So you want to be more than just a spectator this season? You want to feel like you're part of the Cats' journey, not just watching from the stands? Good news—2025 is shaping up to be the most fan-connected year in Geelong's history. The club has rolled out a stack of new initiatives designed to bring supporters closer to the action, the players, and the inner sanctum than ever before.
In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how to tap into every single one of these opportunities. Whether you're a die-hard who never misses a game at the Cattery or a newer fan looking to deepen your connection, you'll walk away with a clear, actionable plan to maximize your 2025 season experience.
Let's get into it.
What You'll Need Before You Start
Before we dive into the step-by-step, let's make sure you've got the basics covered. You don't need much, but having these sorted will save you headaches later.
- A Geelong Cats membership or match-day ticket – Most initiatives require at least a basic membership or a purchased ticket to a game at GMHBA Stadium. If you're not a member yet, head to the club's membership page and grab one. The "Cattery Access" membership is a great entry point.
- The official Geelong Cats app – Download it from your phone's app store. This is your digital hub for everything from exclusive content to live voting on fan engagement activities.
- A club account online – Register at geelongcats.com.au if you haven't already. You'll need this to access member-exclusive portals, RSVP for events, and manage your preferences.
- Social media accounts (optional but recommended) – Follow the Cats on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook. Many real-time initiatives kick off there first.
- A valid email address – The club sends out invites, updates, and early-access links via email. Make sure you're subscribed to their mailing list.
- Patience and a bit of enthusiasm – Some initiatives have limited spots. Being quick and keen helps.
Step 1: Join the "Cattery Connect" Digital Membership Tier
The biggest news for 2025 is the launch of Cattery Connect, a free digital membership tier that unlocks a whole new world of engagement for fans who can't make it to every game—or even any game at all.
How to do it:
- Open the Geelong Cats app or go to the club website.
- Look for the "Membership" section and select "Cattery Connect."
- Register with your name, email, and postcode. No payment needed—it's completely free.
- Once registered, you'll get a digital membership card in the app.
- Live stream access to selected Geelong VFL matches (perfect for tracking the next generation of talent).
- Exclusive post-match video messages from Coach Scott after every AFL game.
- A monthly digital magazine with player profiles, behind-the-scenes photos, and tactical breakdowns.
- Priority access to purchase tickets for big games at the Cattery, including showdowns against traditional rivals.
Step 2: Opt Into the "Fan Voice" Panel
The Cats are serious about listening to their supporters in 2025. The Fan Voice panel is a revamped feedback program that directly influences club decisions—from match-day experience at Kardinia Park to merchandise designs and even player welfare initiatives.
How to do it:
- Log into your club account on geelongcats.com.au.
- Navigate to "Fan Engagement" in the menu, then select "Fan Voice Panel."
- Complete a short survey about your fan profile (how often you attend, what content you consume, your age range, etc.).
- Opt in to receive survey invitations via email. You can choose how often you hear from them—weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
- You'll receive short surveys (usually 5-10 minutes) about specific topics. For example, you might be asked to rate proposed new food options at GMHBA Stadium or vote on which classic guernsey design should be worn for a heritage round.
- Panel members get early access to results and exclusive "you spoke, we acted" updates.
- Occasionally, you'll be invited to focus groups or virtual town halls with club executives.
Step 3: Attend a "Cats Insider" Event at Kardinia Park
For 2025, the club has expanded its Cats Insider series—intimate, behind-the-scenes events held at the Cattery throughout the season. These are not your typical club functions. Think of them as a backstage pass to the Geelong inner sanctum.
How to do it:
- Keep an eye on the "Events" section of the club website or the app. Events are announced about 4-6 weeks in advance.
- Tickets are released in waves. Members of the Cattery Connect tier get 48-hour early access. Full AFL members get 72-hour early access.
- Book quickly—these events cap at around 200 attendees to keep them intimate.
- A guided tour of the new facilities at GMHBA Stadium, including the upgraded changerooms, the recovery center, and the coaches' box (where Chris Scott and his team work during games).
- A Q&A session with a current player—usually a mix of veterans like Dangerfield or Hawkins and emerging stars from the VFL team.
- A chance to see training drills up close on the main oval, with coaches explaining the tactics behind them.
- Light catering and a chance to mingle with other passionate fans.
Step 4: Participate in the "Flag Pursuit" Digital Scavenger Hunt
This is a fun one. The club has gamified fan engagement with Flag Pursuit, a season-long digital scavenger hunt that runs across the 2025 season.
How to do it:
- Open the Geelong Cats app and find the "Flag Pursuit" tab.
- Each week, a new challenge drops—usually on a Tuesday. Challenges might include:
- Spotting a specific piece of trivia in a match replay.
- Finding a hidden code in a player interview video.
- Attending a Geelong VFL game at GMHBA Stadium and scanning a QR code.
- Answering a question about the AFL Draft history of a current Cat.
- The leaderboard updates in real time.
- Monthly prizes: Signed merchandise, match-day experiences, or a chance to present the player of the round award.
