So you’ve decided to jump into the wild, wonderful world of Australian rules football, and you’ve chosen to follow the Geelong Cats—one of the most successful clubs in the AFL. Smart move. Whether you’re a new convert, a returning fan looking to get more involved, or just someone who wants to finally understand what all the fuss is about, this guide is for you.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly how to follow the 2025 AFL Season from start to finish. You’ll understand the key dates, how to watch games, what milestones to look out for, and how to feel like a true Cats insider—even if you’ve never set foot in Geelong. Let’s get started.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s make sure you’ve got the basics covered. You don’t need much, but these essentials will make your journey a whole lot smoother:
- A device to watch or stream games – A TV, laptop, tablet, or phone will do. The AFL has its own streaming service (Kayo Sports or AFL Live Official App), and free-to-air broadcasts are available on Channel 7.
- A basic understanding of the rules – Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert. Just know that the aim is to score more points than the other team by kicking the ball between the goalposts. There are 18 players per side, four quarters of 20 minutes each, and a lot of running.
- A willingness to get a little obsessed – Following the Cats isn’t a casual hobby. It’s a lifestyle. Embrace it.
- Optional but helpful: A Geelong Cats membership (we’ll touch on this later), a scarf or beanie for game days, and a friend who can explain why the umpires keep blowing their whistles.
Step 1: Understand the AFL Season Calendar
The 2025 AFL Season kicks off in March and runs through to September, with the premiership decider—the AFL Grand Final—typically held on the last Saturday of September. Here’s the big picture:
- Pre-season (February–March): A series of practice matches, often called the “Community Series.” These games don’t count toward the ladder but give you a sneak peek at new recruits, young players, and how Coach Scott plans to set up the Cats.
- Home and Away Season (March–August): 23 rounds of regular-season matches. Each team plays 23 games, with one bye week. The Cats will play 11 or 12 home games at GMHBA Stadium (also known as Kardinia Park or the Cattery) and the rest away.
- AFL Finals Series (August–September): The top eight teams on the ladder compete in a knockout-style postseason. The Cats have been a finals mainstay for years, so expect them to be in the mix.
- AFL Grand Final (Last Saturday in September): The two best teams battle it out for the AFL Premiership—the ultimate flag. If the Cats make it, you’ll want to be watching.
Step 2: Get to Know the Key Players and Coach
You can’t follow the Cats without knowing the faces behind the guernseys. Here are the names you’ll hear most often:
- Patrick Dangerfield (Dangerfield): A powerhouse midfielder who can change a game in seconds. He’s one of the most explosive players in the AFL and a former Brownlow Medal winner. When he has the ball, expect something special.
- Tom Hawkins (Hawkins or Tomahawk): The big man up forward. Hawkins is a marking machine and one of the most reliable goal-kickers in the league. He’s been a cornerstone of the Cats’ attack for over a decade.
- Joel Selwood (Selwood, former captain): Even though he retired after the 2022 premiership, his legacy looms large. Selwood was the heart and soul of the Cats for 16 years. New fans should watch old highlights to understand why he’s a legend.
- Chris Scott (Coach Scott or Geelong coach): The man in charge. Scott has been coaching the Cats since 2011 and has led them to multiple grand finals, including the 2022 premiership. He’s known for his tactical smarts and calm demeanor.
Step 3: Choose Your Way to Watch
You’ve got options. Here’s how to catch every Cats game:
- Live at the ground: If you’re in or near Geelong, nothing beats being at Kardinia Park. The atmosphere is electric, especially when the Cats are on a roll. For away games, you can travel to Melbourne’s MCG or Marvel Stadium, or even interstate.
- On TV (free-to-air): Channel 7 broadcasts select games each week, including Friday night matches and big clashes. Check the AFL schedule to see if the Cats are featured.
- Streaming: Kayo Sports and the AFL Live Official App are your best bets. They offer every game live and on-demand. Kayo even has a “Split View” feature so you can watch two games at once—perfect for a lazy Sunday.
- Radio: If you’re driving or at work, tune into SEN or ABC Grandstand. The commentary is top-notch.
Step 4: Plan a Trip to Kardinia Park
If you’re going to follow the Cats properly, you need to experience a home game at the Cattery. GMHBA Stadium has undergone a massive transformation thanks to the Kardinia Park Redevelopment, and it’s now one of the best venues in the AFL.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Getting there: The stadium is in South Geelong, about a 10-minute walk from the train station. If you’re driving, arrive early—parking is limited.
