When you think about the Geelong Cats, what comes to mind? Maybe it's the roar of the crowd at Kardinia Park, the sight of Joel Selwood willing his team over the line one more time, or the sheer power of Tom Hawkins marking inside 50. But behind every premiership, every finals run, and every unforgettable moment lies a quiet, relentless engine: the AFL Draft.
For Geelong, the draft isn't just about picking names off a list. It's an art form. It's how a club that rarely finishes near the bottom of the ladder keeps reloading, year after year, while other teams cycle through rebuilds. If you're a Cats fan, understanding how Geelong approaches the draft is like peeking behind the curtain of a championship machine. So let's dive into the strategy, the hits, the misses, and what the future holds.
Why the Draft Matters More Than Ever for the Cats
In the modern AFL, success is a balancing act. You can't just buy a flag—there's no salary cap loophole big enough to assemble a superteam overnight. The draft is the great equalizer, the mechanism that gives every club a shot at the next Patrick Dangerfield or the next Tom Hawkins. But for Geelong, it's even more critical.
Unlike clubs that bottom out for multiple seasons, the Cats have been a consistent finals contender for over a decade. That means they're usually picking in the late teens or twenties—not the top five. Yet somehow, they keep finding gems. How? It starts with a philosophy that prioritizes fit, character, and development over flashy highlights. And it's why the 2025 AFL Season already has fans buzzing about the next wave of talent coming through the Cattery.
The Geelong Draft Philosophy: Patience, Development, and the "Cattery Factor"
Let's be honest: Geelong isn't the flashiest drafting team. You won't see them trading the farm for a top-three pick very often. Instead, the Cats have built a reputation for identifying players who might slide under the radar—guys with elite work ethic, high footy IQ, and a willingness to buy into the team-first culture.
The Development Pipeline
One of the biggest secrets to Geelong's draft success is the Geelong VFL program. The reserves team isn't just a place for fringe players to get a run; it's a finishing school. Young draftees spend time learning the system, building their bodies, and adjusting to the pace of senior footy before they're thrown into the deep end. This patience pays off. Players like Tom Hawkins (taken at pick 41 in 2006) and Joel Selwood (pick 7 in 2006) didn't just become stars overnight—they were nurtured in an environment that values long-term growth over instant gratification.
The "Cattery" Advantage
There's also the undeniable impact of playing at Kardinia Park. It's not just a home ground; it's a fortress. The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has turned GMHBA Stadium into one of the most intimidating venues in the AFL. For young draftees, learning to play on that deck—with its unique dimensions and passionate crowd—gives them a distinct edge. It's a place where players develop resilience and a sense of belonging that's hard to replicate elsewhere.
5 Key Draft Strategies That Define the Cats
Geelong doesn't just throw darts at a board. There's a method to the madness. Here are the core strategies that have kept the Cats competitive for nearly two decades.
1. Targeting Local Talent with a Point to Prove
Geelong has always had a soft spot for players from the region. Think of guys like Patrick Dangerfield (originally from Moggs Creek, though drafted by Adelaide) or Tom Hawkins (from Finley, NSW, but a Geelong boy at heart). The Cats understand that players who grew up in the area often have a deeper connection to the club and its community. They're not just playing for a paycheck; they're playing for the jumper.
2. Banking on Late-Round Gems
This is where Geelong truly shines. While other clubs chase the top 10 picks, the Cats consistently find value in the 30s, 40s, and even rookie draft. Need proof? Look at the 2022 premiership team. Players like Mark Blicavs (rookie draft, Category B), Tom Stewart (pick 40), and Jake Kolodjashnij (pick 41) were all acquired outside the first round. That's not luck—that's a system that prioritizes upside and development over draft position.
3. Trading for Established Stars (When It Makes Sense)
Geelong isn't afraid to use draft picks as currency. The acquisition of Patrick Dangerfield in 2015 is the most famous example. The Cats gave up pick 9 and a future second-rounder, but they got a Brownlow Medal winner and a generational talent. More recently, moves for players like Jeremy Cameron (involving multiple picks) show that the club is willing to be aggressive when a missing piece is within reach. The key? They only do it when the player fits the culture and the timeline.
4. Prioritizing Leadership and Character
Chris Scott has often talked about the importance of "good people" in the locker room. It's not just about skill; it's about how a player will mesh with the group. The Cats have a rigorous interview process and background checks. They want players who will buy into the team ethos, not just pad their own stats. This is why you rarely see drama or off-field scandals at Geelong—they draft for character as much as talent.
5. Using Father-Son and Academy Rules
Geelong has been a beneficiary of the father-son rule, most notably with the Ablett family (Gary Ablett Jr., Nathan Ablett). While the rule has changed over the years, the Cats still keep a close eye on the sons of former players. It's a pipeline that can yield stars without costing a high draft pick. Additionally, the club's Next Generation Academy (NGA) has started producing talent, giving Geelong first access to players from multicultural and Indigenous backgrounds in the region.
The Draft Hits That Built a Dynasty
Let's walk through some of the most impactful draft selections in Geelong's recent history. These aren't just good players—they're the pillars of the club's success.
Joel Selwood (Pick 7, 2006)
It's impossible to overstate Selwood's importance. Taken with the seventh pick in the 2006 draft, he became the heart and soul of the club. Four premierships, a Brownlow Medal (though controversially denied in 2012), and a legacy as one of the toughest captains the game has ever seen. Selwood wasn't just a draft hit—he was a culture-defining selection.