- Grand prize at season's end: Two tickets to the AFL Grand Final (if the Cats make it—and let's be honest, they're always in the mix), plus flights and accommodation.
- Bragging rights among your fellow Cats fans.
Step 5: Leverage the "Cattery Crew" Volunteer Program
If you want to go beyond passive engagement and actually contribute to match days, the Cattery Crew volunteer program is your gateway. This isn't just about handing out flyers—you'll be part of the team that makes game days at GMHBA Stadium run smoothly.
How to do it:
- Visit the "Get Involved" section on the club website.
- Select "Cattery Crew" and fill out the application form. You'll need to provide your availability (most shifts are on game days, but there are also training session and event roles).
- Attend a brief orientation session (usually held at the Cattery in February).
- Complete a working with children check if you'll be in areas where kids are present.
- Help with fan activations outside the stadium before games—think face painting, giveaways, and photo opportunities.
- Assist with the "Cats Kids" zone, where young fans can play games and meet the club mascot.
- Guide fans to their seats or to key amenities during the game.
- Support the VFL team on their home game days at the Cattery.
- You get a free entry to the game on the day you volunteer.
- You'll receive a Cattery Crew polo shirt and cap.
- You build real relationships with club staff and other passionate supporters. Many volunteers end up attending team events and even training sessions.
- It's a fantastic way to give back to the club while being part of the action.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes
Let me save you some frustration with these insider tips.
Do's:
- Set notifications on the app. The club pushes alerts for ticket releases, event registrations, and new Flag Pursuit challenges. If you miss a notification, you might miss a limited spot.
- Link your social media accounts. Some Fan Voice surveys and Flag Pursuit challenges require you to share content or tag the club. Having your accounts linked speeds things up.
- Attend at least one VFL game. The Geelong VFL team plays several home games at the Cattery, and these are often more accessible than AFL games. The atmosphere is fantastic, and you'll see future stars before they debut.
- Bring a friend to events. The Cats Insider events are more fun when you can share the experience. Plus, some challenges in Flag Pursuit require teamwork.
- Check your email spam folder. Club emails sometimes get filtered. Add geelongcats.com.au to your safe senders list.
- Don't wait until game day to register for Cattery Connect. Do it now. The club has already started sending early-access links for the first few rounds.
- Don't ignore the Geelong VFL. Many fans overlook the reserves, but the club is putting serious effort into making VFL games a fan experience in their own right. You'll see emerging talent and get a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe.
- Don't forget to update your preferences. If you move or change your contact details, update your club account. Missed mailouts mean missed opportunities.
- Don't be a passive observer. These initiatives are designed for participation. The more you engage, the more you'll get out of them. Flag Pursuit points, for example, only accumulate if you actually complete challenges.
- Don't underestimate the power of being early. For popular events like the Cats Insider, tickets can sell out within hours. Set a reminder for when they go on sale.
Checklist: Your 2025 Fan Engagement Action Plan
Here's a quick-reference list you can tick off as you go. Print it, save it, or screenshot it.
- Download the Geelong Cats app and enable notifications.
- Register for a club account at geelongcats.com.au (if you haven't already).
- Join the Cattery Connect digital membership tier (free, takes 5 minutes).
- Opt into the Fan Voice panel via your club account settings.
- Follow the Cats on social media (Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook) for real-time updates.
- Subscribe to the club's email newsletter (check your spam folder afterward).
- Bookmark the "Events" page on the club website for Cats Insider announcements.
- Set a recurring Tuesday reminder to check for new Flag Pursuit challenges.
- Attend at least one Geelong VFL home game at GMHBA Stadium in the first half of the season.
- Apply for the Cattery Crew volunteer program if you want hands-on involvement.
- Complete at least three Flag Pursuit challenges by the mid-season bye.
- RSVP for one Cats Insider event before Round 10.
- Share your feedback in at least two Fan Voice surveys this season.
- Bring a friend to at least one match-day activation or event.
- Check your email weekly for exclusive offers and early-access links.
- Update your club account preferences if you move or change contact details.
Getting the Most Out of 2025
The 2025 season isn't just about what happens on the field—though with Chris Scott at the helm and proven performers like Dangerfield and Hawkins still leading the charge, there's plenty to be excited about there too. It's about how you, as a fan, become part of the fabric of the club.
These initiatives are designed to break down the barriers between the stands and the field. Whether you're watching from the comfort of your home through Cattery Connect, walking the halls of the upgraded Kardinia Park during a Cats Insider event, or scanning QR codes at a VFL game for Flag Pursuit points, you're not just a spectator anymore. You're an insider.
And that's exactly what the Cats want for 2025.
So take this checklist, start ticking off the steps, and get ready for a season where you're more connected to the blue and white hoops than ever before. See you at the Cattery.
Want more on the 2025 season? Check out our full season previews for an in-depth look at the Cats' prospects, or dive into our player contracts 2025 analysis to see who's locked in for the flag push. And don't miss our rivalry round showdown preview—it's going to be a big one.
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