Every year, when the AFL Draft rolls around, Geelong Cats fans hold their breath. Will we snag the next Patrick Dangerfield? Will we uncover a gem in the later rounds like we did with Tom Hawkins? The draft isn't just about picking names off a list—it's the lifeblood of a club that refuses to rebuild, instead choosing to reload year after year.
If you've ever wondered how the Cats consistently turn draft picks into premiership heroes, you're in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Geelong Cats draft profiles: the philosophy, the history, the hits, the misses, and what to expect in the 2025 AFL Season. Whether you're a die-hard who remembers every pick since 1997 or a newer fan trying to understand why draft night matters so much, let's dive in.
Why the AFL Draft Defines Geelong's Success
Let's be real: Geelong doesn't tank. While other clubs chase high draft picks and suffer through years of pain, the Cats have built a dynasty on finding value where others don't look. Since 2006, Geelong has finished in the top eight more often than any other club. That means late first-round picks, second-rounders, and rookie selections. No number one overall picks. No priority picks.
Yet here we are, with four AFL Premierships since 2007 and a culture that makes players want to stay. The AFL Draft isn't just about adding talent—it's about finding players who fit the Geelong way. Hard workers. Team-first guys. Players who will buy into the system at Kardinia Park and develop under Chris Scott's guidance.
The draft also feeds directly into the Geelong VFL program, where young players learn the ropes before stepping into the senior side. It's a pipeline that's produced legends like Joel Selwood (pick 7, 2006) and Tom Hawkins (pick 41, 2006). Yes, pick 41. That's the magic of Geelong's draft approach.
The Geelong Draft Philosophy: Fit Over Flash
Character Counts as Much as Talent
If you've ever listened to Chris Scott or Geelong's list manager Andrew Mackie talk about the draft, you'll hear the same word over and over: character. The Cats don't just want good footballers—they want good people. Players who will represent the club with pride, work hard when no one's watching, and put the team above themselves.
This philosophy has shaped Geelong's draft profiles for years. When the Cats passed on certain highly-touted prospects in favor of less flashy but more reliable players, fans sometimes scratched their heads. But look at the results. Joel Selwood was known for his leadership before he ever played an AFL game. Tom Hawkins was a country kid with a work ethic that matched his size. Patrick Dangerfield, though acquired via trade rather than draft, embodied the same values when he chose Geelong as his destination.
The takeaway? If you're studying Geelong Cats draft profiles, pay attention to the intangibles. The Cats are looking for future leaders, not just future stars.
Developing, Not Just Drafting
Here's something that separates Geelong from most clubs: the draft is just the beginning. The Cats have one of the best development programs in the AFL, and it shows. Players who might have been overlooked or considered projects at other clubs become stars at Kardinia Park.
Think about Mark Blicavs. He was a middle-distance runner who'd never played Australian rules football before Geelong picked him up in the rookie draft. Now he's a premiership player and one of the most versatile athletes in the competition. Or consider Tom Stewart, a mature-age recruit from the Geelong VFL who became an All-Australian defender. The Cats don't just draft talent—they create it.
This development focus means Geelong's draft profiles often include players with raw potential or unique athletic backgrounds. The Cats trust their system to refine the rough edges.
Iconic Draft Picks That Shaped Geelong's History
The 2006 Draft: The Class That Built a Dynasty
If there's one draft that defines modern Geelong, it's 2006. The Cats had picks 7, 17, 24, 41, and 53. They walked away with Joel Selwood, James Kelly (via trade), Travis Varcoe, Tom Hawkins, and Nathan Djerrkura. Not bad for a single night's work.
Selwood at pick 7 is the obvious headliner. The future Brownlow Medalist and four-time premiership captain was considered a risk by some clubs due to his knee issues, but Geelong saw past that. They saw a leader, a competitor, and a player who would define the club for nearly two decades.
