When you’ve been following the Geelong Cats as long as I have, you know that awards season at the Cattery is something special. It’s not just about the shiny trophies—though, let’s be honest, those Brownlow Medals look pretty good on the mantelpiece. It’s about celebrating the players who’ve bled blue and white, the moments that defined seasons, and the legacy of a club that’s been a powerhouse in the AFL for decades.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan who can recite every Carji Greeves Medal winner since 1925 or a newer supporter trying to make sense of the club’s rich history, this pillar guide has you covered. We’re diving deep into every major award associated with the Geelong Cats—from the individual accolades that recognise brilliance on the field to the team honours that define eras.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what each award means, who’s won what, and why these honours matter in the grand story of one of the AFL’s most successful clubs.
The Carji Greeves Medal: Geelong’s Highest Individual Honour
Let’s start with the big one. The Carji Greeves Medal is the Geelong Cats’ club champion award, presented annually to the player judged best and fairest across the season. Named after Albert “Carji” Greeves—a Geelong legend who played 124 games and won three premierships in the 1920s and 1930s—this medal is the ultimate recognition within the club.
How the Voting Works
The voting system has evolved over the years, but the current format is straightforward: after each AFL game, the coaching staff awards votes to the top five players on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis. The player with the highest total at season’s end takes home the medal.
What I love about this award is that it rewards consistency. You can’t win the Carji Greeves Medal with a handful of brilliant games—you need to be reliable week in, week out. That’s why players like Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield have multiple wins. They’re not just stars; they’re the heartbeat of the team.
Notable Winners Through the Years
- Patrick Dangerfield (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020) – Dangerfield’s four Carji Greeves Medals tie him with some of the greatest Cats in history. His 2016 season, his first at Geelong, was arguably the finest individual campaign in the club’s modern era.
- Joel Selwood (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014) – The former captain’s four wins came during the Cats’ golden era. Selwood’s ability to lift when it mattered most made him a perennial contender.
- Tom Hawkins (2021) – The big forward finally claimed his first Carji Greeves Medal after years of being a consistent performer. It was a testament to his evolution from a promising youngster to a bona fide legend.
- Gary Ablett Sr. (1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991) – Five wins. Need I say more? Ablett Sr. remains the benchmark for individual brilliance at the Cats.
What It Takes to Win
Winning the Carji Greeves Medal isn’t just about stats. Sure, disposals and goals matter, but the “best and fairest” component means discipline counts. Players who attract suspensions rarely feature in the final standings. It’s why Chris Scott and the coaching staff emphasise clean, hard football—it’s not just good for the team; it’s essential for individual recognition.
The Brownlow Medal: Geelong’s League MVP Winners
While the Carji Greeves Medal is the club’s own award, the Brownlow Medal is the AFL’s highest individual honour, and the Cats have a proud history in this department. The Brownlow is voted by the field umpires after each game, with three votes for the best player, two for the second-best, and one for the third.
Geelong’s Brownlow Medal Winners
- John James (1947) – The first Cat to win the Brownlow, John James was a rugged defender who set the standard for future generations.
- Edward “Carji” Greeves (1924) – Yes, the same legend the club champion award is named after. Greeves won the very first Brownlow Medal, making him a dual icon of the club.
- Bernie Smith (1951) – A tough, skilled half-back who captained the Cats to the 1951 and 1952 premierships.
- Gary Ablett Jr. (2009) – The son of the legendary Gary Ablett Sr., Gary Jr. won the Brownlow in his final season at Geelong before moving to the Gold Coast Suns. It was a fitting farewell to the Cattery.
- Patrick Dangerfield (2016) – Dangerfield’s Brownlow win was one of the most dominant in history. He polled 35 votes—the highest tally since the current voting system was introduced in 1978.
Close Calls and Controversies
The Cats have had their share of near-misses. Joel Selwood finished second in 2013, and Tom Hawkins was in the mix during his 2021 All-Australian season. But the Brownlow is a fickle beast—it rewards midfielders disproportionately, which makes Dangerfield’s win even more impressive given his ability to impact games as a forward-mid hybrid.
