeated. In 2025, we'll likely see a more managed Hawkins—less time as the sole focal point, more minutes resting forward, and a greater emphasis on the young brigade around him. The question isn't whether Hawkins can still clunk marks; it's whether the Cats can win a flag while managing his minutes.
The Dangerfield Factor
Patrick Dangerfield is another name that defies age. At 34, Dangerfield remains one of the most explosive midfielders in the AFL competition. But here's the thing—he's not the bullocking midfielder of 2017. Coach Scott has been gradually shifting Dangerfield into a hybrid role, spending more time forward and using his burst speed in shorter, sharper bursts. In 2025, expect to see Dangerfield playing as a high-half-forward, creating chaos with his power and footy IQ. He might not win another Brownlow Medal, but he could be the difference in a tight final.
Who Steps Up?
The void left by Selwood's retirement has been partially filled by the emergence of Max Holmes and Tanner Bruhn. But 2025 is the year we need to see genuine midfield depth. The Cats have invested heavily in the AFL Draft over the past three years, and now it's time for those picks to deliver. Keep an eye on Jhye Clark—a tenacious inside mid who was drafted as a Selwood clone. If Clark can stay healthy, he could be the missing piece in the engine room.
The 2025 Fixture: Navigating the Gauntlet
The AFL fixture is never kind to the Cats. Geelong's home ground advantage at Kardinia Park is well-documented, but the travel demands are relentless. In 2025, the Cats have a balanced draw—but there are some traps.
Key Home Games
The Cats will host blockbusters at GMHBA Stadium against traditional rivals like Hawthorn, Essendon, and Collingwood. These are games where the Cattery becomes a fortress. The key is converting those home wins into genuine momentum. In 2024, the Cats dropped a couple of games they should have won at home. That can't happen in 2025 if they want to secure a top-four finish.
The Travel Nightmare
Geelong's travel schedule includes a brutal stretch in June where they play three of four games interstate. That's where depth will be tested. The Cats have historically struggled on the road against elite teams like Sydney and Port Adelaide. If Chris Scott can engineer a split in those games, the Cats will be well-positioned for the AFL Finals Series.
The "Easy" Games
There's no such thing in the AFL competition anymore. But the Cats have drawn games against the bottom-four teams from 2024—West Coast, North Melbourne, Hawthorn, and Richmond. These are non-negotiable wins. Dropping one of these would be a disaster for percentage and confidence.
List Changes: Who's In, Who's Out, Who's Rising
The 2024 trade period and AFL Draft brought significant turnover. Let's break it down.
Departures
- Esava Ratugolea (traded to Port Adelaide) – A loss of key defensive depth.
- Brandan Parfitt (retired) – A reliable role player who will be missed.
- Jonathon Ceglar (retired) – The ruck depth now rests entirely on Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs.
Arrivals
- Oliver Hollands (via trade from Carlton) – A speedy wingman who adds run and carry. Perfect for the Cats' outside game.
- Mitch Knevitt (elevated from Geelong VFL) – A big-bodied mid who dominated at VFL level. He's ready for AFL minutes.
The Draft Class
The Cats had three picks inside the top 40 in the 2024 AFL Draft. The haul includes:
- Pick 18: Jack O'Sullivan – A classy half-back with elite kicking. Think of him as a younger, faster version of Tom Stewart.
- Pick 35: Charlie McCartin – A key forward from the Geelong Falcons. He's raw but has the size and athleticism to be Hawkins' long-term replacement.
- Pick 39: Liam Fawcett – A pressure small forward. The Cats have lacked a genuine crumber since Luke Dahlhaus retired.
The Rising Stars
Beyond the draftees, expect big jumps from:
- Max Holmes – Already an elite wingman. If he adds consistency, he's an All-Australian candidate.
- Tanner Bruhn – The former GWS recruit is ready to become a permanent on-baller.
- Shannon Neale – The 203cm ruck-forward showed glimpses in 2024. He's the future of the ruck division.
Coaching Strategy: Chris Scott's Evolution
Chris Scott has been at the helm since 2011. That's a lifetime in AFL coaching. But he's not stuck in his ways. In fact, the 2025 season might be his most innovative yet.
The Shift in Game Plan
Geelong has traditionally been a "possession-and-control" team. Chip kicks, high disposal counts, and suffocating defense. But the AFL is moving toward speed and chaos. Scott knows this. In 2025, expect the Cats to play with more dare. They'll take risks by foot, handball through traffic, and look to score quickly from turnovers.
The "Next Man Up" Philosophy
Scott has always been a master of player management. But in 2025, he'll need to be even more flexible. With an aging list, the Cats will rotate players through different positions. Don't be surprised to see Mark Blicavs spend more time as a key forward. Or Tom Stewart pushing up to the wing. Scott's willingness to experiment could be the difference between a top-four finish and a scrap for eighth.
