The Geelong Cats have long been synonymous with success in the Australian Football League, but their journey in women's football represents a chapter of ambition, resilience, and steady progress. Since entering the AFL Women's competition in 2019, the Cats have built a foundation that promises sustained contention. While the premiership flag has yet to be raised at Kardinia Park for the women's program, the story of Geelong's AFLW championship history is one of strategic growth, emerging talent, and a club culture that refuses to accept anything less than excellence.
This comprehensive guide explores every aspect of the Geelong Cats AFLW championship journey—from inaugural seasons to near-misses, from draft hauls to coaching philosophies. Whether you're a lifelong Cats supporter or new to the women's game, understanding this history reveals why Geelong is poised to become a dominant force in the AFLW for years to come.
The Foundation: Entering the AFLW Competition
When the AFL announced the expansion of the AFLW competition for the 2019 season, Geelong was among the four new clubs welcomed into the fold. This marked a historic moment for the Geelong Cats, as the club committed to building a women's program that would mirror the professionalism and success of the men's side.
The Inaugural Season (2019)
The Cats' first AFLW campaign was a learning experience. Under the guidance of inaugural coach Paul Hood, Geelong finished with two wins and five losses, placing 8th out of 10 teams. While the win-loss record was modest, the foundation was being laid. Key players like Melissa Hickey, Meg McDonald, and Rebecca Webster emerged as cornerstones of the program.
The season's highlight came in Round 1, when Geelong defeated Collingwood by 18 points at GMHBA Stadium—a moment that announced the Cats' arrival on the national stage. The crowd of over 10,000 demonstrated the hunger for women's football in Geelong.
Year Two: Signs of Progress (2020)
The 2020 season saw tangible improvement. Geelong finished with four wins and three losses, narrowly missing the AFL Finals Series. The Cats' defensive structure tightened significantly, and the midfield began to assert itself. Olivia Purcell announced herself as a future star, while Amy McDonald began building the résumé that would make her one of the competition's elite midfielders.
This season also marked the beginning of Geelong's reputation for developing talent through the AFL Draft. The club's recruiting team identified players who fit the Cats' culture—hard-working, team-first individuals with room to grow.
Building a Contender: The Middle Years (2021–2023)
As the AFLW competition expanded and evolved, so did the Geelong Cats. These years were characterized by consistent improvement, heartbreaking near-misses, and the emergence of a core group capable of winning a premiership.
2021: The Breakthrough Season
The 2021 AFLW season was Geelong's most successful to date. The Cats finished the home-and-away season with six wins and three losses, securing a place in the AFL Finals Series for the first time. The qualifying final against Collingwood was a tense affair, with Geelong prevailing by nine points in front of a passionate Kardinia Park crowd.
The preliminary final against the Brisbane Lions proved one step too far. Despite a gallant effort, the Cats fell by 14 points, unable to contain Brisbane's relentless pressure. However, the season was a watershed moment. Geelong had proven they belonged among the competition's elite.
Key achievements from 2021:
- First finals appearance in club history
- Five players selected in the All-Australian squad
- Amy McDonald finished third in the league best and fairest
- Average attendance at Kardinia Park exceeded 8,000
2022: Consolidation and Growth
The 2022 season saw Geelong maintain their position as a finals contender. With a 6-4 record, the Cats again qualified for the AFL Finals Series, facing North Melbourne in a qualifying final. The match was a classic—a tight, defensive struggle that ultimately went the way of the Kangaroos by just three points.
This season highlighted the importance of depth. Injuries to key players tested Geelong's squad, and the club's development system—including the Geelong VFL women's program—proved its value. Young players stepped up, gaining invaluable experience that would serve the club well in future campaigns.
2023: The Grand Final Heartbreak
The 2023 AFLW season will be remembered as both a triumph and a tragedy for the Geelong Cats. The team compiled an impressive 8-2 record during the home-and-away season, earning a home qualifying final. A dominant victory over the Sydney Swans set up a preliminary final showdown with the Adelaide Crows.
In a performance that epitomized Geelong's resilience, the Cats defeated Adelaide by 11 points at Kardinia Park, earning a place in the AFL Grand Final for the first time. The entire city of Geelong erupted. The premiership decider against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG was a sellout, with Cats fans traveling in droves.
The Grand Final itself was a brutal contest. Geelong led at halftime, but Brisbane's experience in big games proved decisive. The Lions pulled away in the third quarter, and despite a late surge from the Cats, the final margin was 17 points. The premiership flag would have to wait.
What the 2023 season taught us:
- Geelong can compete with any team in the competition
- The gap between contender and champion is narrow
- The Cats' young core is still improving
- Kardinia Park is a genuine fortress
The Current Era: Contenders in Waiting (2024–2025)
The 2024 season brought further evidence that Geelong's premiership window is wide open. A 7-3 record secured another finals berth, though the Cats were eliminated in the semifinal stage by a resurgent Melbourne side. The season was marred by untimely injuries, but the performances of emerging players suggested the future remains bright.
2025 AFL Season Outlook
As the 2025 AFL season approaches, the Geelong Cats women's program stands at a critical juncture. The core that reached the 2023 Grand Final is still largely intact, and the development pipeline through the AFL Draft has never been stronger.
