Every season brings a fresh wave of anticipation for Geelong Cats fans, but there's something special about watching a young player seize their moment. You know the feeling—that moment when a rising star breaks through, and you can tell your mates, "I called it." As the 2025 AFL Season approaches, the Cats are primed for another run at the premiership, but the storylines extend beyond the familiar faces of Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins. This season, a handful of emerging talents are poised to make their mark, and we're here to break down exactly who to keep an eye on.
The Geelong Cats have long been masters of player development. From the legendary leadership of Joel Selwood to the consistent brilliance of Chris Scott's game plans, the club knows how to nurture talent. But with the AFL landscape shifting and the Kardinia Park Redevelopment enhancing the Cattery's atmosphere, the time is ripe for new heroes to emerge. Whether you're a die-hard who watches every Geelong VFL match or a casual fan checking the ladder, this guide will help you spot the breakout stars before they become household names.
Why does this matter? Because premierships aren't won by superstars alone—they're built on the backs of players who step up when it counts. The Cats' depth has always been their secret weapon, and the 2025 AFL Season promises to showcase the next wave. Let's dive into the names you need to know.
The Blueprint for a Breakout Season
Before we get into the specific players, it's worth understanding what a "breakout" actually looks like for the Geelong Cats. It's not just about stats—though those help. A breakout season means a player cements their spot in the best 22, influences games consistently, and becomes a name opponents game-plan for. For the Cats, this often happens when a younger player fills a gap left by a veteran or capitalizes on an opportunity in the AFL Finals Series.
Chris Scott has a knack for integrating youth into a seasoned lineup. Look at how players like Max Holmes and Tanner Bruhn have developed—they didn't just get games; they earned them through the Geelong VFL system. The reserves program is a proving ground, and the club's commitment to player growth means that when someone breaks out, it's the result of careful planning, not luck.
So, what should you watch for? Consistency in contested possessions, composure under pressure, and the ability to impact the scoreboard. These are the hallmarks of a Cat who's ready to take the next step.
1. Jhye Clark: The Midfield General in Waiting
If there's one name that's been buzzing around the Cattery all offseason, it's Jhye Clark. Drafted with pick 8 in the 2022 AFL Draft, Clark has already shown glimpses of his potential, but 2025 feels like the year he becomes a regular contributor. He's a hard-nosed midfielder with elite footy IQ—think a younger, slightly less polished version of Joel Selwood in terms of his leadership and work rate.
Clark spent much of 2024 building his tank in the Geelong VFL, where he averaged over 25 disposals and showcased his ability to win the ball at the coalface. With Patrick Dangerfield entering the twilight of his career, the Cats need a new wave of midfield grunt. Clark's inside work, combined with his clean hands in traffic, makes him a natural successor to the club's engine room.
Why he'll break out: The Cats have a history of easing draftees into the system, and Clark has served his apprenticeship. Expect him to play 15-18 AFL games this season, with a few standout performances that have the commentators raving. Keep an eye on his contested possession numbers—if they climb above 12 per game, you'll know he's arrived.
Watch for: His ability to burst from stoppages and hit a target by foot. It's a skill that separates good midfielders from great ones.
2. Oliver Dempsey: The X-Factor Forward
Oliver Dempsey is the type of player who makes you sit up in your seat. At 188 cm, he's a versatile forward who can play tall or small, and his athleticism is off the charts. Drafted as a project player, Dempsey has steadily improved, and the 2025 AFL Season could be his coming-out party.
The key to Dempsey's breakout is opportunity. With Tom Hawkins shouldering the load in the forward line, the Cats need secondary scorers who can apply pressure and hit the scoreboard. Dempsey's speed and leap make him a nightmare matchup for defenders—he can take a hanger one moment and chase down an opponent the next. In the Geelong VFL last season, he kicked 28 goals in 16 games, including a bag of five against a strong opposition.
Why he'll break out: The AFL is moving toward fluid, positionless football, and Dempsey fits that mold perfectly. Chris Scott loves players who can play multiple roles, and Dempsey's ability to rotate through the midfield only adds to his value. If he gets a consistent run in the seniors, expect him to average a goal a game and become a fan favorite at Kardinia Park.
Watch for: His goal celebrations—Dempsey plays with a joy that's infectious. When he kicks a big one, the crowd at GMHBA Stadium will let you know.
3. Mitch Hardie: The Late Bloomer
Mitch Hardie is a story that every Cats fan should love. He was taken in the 2023 AFL Draft as a mature-age recruit from the SANFL, and he's already proven he belongs at the highest level. Hardie is a big-bodied midfielder who wins his own footy, and his performance in the 2024 pre-season had insiders whispering about a potential Round 1 debut.
Hardie's path to the AFL is a reminder that the draft isn't the only route to success. He's 23 years old, which means he's physically ready to compete with the league's best. In the Geelong VFL, he averaged 28 disposals and seven clearances per game, numbers that demand selection. The question isn't whether he can play—it's whether the Cats can find room for him in a crowded midfield.
Why he'll break out: Injuries and rotation management always create opportunities. If Patrick Dangerfield or another senior midfielder misses time, Hardie is the first in line to step up. His contested game is AFL-ready, and his ability to win the ball in tight spaces will earn him the trust of Chris Scott.
Watch for: His work in the clinches. Hardie doesn't just win the ball—he sets up teammates with quick handballs that break lines. It's the kind of play that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet but wins games.