- Ticketing: Buy your tickets online through Ticketmaster or the Cats’ official site. Members get priority access, so consider a membership if you plan to attend multiple games.
- What to bring: A rain jacket (Geelong weather is famously unpredictable), a cushion for the hard seats, and your loudest voice. You’ll be cheering for goals, booing umpires, and singing the club song after a win.
- Food and drink: The stadium has plenty of options, from classic pies and hot chips to craft beer. But the real move is to grab a pre-game feed at one of the pubs on Pakington Street.
Step 5: Join the Community (Online and Offline)
Following the Cats is more fun when you’re part of the tribe. Here’s how to connect:
- Join a fan group: Facebook has several active Cats groups, and Reddit’s r/GeelongCats is a solid place for discussion. Twitter (X) is great for live reactions during games—just search #GeelongCats.
- Listen to podcasts: “The Cats Podcast” and “AFL Nation” offer deep dives into the team’s performance. Perfect for your commute.
- Attend a club event: The Cats host fan days, open training sessions, and charity events throughout the year. Check the club’s website for dates.
- Get a membership: This is the ultimate way to support the club. Memberships range from digital-only (perfect for interstate fans) to full-access reserved seats. Plus, you get discounts on merchandise and priority finals tickets. For a full breakdown, check out our membership guide.
Step 6: Track the Season’s Key Milestones
The 2025 AFL Season will be full of moments worth paying attention to. Here’s what to watch for:
- Round 1 (March): The season opener. The Cats usually play a blockbuster match. This sets the tone for the year.
- The Brownlow Medal night (September): The league MVP award. Dangerfield has won it before, and if he or another Cat has a standout season, they could be in the running.
- AFL Finals Series: The Cats have made finals in 15 of the last 17 seasons. Expect them to be there. The real question is how deep they’ll go.
- AFL Grand Final: If the Cats make it, you’ll want to watch the parade, the pre-game entertainment, and the match itself. It’s the biggest day on the Australian sporting calendar.
- AFL Draft (November): The Cats will add young talent to their list. This is where you start following the next generation.
Step 7: Avoid Common Mistakes
Even seasoned fans slip up sometimes. Here are the pitfalls to avoid:
- Mistaking the AFL for other football codes: Australian rules is not rugby, soccer, or American football. Don’t call it “football” in a generic sense—AFL fans are particular about this. Just say “AFL” or “footy.”
- Underestimating the travel factor: The Cats travel more than most teams. They play home games in Geelong but also have “home” games at the MCG. It’s part of the challenge.
- Forgetting the VFL: The Geelong VFL team plays on the same days as the AFL team, often as a curtain-raiser. Watching the reserves gives you insight into player development.
- Not checking the weather: Geelong can go from sunny to sideways rain in 20 minutes. Dress in layers.
- Assuming the Cats will win every game: They’re a powerhouse, but even the best teams have off days. Don’t be that fan who melts down after a loss.
Your Geelong Cats AFL Fan Checklist
Here’s a quick summary of everything you need to do to follow the season like a pro. Bookmark this list and refer back to it as the year unfolds:
- Understand the AFL season calendar (pre-season, home and away, finals, grand final, draft).
- Memorize the key players: Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Hawkins, Joel Selwood (for history), and Coach Chris Scott.
- Choose your viewing method: live at the ground, TV, streaming, or radio.
- Plan a trip to Kardinia Park (GMHBA Stadium) for a home game.
- Join the online community: fan groups, podcasts, and social media.
- Consider a Geelong Cats membership for priority access and perks.
- Track season milestones: Round 1, Brownlow Medal, finals, grand final, and draft.
- Avoid common mistakes: respect the code, check the weather, and stay humble.
- Visit our other guides for more detail: /getting-started, /essential-gear, /match-day-tips, /membership-guide, and /stadium-guide.
Following the Cats isn’t just about watching footy—it’s about joining a family. From the roar of the crowd at the Cattery to the tension of a finals thriller, every moment is part of a story that’s been unfolding for over 160 years. And now, you’re part of it.
So grab your scarf, learn the club song, and get ready for the 2025 AFL Season. The Cats are waiting.
Go Cats.
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