The AFL Premiership: The Ultimate Team Honour
Now, let’s talk about the one that matters most. The AFL Premiership is the reason every club exists, and the Geelong Cats have been remarkably successful in this department. With 10 premierships (as of 2024), the Cats sit comfortably among the AFL’s elite clubs.
A Quick History of Geelong’s Flags
- 1925, 1931, 1937 – The early years, when the Cats established themselves as a force.
- 1951, 1952 – Back-to-back premierships under the leadership of Bernie Smith.
- 1963 – A drought-breaking flag after an 11-year gap.
- 2007, 2009, 2011 – The modern golden era. Under Chris Scott (who took over in 2011), the Cats won three flags in five years, cementing their status as a dynasty.
- 2022 – The most recent premiership, a triumph of experience and resilience. The Cats dominated the AFL Finals Series, finishing the season with a 16-game winning streak.
The 2022 Premiership: A Masterclass
I’ll never forget the 2022 AFL Grand Final. The Cats faced the Sydney Swans at the MCG, and it was a demolition from the first bounce. Tom Hawkins kicked four goals, Patrick Dangerfield was everywhere, and Joel Selwood—in his final game—lifted the premiership cup for the fourth time as captain.
That premiership was special because it defied the narrative that the Cats were “too old.” Critics said the list needed a rebuild, but the players proved that experience, when combined with the right system, is a formidable weapon.
The AFL Finals Series: Where Legends Are Made
The AFL Finals Series is where reputations are forged, and the Geelong Cats have been a consistent presence in September. Since 2007, the Cats have missed the finals only once (2015), making them one of the most consistent performers in the competition.
Key Finals Moments
- 2007 Grand Final – A 119-point demolition of Port Adelaide that announced the Cats as a superpower.
- 2009 Grand Final – A nail-biting 12-point win over St Kilda, decided by a legendary goal from Paul Chapman.
- 2011 Grand Final – A come-from-behind victory against Collingwood, with Tom Hawkins kicking the sealing goal.
- 2017 Qualifying Final – A shock loss to Richmond that ended the Cats’ season prematurely, but it was a learning experience.
- 2019 Preliminary Final – A heartbreaking loss to Richmond again, but it showed the Cats were still contenders.
- 2022 Grand Final – The ultimate redemption, with the Cats winning their fourth flag in 15 years.
What Makes the Cats Successful in Finals?
It’s a combination of factors. The club’s culture, instilled by Chris Scott and carried forward by leaders like Joel Selwood, emphasises teamwork over individual brilliance. The Cats also benefit from playing at Kardinia Park—the GMHBA Stadium redevelopment has turned the Cattery into a fortress, with the crowd noise and tight ground dimensions giving the Cats a distinct home advantage.
The AFL Draft: Building the Next Generation
The AFL Draft is the lifeblood of any club, and the Geelong Cats have a reputation for finding gems. While the Cats aren’t always in the top draft picks (thanks to their consistent finals appearances), they’ve excelled at developing players from later selections.
Notable Draft Success Stories
- Joel Selwood (Pick 7, 2006) – The former captain was a steal at pick 7 and became the heart of the club.
- Tom Hawkins (Pick 41, 2006) – A father-son selection who went on to become one of the greatest forwards of his generation.
- Patrick Dangerfield (Pick 10, 2007) – Drafted by Adelaide but returned to Geelong via free agency in 2016, proving that the Cats’ pull is strong.
- Jeremy Cameron (Pick 7, 2011) – Drafted by GWS but joined Geelong in 2020, becoming a key part of the 2022 premiership.
The Father-Son Rule
The Cats have benefited enormously from the father-son rule. Tom Hawkins (son of Jack Hawkins) and Gary Ablett Jr. (son of Gary Ablett Sr.) are the most famous examples, but there are others like Jed Bews (son of Andrew Bews) and Oscar Brownless (son of Billy Brownless). This rule allows the Cats to keep a connection to their past while building for the future.
Geelong VFL: The Development Pathway
The Geelong VFL team is more than just a reserves side—it’s a crucial part of the club’s success. Many of the Cats’ best players have honed their skills in the VFL before graduating to the AFL.
The VFL’s Role
- Player Development – Young draftees get game time in the VFL, learning the Cats’ system without the pressure of AFL football.