Tom Hawkins (Pick 41, 2006)
Imagine getting a 300-game, 700-goal forward with a pick in the 40s. That's exactly what Geelong did. Hawkins was a raw talent from the country, but the Cats saw something special. His development into a Coleman Medal winner and a key figure in multiple premierships is a testament to the club's development system.
Patrick Dangerfield (Traded, 2015)
Okay, technically Dangerfield wasn't a Geelong draft pick—he was drafted by Adelaide. But the Cats' willingness to trade for him using pick 9 and a future second-rounder shows their draft strategy isn't just about selecting teenagers. It's about acquiring elite talent when it's available. Dangerfield's arrival in 2016 immediately elevated the Cats into premiership contention, and his 2016 Brownlow Medal season was one of the greatest individual campaigns in AFL history.
Tom Stewart (Pick 40, 2016)
This is the ultimate late-round steal. Stewart was a mature-age recruit from the Geelong VFL, drafted at age 23. Since then, he's become one of the best key defenders in the competition, winning multiple All-Australian selections. Stewart's story is a masterclass in how the Cats identify talent that others overlook.
Mark Blicavs (Rookie Draft, 2012)
A Category B rookie from an athletics background? That's not a typical AFL path, but Geelong saw potential. Blicavs has become a versatile swingman, winning a best and fairest and playing crucial roles in premierships. His journey from steeplechaser to AFL star is a perfect example of Geelong's willingness to think outside the box.
The Draft Misses: Learning from Mistakes
No club hits on every pick, and Geelong has had its share of whiffs. But the way the Cats handle misses is instructive—they don't panic, they don't overcorrect, and they rarely compound a mistake by doubling down.
Early-Round Busts
The 2011 draft was a rare low point. With pick 15, Geelong selected Shane Kersten, who never quite lived up to expectations and was eventually traded. Similarly, pick 21 in 2013 (Jarrad Jansen) and pick 23 in 2014 (Cory Gregson) didn't pan out. But here's the thing: the Cats didn't let these misses derail their long-term plan. They kept scouting, kept developing, and kept finding value later in the draft.
The Cost of Trading Away Picks
Geelong's aggressive trading has sometimes left them with thin draft hauls. For example, the 2020 draft saw the Cats trade away multiple picks to land Jeremy Cameron. While Cameron was instrumental in the 2022 premiership, it meant the club had fewer opportunities to bring in young talent. The challenge is balancing immediate success with future depth—a tightrope the Cats have walked with remarkable skill.
What the Future Holds: Drafting for the Next Era
As the 2025 AFL Season approaches, Geelong is in an interesting position. The core of the premiership team—Selwood (retired), Hawkins (likely nearing the end), Dangerfield (still elite but 35)—is transitioning. The next generation needs to step up, and the draft will be the primary vehicle for that change.
Recent Draft Hauls
The 2023 and 2024 drafts have brought in promising talent. Players like Jhye Clark (pick 8, 2022) are already showing signs of being future leaders. The Cats have also targeted speedy midfielders and intercept defenders, recognizing that the game is getting faster and more dynamic. If these young players develop as expected, Geelong could avoid a traditional rebuild and instead enjoy a "refresh" while remaining competitive.
The Role of the Geelong VFL
The reserves team will be crucial in the coming years. As older players retire, the VFL squad will be the proving ground for the next wave. Expect to see more mature-age recruits like Tom Stewart—players who might have been overlooked but have the skills and mindset to succeed at the top level.
Practical Tips for Following the Draft as a Fan
If you're a Geelong fan who wants to stay ahead of the curve, here's how to track the draft and understand what it means for the club.
- Watch the Geelong VFL games. The reserves are where you'll see future stars before they debut. Pay attention to players who dominate at that level—they're often the next ones to get a call-up.
- Follow the draft combine results. Geelong loves athletes with elite endurance and agility. If a prospect tests well in those areas, there's a good chance the Cats are interested.
- Listen to Chris Scott's press conferences. The coach often drops hints about what the club values in recruits. If he mentions "character" or "team-first mentality," you know the Cats are looking for a specific type of player.
- Check the father-son and academy lists. Geelong has a history of leveraging these rules. Keep an eye on the sons of former players and NGA prospects—they could be on the Cats' radar without costing a high pick.
Conclusion: The Draft Is the Heartbeat of Geelong
The Geelong Cats' success isn't an accident. It's the result of a meticulously crafted draft strategy that values development, character, and long-term planning over short-term flash. From Joel Selwood to Tom Stewart, from Patrick Dangerfield to the next unknown rookie who will become a star, the draft is where the magic begins.
As you gear up for the 2025 AFL Season, take a moment to appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes. The next flag might not be won on grand final day—it might be won in a draft room, with a pick in the 40s and a hunch that a kid from the country has what it takes.
Want to dive deeper into the Cats' championship history? Check out our key stories for more insights. Curious about the players who've won the Brownlow Medal in the hoops? Visit our award-winners page. And if you're in the mood for nostalgia, relive every grand-final-victories that made Geelong the powerhouse it is today.
The draft never stops, and neither does the Cats' pursuit of excellence. Stay tuned, Cats fans—the future is bright.
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