The Leadership Group
With Joel Selwood gone, the leadership mantle has passed to Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins. But there's a new wave emerging. Jack Henry, Tom Stewart, and Mark Blicavs are all part of the leadership group. In 2025, we'll see more responsibility placed on younger leaders like Max Holmes and Sam De Koning. This transition is crucial for the club's long-term identity.
The Kardinia Park Redevelopment: A Fortress Upgraded
You can't talk about the Geelong Cats in 2025 without mentioning the Kardinia Park Redevelopment. The stadium upgrade is transforming GMHBA Stadium into a world-class venue. The new players' facilities, expanded seating, and improved corporate areas are already making a difference.
But here's the real impact: the redevelopment is attracting players. When recruits visit the Cattery, they see a facility that rivals anything in Melbourne. It's a selling point. And in the era of free agency and player movement, having a top-tier home ground is a competitive advantage.
The Cats have also invested heavily in the Geelong VFL program. The reserves team is now a genuine development pathway, not just a place for injured players to get minutes. In 2025, the VFL team will be stacked with young talent, which bodes well for the future.
The Burning Questions for 2025
Every season has its unknowns. Here are the five questions that will define the Cats' 2025 campaign.
1. Can the midfield stand up without Selwood?
Joel Selwood was more than a captain; he was the heart of the midfield. His absence in 2023 and 2024 was felt in close games. The Cats are still searching for that "clutch" midfielder who can win a contested ball when it matters most. Is it Patrick Dangerfield? Max Holmes? Or someone we haven't seen yet?
2. Who kicks the goals?
Tom Hawkins can't do it alone. Jeremy Cameron is still elite, but he needs support. Shannon Neale, Oliver Henry, and the emerging Charlie McCartin must contribute. If the Cats can't kick 90+ points per game, they'll struggle against top-four sides.
3. Is the defense still elite?
Geelong's backline has been the gold standard for years. Tom Stewart, Jack Henry, and Sam De Koning form a formidable trio. But age is creeping in. Stewart is 31. Henry has had injury concerns. The Cats need Jake Kolodjashnij to stay healthy and for young guns like Jed Bews to step up.
4. Can Chris Scott coach a "rebuild"?
Scott has never truly rebuilt. The Cats have always remained competitive. But 2025 might be the year where the list needs a reset. Can Scott balance development with winning? Or will he prioritize short-term results over long-term growth?
5. What's the ceiling?
Is this a top-four team? A premiership contender? Or a middle-of-the-pack side fighting for a finals spot? Realistically, the Cats are in that second tier—capable of beating anyone on their day, but lacking the depth of Brisbane or Collingwood. The ceiling is a preliminary final. The floor is missing the AFL Finals Series entirely.
Practical Tips for Cats Fans This Season
If you're heading to Kardinia Park or watching from home, here's how to get the most out of the 2025 AFL Season.
Attend a Home Game Early
The Cattery is at its best in the first six rounds. The weather is mild, the crowd is buzzing, and the team is fresh. If you can, catch a game against a non-Victorian side—those are the ones where the home crowd really makes a difference.
Watch the VFL
The Geelong VFL team plays most of its games as curtain-raisers. If you want to see the future of the club—players like Jhye Clark, Toby Conway, and Mitch Knevitt—get to Kardinia Park early. It's free with your AFL ticket, and you'll see the next generation live.
Follow the Draft Class
The 2024 AFL Draft class is one of the most exciting in years. Jack O'Sullivan, Charlie McCartin, and Liam Fawcett could all debut in 2025. Track their progress through the VFL. If one of them breaks into the senior side, it's a sign that the future is bright.
Manage Your Expectations
This might be a transition year. The Cats could finish anywhere from 6th to 12th. Don't panic. The club is building for sustained success, not a one-off flag. Enjoy the journey, celebrate the milestones (Hawkins' 350th game, Dangerfield's 350th), and trust the process.
Conclusion: Embrace the New Era
The Geelong Cats in 2025 are a team in transition, but that's not a bad thing. The old guard is passing the torch, and the next generation is ready to carry it. With Chris Scott at the helm, a state-of-the-art home ground at Kardinia Park, and a draft class that oozes potential, the future is bright.
Will the Cats win the AFL Premiership in 2025? Probably not. But they'll be competitive. They'll be entertaining. And they'll lay the foundation for the next great Geelong team.
So, get your membership. Wear your blue and white with pride. And remember: the Cats are never down for long. This is a new era, and it's going to be a hell of a ride.
Ready for more? Check out our season previews for every AFL team, dive into the latest coaching changes at Geelong, or analyze the full fixture analysis for the 2025 season.
Go Cats.
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