4. Ted Clohesy: The Defensive General
Defenders rarely get the same attention as forwards and midfielders, but Ted Clohesy is the exception. A rebounding half-back with a booming kick, Clohesy has been a standout in the Geelong VFL system and is knocking on the door of AFL selection. He's got the composure of a 10-year veteran and the athleticism to match.
The Cats' backline has been a fortress for years, anchored by seasoned players who know Chris Scott's system inside and out. But Clohesy offers something different—run and carry. He loves to take the game on, streaming out of defense and hitting targets inside 50. In 2024, he averaged 22 disposals and five rebound 50s in the reserves, numbers that scream "AFL ready."
Why he'll break out: The modern AFL game demands defenders who can transition the ball quickly, and Clohesy is tailor-made for that role. If he gets a taste of the AFL Finals Series atmosphere, his confidence will skyrocket. Expect him to play at least 10 games this season and become a regular by the end of the year.
Watch for: His line-breaking runs from the back pocket. When Clohesy takes off, the crowd at the Cattery knows something special is about to happen.
5. Oisin Mullin: The Irish Experiment Pays Off
Oisin Mullin arrived at the Geelong Cats with a reputation as one of Ireland's best young Gaelic footballers, and the transition to Australian rules has been nothing short of remarkable. Mullin is an elite athlete—his speed, agility, and endurance are off the charts—and he's quickly adapted to the intricacies of the AFL.
Mullin's breakout might not come in the form of huge stats. Instead, look for his impact as a lockdown defender or a high-half-forward who applies relentless pressure. In the Geelong VFL, he's shown a knack for reading the play and intercepting marking attempts, a skill that translates directly to the AFL level.
Why he'll break out: The Cats love players with unique traits, and Mullin's athleticism is a weapon. Chris Scott has a track record of getting the best out of international recruits, and Mullin's work ethic is second to none. If he cracks the senior side, he'll be a matchup nightmare for opponents.
Watch for: His chase-down tackles. Mullin has the speed to run down opponents who think they're clear, and the roar from the Kardinia Park crowd when he does it is unforgettable.
6. Shaun Mannagh: The Mature-Age Steal
Shaun Mannagh is another mature-age recruit who's already turning heads. Drafted at 26 years old, Mannagh is a ready-made midfielder who can also push forward and hit the scoreboard. His story is a testament to the Cats' scouting network, which has a knack for finding diamonds in the rough.
Mannagh's breakout season might be the most predictable on this list. He's physically mature, has a proven track record in the VFL, and fills a need for the Cats. With the midfield group aging, Mannagh offers a burst of energy and a willingness to do the dirty work. In the 2024 pre-season, he was one of the best players on the ground in a practice match, and that form has carried into the new year.
Why he'll break out: Opportunity meets preparation. Mannagh is ready to play AFL football, and the Cats need his grunt. Expect him to be a regular in the rotation by mid-season, with a few games where he racks up 25-plus disposals and a goal.
Watch for: His ability to win the ball at ground level and dish off to runners. Mannagh is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.
How to Spot a Breakout Star Before It Happens
You don't need to be a scout to identify the next big thing at the Geelong Cats. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind as you watch the 2025 AFL Season unfold:
- Watch the pre-season games. Chris Scott often uses these matches to experiment with younger players. If a youngster gets significant minutes in the pre-season, it's a strong sign they're in the plans.
- Follow the Geelong VFL. The reserves are where stars are born. If a player dominates at that level, it's only a matter of time before they get an AFL call-up.
- Listen to the coaches' press conferences. Scott is famously guarded, but he'll occasionally drop hints about players who are "knocking on the door."
- Track the injury list. Breakouts often happen when a senior player goes down. If Patrick Dangerfield or Tom Hawkins misses time, watch for the young guns to step up.
- Check the stats. Look for players who improve their contested possession numbers or goal averages from the previous season. Those are the ones who are ready to break out.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Season Matters
The Geelong Cats are in a fascinating position. They're still contenders for the AFL Premiership, but the core of Joel Selwood's era is slowly transitioning. The 2025 AFL Season isn't just about winning the flag—it's about building the next great Cats team. The players we've highlighted are the future, and their development will determine whether the club remains a powerhouse for the next decade.
The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has transformed the Cattery into one of the best venues in the competition, and the home-ground advantage is real. When these young stars run out in front of a packed GMHBA Stadium, they'll feel the energy of a fanbase that lives and breathes the Cats. That atmosphere can accelerate a breakout faster than any training drill.
Chris Scott has already shown he's willing to blood youth. Look at how Max Holmes and Tanner Bruhn have flourished—they were given opportunities and seized them. The same will happen for Jhye Clark, Oliver Dempsey, and the rest of this list.
Your Role as a Fan
Here's the thing about breakout stars: they need your support. When you're at Kardinia Park or watching on TV, keep an eye on the young players. Cheer their tackles, celebrate their goals, and be patient when they make mistakes. Every great Cat—from Joel Selwood to Tom Hawkins—had to start somewhere.
The 2025 AFL Season is full of possibilities. Will Jhye Clark become the next midfield star? Can Oliver Dempsey light up the forward line? Will Mitch Hardie's contested game translate to the AFL? The answers are just weeks away, and we'll be here to break it all down.
For more insights on the Cats' season, check out our season previews to get the full picture. And if you want to understand why the Cattery is so crucial, read about the home-ground advantage that makes Geelong a fortress. Finally, don't miss our predicted ladder for the upcoming season.
The future is bright for the Geelong Cats. The breakout stars are coming—and you'll be able to say you knew it all along.
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