- Rehabilitation – Injured AFL players use the VFL to regain match fitness.
- Talent Identification – The VFL team often features mature-age recruits who earn AFL contracts, like Mark Blicavs (a former steeplechaser who developed into a key defender).
VFL Awards
The VFL team has its own awards, including the VFL Best and Fairest, which recognises the top player in the reserves. While it doesn’t carry the prestige of the Carji Greeves Medal, it’s a stepping stone for young players aiming for AFL selection.
Individual Awards: The Full Picture
Beyond the Carji Greeves and Brownlow Medals, the Geelong Cats have produced winners of several other prestigious awards.
All-Australian Selections
The All-Australian team recognises the best players in the AFL each season, and the Cats have been well-represented. Patrick Dangerfield (8 selections), Joel Selwood (6), and Tom Hawkins (5) are among the most decorated.
Coleman Medal
The Coleman Medal is awarded to the AFL’s leading goalkicker, and the Cats have had multiple winners:
- Tom Hawkins (2021) – Kicked 68 goals in the home-and-away season.
- Gary Ablett Sr. (1985, 1986, 1989) – Three Coleman Medals, a testament to his freakish goal sense.
- Larry Donohue (1976) – The last Cat before Hawkins to win the award.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognises the best young player in the AFL. The Cats have had several nominees, but the only winner is Jake Kolodjashnij (2014), who has since become a reliable defender.
The Kardinia Park Redevelopment: A New Era
The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has transformed the Cats’ home ground into a state-of-the-art facility. The GMHBA Stadium redevelopment, completed in phases between 2015 and 2022, increased capacity to over 36,000 and added modern amenities.
How It Impacts Awards
The redevelopment has made the Cattery a more attractive destination for players. When Patrick Dangerfield chose to return to Geelong in 2016, the upgraded facilities were a factor. The club now has world-class training and recovery spaces, which help players perform at their best—and that translates to individual awards.
Practical Tips for Following Geelong’s Awards
If you want to stay on top of the Cats’ award winners, here are a few tips:
- Follow the AFL season closely – Awards like the Brownlow and Carji Greeves Medal are heavily influenced by weekly performances. Watch games, check stats, and form your own opinions.
- Attend the Carji Greeves Medal night – It’s usually held in October at a venue in Geelong. Tickets go on sale through the club’s website.
- Check the club’s official channels – The Geelong Cats website and social media accounts announce winners as soon as they’re confirmed.
- Read season previews – Our key stories section breaks down what to expect each season, including potential award contenders.
- Analyse the fixture – The fixture analysis helps you understand which games might be crucial for individual awards.
The 2025 AFL Season: What to Expect
Looking ahead to the 2025 AFL Season, the Cats are poised to remain competitive. With a blend of experienced stars like Tom Hawkins and emerging talent from the AFL Draft, the club is well-positioned to challenge for another premiership.
Potential Award Contenders
- Patrick Dangerfield – At 34, he’s still a Brownlow threat if he can stay fit.
- Tom Hawkins – A perennial Coleman Medal contender, though age is catching up.
- Jeremy Cameron – The key forward could push for an All-Australian selection.
- Max Holmes – The young midfielder is a future Carji Greeves Medal winner.
The Captaincy
With Joel Selwood retired, the captaincy has passed to Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins as co-captains. Our captain interviews give you insight into their leadership styles and goals for the season.
Conclusion: Why Awards Matter
Awards are more than just trophies—they’re a record of excellence. When you look at the list of Geelong Cats award winners, you see the names of legends who defined eras: Gary Ablett Sr. , Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Hawkins. Each award tells a story of hard work, resilience, and team success.
As a fan, understanding these awards deepens your appreciation for the game. When you watch a match at Kardinia Park or tune in to an AFL Grand Final, you’re witnessing history in the making. The next Carji Greeves Medal winner could be a young gun from the AFL Draft or a veteran having a career-best season.
So, keep following the Cats. Keep cheering. And when the next award is announced, you’ll know exactly what it means.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out our key stories for the latest on the Cats’ season, or browse our fixture analysis to see which games could decide the next award winner.
Go Cats!
Reader Comments (0)