Key factors for 2025:
- Amy McDonald remains one of the competition's elite midfielders
- The defensive unit, led by Meg McDonald and Chantel Emonson, is among the best in the league
- Young forwards like Zoe Scheer and Claudia Gunjaca are entering their prime
- The club's culture and development systems continue to produce AFLW-ready talent
The Championship Blueprint: How Geelong Builds Winners
Understanding the Geelong Cats AFLW championship history requires examining the system that underpins sustained success. The club has developed a distinctive approach that sets it apart from other AFLW programs.
Draft and Development Philosophy
The Geelong Cats have been masters of the AFL Draft, consistently finding value beyond the early selections. The club's recruiting team prioritizes:
- Character and coachability over raw athleticism
- Versatility—players who can fill multiple roles
- Competitive drive—the "Cats DNA" of never giving up
- Footy IQ—players who understand the game at a high level
The Kardinia Park Advantage
Kardinia Park has become one of the most formidable venues in the AFLW. The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has transformed the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility that provides a genuine home-ground advantage. The crowd support in Geelong is passionate and knowledgeable, creating an atmosphere that lifts the players and intimidates opponents.
The stadium upgrade has also improved training facilities, recovery resources, and match-day amenities—all contributing to player development and retention.
Culture and Continuity
Perhaps the most important factor in Geelong's AFLW championship history is culture. The club has maintained remarkable continuity in its coaching staff and leadership group. This stability allows players to develop within a consistent system, building trust and understanding over multiple seasons.
The connection to the men's program is also significant. While the AFLW team has its own identity, the standards set by players like Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield, and Tom Hawkins permeate the entire club. The expectation of excellence is non-negotiable.
Key Figures in Geelong's AFLW Journey
No history of the Geelong Cats AFLW program would be complete without recognizing the individuals who have shaped its trajectory.
Players Who Defined the Era
Amy McDonald has been the engine of Geelong's midfield since her debut. Her ability to win contested possessions, distribute effectively, and impact the scoreboard makes her one of the AFLW's most valuable players. She is the standard-bearer for what it means to be a Geelong Cat.
Meg McDonald anchors the defense with composure and intelligence. Her reading of the game and ability to organize teammates have been crucial to Geelong's defensive resilience.
Rebecca Webster has developed into one of the competition's most damaging half-back flankers. Her run and carry provide Geelong with offensive thrust from the defensive half.
Olivia Purcell (now at Melbourne) was a foundational player whose departure left a void, but her impact during her time at Geelong was immense.
Coaching Leadership
The appointment of Daniel Lowther as head coach for the 2022 season marked a new chapter. His emphasis on defensive structure, midfield pressure, and ball movement has created a distinct playing identity. Under his guidance, Geelong has become a team that can win in multiple ways—through defensive grit or attacking flair.
The Path to a Premiership
What will it take for the Geelong Cats to claim their first AFLW premiership? The blueprint is clear.
Areas of Strength
- Midfield depth: Few teams can match Geelong's rotation through the engine room
- Defensive system: The Cats' ability to restrict opposition scoring is elite
- Home-ground advantage: Kardinia Park remains a fortress
- Development pipeline: The Geelong VFL program continues to produce talent
Areas for Growth
- Forward line consistency: Geelong needs a reliable, dominant key forward
- Finals experience: While the 2023 Grand Final provided invaluable lessons, more big-game exposure is needed
- Depth in key positions: Injuries to critical players have exposed gaps in previous seasons
The X-Factor
What separates Geelong from other contenders is the club's institutional memory of success. The men's program's championship pedigree—including the 2022 AFL Premiership and multiple Grand Final appearances under Chris Scott—creates a culture where premierships are expected, not hoped for. That mentality is now embedded in the women's program.
Practical Tips for Following Geelong's AFLW Journey
For supporters who want to engage more deeply with the Geelong Cats AFLW program, here are practical suggestions:
Attend Matches at Kardinia Park
There is nothing like experiencing the Cats live at GMHBA Stadium. The atmosphere during AFLW matches has grown increasingly electric, and the connection between players and fans is tangible. Check the AFL fixture for Geelong's home games and make the trip to the Cattery.
Follow the AFL Draft
The AFL Draft is where Geelong has built its success. Following the draft process—from state combines to selection night—provides insight into the club's strategy and the next generation of stars.
Engage with Club Content
The Geelong Cats website and social media channels provide extensive coverage of the AFLW program. Player interviews, training reports, and behind-the-scenes content offer a deeper understanding of the team's journey.
Support the Geelong VFL Program
The Geelong VFL women's team is the pathway to AFLW success. Watching VFL matches allows you to see future stars before they reach the national stage.
Conclusion: The Future Is Bright
The Geelong Cats AFLW championship history is still being written. While the premiership flag has not yet been raised at Kardinia Park, the trajectory is unmistakable. This is a club that has built its women's program with patience, intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
From the early struggles of 2019 to the heartbreak of the 2023 Grand Final, every step has been purposeful. The core is in place. The system is proven. The culture is championship-caliber.
As the 2025 AFL season approaches, the question is not whether Geelong will win an AFLW premiership—it's how many.
For the Cats faithful, the wait has been worth it. The best is yet to come.
Ready to dive deeper into Geelong Cats history? Explore our comprehensive coverage of club milestones, including record wins and losses and the complete premiership titles list. The story of the Geelong Cats is one of sustained excellence—and the AFLW chapter is just beginning.
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