But Tom Hawkins at pick 41 might be the greater testament to Geelong's draft philosophy. In a draft where many clubs reached for flashy midfielders, the Cats waited and grabbed a key forward who would become one of the most dominant players of his generation. Hawkins wasn't just a bargain—he was a steal that helped deliver multiple AFL Premierships.
The 2015 Draft: Finding Gems Later On
Geelong didn't have a first-round pick in 2015, having traded it away. But that didn't stop them from finding talent. With pick 27, they selected Jordan Cunico (who didn't work out), but it was their later picks that made the difference.
At pick 60, the Cats took Tom Stewart as a mature-age rookie. Yes, the same Tom Stewart who would go on to win multiple All-Australian blazers and a premiership. Stewart had been overlooked for years, playing in the Geelong VFL while working as a carpenter. The Cats knew exactly what they had, and they trusted their system to develop him.
This draft also brought in Sam Menegola (pick 66), who became a reliable midfielder, and Ryan Gardner (pick 69), who didn't make it but showed the Cats were willing to take chances on project players.
The 2017 Draft: Building for the Future
The 2017 draft was all about finding the next generation of Geelong stars. With pick 22, the Cats selected Lachlan Fogarty, who showed promise before being traded to Carlton. But the real win came at pick 51: Gryan Miers.
Miers is the perfect example of a Geelong draft profile. He wasn't the biggest, the fastest, or the most highly touted. But he had elite footy IQ, a deadly left foot, and a work ethic that made him a fan favorite at Kardinia Park. Miers developed through the Geelong VFL system and became a crucial part of the 2022 premiership team.
The Cats also picked up Tim Kelly at pick 24 in the same draft, though he was technically a mature-age selection. Kelly became an All-Australian before requesting a trade home to Western Australia—a reminder that even the best draft picks don't always stay.
How Geelong Evaluates Draft Prospects
The Role of the Geelong VFL
One of Geelong's biggest advantages in the AFL Draft is its VFL program. The Cats have one of the strongest reserves systems in the competition, and it serves as both a development pathway and a testing ground for potential draftees.
Young players who join the Geelong VFL get to train at Kardinia Park, learn from the senior players, and play in the same system they'd use if drafted. This gives the Cats a huge advantage when evaluating prospects. They've already seen how a player handles the pressure, how they adapt to the game plan, and whether they fit the culture.
This is why Geelong has been so successful with mature-age recruits and later picks. They're not guessing—they're watching. Players like Tom Stewart, Mark Blicavs, and Sam Menegola all came through the Geelong VFL system before being drafted. The Cats knew exactly what they were getting.
The Importance of Character Interviews
Geelong puts a massive emphasis on the interview process during the draft combine. While other clubs might focus solely on athletic testing or highlight reels, the Cats want to know who you are as a person.
Chris Scott and the recruiting team spend significant time getting to know draft prospects. They ask about family, about goals, about how they handle adversity. They want players who will thrive in Geelong's environment—a regional city where the club is the center of the community. Not everyone can handle that pressure, and the Cats are careful to select players who can.
This approach has led to some surprising decisions. Geelong has passed on highly rated prospects who didn't fit the culture, only to see those players struggle at other clubs. Conversely, they've drafted players who were considered reaches but became integral parts of the team.
What to Expect in the 2025 AFL Season Draft
Geelong's Current List Needs
As we look toward the 2025 AFL Season, Geelong's draft needs are becoming clearer. The Cats have an aging core, with veterans like Tom Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield nearing the end of their careers. While the club has done an excellent job of bringing in young talent, there are gaps that need filling.
Key areas of need include:
- Key forwards: With Hawkins entering his final seasons, Geelong needs a young tall forward who can develop alongside Jeremy Cameron.
- Midfield depth: While Dangerfield remains elite, the Cats need young midfielders who can take over in the coming years.
- Ruck prospects: Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs won't play forever, and Geelong needs to develop a long-term ruck option.
- Speed and pressure: The modern AFL game demands quick, defensive-minded small forwards and midfielders.
Trading Into the Draft
Geelong has never been afraid to trade draft picks, whether moving up to secure a target or trading out to accumulate future assets. In recent years, the Cats have been aggressive in trading for established players like Jeremy Cameron and Jack Bowes, which has cost them early draft capital.
But don't expect Geelong to stay out of the draft entirely. The club understands the importance of developing homegrown talent, especially with the salary cap pressures that come from having stars like Dangerfield and Hawkins on the list.
Look for the Cats to be active during trade period, potentially moving players or future picks to get into better draft positions. The trade rumours section of our site will have all the latest updates as the draft approaches.
The Next Joel Selwood or Tom Hawkins?
Every draft, Geelong fans hope to find the next superstar. But the reality is that players like Selwood and Hawkins are generational talents. What the Cats are really looking for are players who can become consistent, reliable contributors—the kind of players who form the backbone of a premiership team.
That said, there are always surprises. The 2025 draft class is expected to be deep, with several promising midfielders and key position players. If Geelong can find a late-round gem or develop a mature-age recruit through the Geelong VFL, it could set the club up for another decade of success.
Practical Tips for Following the Draft
How to Watch the AFL Draft
The AFL Draft is broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo Sports, typically in late November. It's a multi-night event, with the first round usually held on a Wednesday and the remaining rounds on Thursday.
If you want to follow Geelong's picks specifically, keep an eye on the club's social media channels and the official AFL website. The Cats also host draft night events at Kardinia Park for members, which is a great way to be part of the excitement.
Understanding Draft Pick Values
Not all draft picks are created equal. The AFL uses a points system to assign value to each pick, which clubs use when trading players or matching bids for academy and father-son selections.
Geelong typically has picks in the 20s, 30s, and 40s due to their consistent finals appearances. These picks are still valuable but require smart scouting to find AFL-quality players. The Cats have proven time and again that they can find stars in these ranges.
What to Look for in a Draft Profile
When reading Geelong Cats draft profiles, pay attention to:
- Position and size: Does the player fit a need on the list?
- Footy IQ: How well does the player read the game?
- Work ethic: Is the player known for their training habits?
- Character: What do coaches and teammates say about them?
- Development potential: Can the Cats' system turn this player into something special?
The Future of Geelong's Draft Strategy
As the AFL landscape changes, so does Geelong's approach to the draft. The introduction of the AFL's expansion teams, the rise of academy and father-son selections, and the increasing importance of player movement have all forced the Cats to adapt.
But one thing remains constant: Geelong's commitment to building through the draft while staying competitive. The club refuses to bottom out, believing that a winning culture attracts and develops talent better than high draft picks ever could.
This philosophy has served the Cats well for nearly two decades, and there's no reason to think it will change anytime soon. With the Kardinia Park Redevelopment providing world-class facilities and the Geelong VFL program continuing to develop talent, the Cats are well-positioned for the future.
The 2025 AFL Season will be another chapter in Geelong's remarkable story. And as always, the draft will play a crucial role in writing that story.
Conclusion: Why Draft Night Matters to Every Cats Fan
The AFL Draft isn't just for recruiters and list managers. It's for every fan who dreams of seeing the next Joel Selwood lift the premiership cup, the next Tom Hawkins kick a goal in a Grand Final, or the next Patrick Dangerfield tear through the midfield at Kardinia Park.
Geelong Cats draft profiles tell the story of how champions are built. They show us the risks, the rewards, and the philosophy that has made the Cats one of the most successful clubs in AFL history.
So as the next draft approaches, pay attention. Watch the interviews, read the profiles, and get excited about the future. Because if history has taught us anything, it's that Geelong will find a way to surprise us.
Want to stay updated on all the latest draft news and analysis? Check out our key stories section for in-depth coverage of Geelong's draft strategy and player profiles. And don't miss our coach interviews where Chris Scott and the recruiting team share their insights on building the next premiership-winning list.
The future of the Geelong Cats starts with the draft. And it's looking brighter than ever.
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