Geelong Cats Fan Questions Answered

Let's be honest—following the Cats can sometimes feel like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. You're not alone if you've found yourself staring at your screen wondering why the fixture looks different this year, or why you can't seem to find that 2007 premiership replay you swore was online last week.

Whether you're a lifelong supporter who remembers the 1963 flag or a newer fan trying to navigate the ins and outs of the AFL competition, certain questions keep popping up. This troubleshooting guide is designed to cut through the confusion and get you back to what matters most—watching the Cats dominate at Kardinia Park.

Let's tackle the most common problems fans face, one at a time.

Problem: Can't Find Live Streams or Replays of Geelong Games

Symptoms: You search for a game—maybe that epic 2022 qualifying final against Collingwood—and come up empty. Links are broken, websites ask for logins you don't have, or the video quality is unwatchable.

Causes: The AFL competition has strict broadcasting rights. Free-to-air games are limited, and streaming services change their deals regularly. Also, older matches (pre-2010) aren't always digitized, so they can be tricky to locate.

Solution:

1. Check the official AFL website first. They maintain a library of recent games, usually going back 2-3 seasons. You'll need a Kayo Sports or AFL Live Pass subscription for full access.
2. For older classics (think 2007 Grand Final, 2011 premiership decider), head to the Geelong Cats YouTube channel. The club uploads full-match replays of milestone games.
3. If you're outside Australia, use the Watch AFL service. It's pricey but gives you every game live and on-demand.
4. Still stuck? Try the AFL Record archives or contact the club directly via their website—they sometimes have links to historical footage.

Problem: Confused About the 2025 AFL Season Fixture

Symptoms: You look at the upcoming season schedule and can't figure out why the Cats are playing at Marvel Stadium instead of Kardinia Park, or why there's a Thursday night game against West Coast in Round 3.

Causes: The AFL fixture is a logistical nightmare. It's influenced by broadcast partners, stadium availability, travel schedules, and even school holidays. Geelong doesn't get every game at the Cattery—only 11 home games, plus occasional away matches at GMHBA Stadium.

Solution:

1. Download the official AFL app and set Geelong as your favourite team. It'll automatically filter the fixture and send notifications for game times.
2. Visit the Geelong Cats website and look for the "Fixture" tab. They break down home and away games, with venue details.
3. For the 2025 season specifically, note that Kardinia Park redevelopment is ongoing. Some games might be moved to alternative venues. Check the club's news section for updates.
4. Pro tip: Write down the first four rounds. The AFL often releases the full fixture in waves, so early rounds are confirmed first.

Problem: Can't Understand the AFL Draft and How the Cats Get New Players

Symptoms: You hear terms like "pick 18," "priority selection," and "academy bids," and your eyes glaze over. You wonder why Geelong doesn't seem to get top draft picks like other clubs.

Causes: The AFL Draft is complex because it's designed to balance the competition. The Cats have been successful for years (thanks to Chris Scott's coaching and a strong list), so they rarely get high picks. Plus, the Geelong VFL team and Next Generation Academy add layers.

Solution:

1. Start with the basics: The draft order is reverse ladder position. Last-placed teams pick first. Geelong, being a finals contender, usually picks in the teens or later.
2. Understand bidding: If a club nominates a player from their academy (like a local Geelong Falcons product), other clubs can "bid" on that player. The Cats then have to match the bid using their draft points.
3. Check the AFL website's draft explainer—it's surprisingly clear. Look for the "Draft 101" article.
4. For Geelong-specific news, follow the club's "Draft Watch" posts. They break down which players the Cats are targeting and why.
5. Remember: The Cats also use the rookie draft and mid-season draft to find hidden gems. Tom Hawkins was a father-son selection, not a high draft pick.

Problem: Can't Find Information on Joel Selwood's Final Season or Retirement

Symptoms: You search for "Selwood 2023 highlights" and get conflicting results. Some sites say he retired, others mention a farewell tour. You want to know exactly when and how it happened.

Causes: Joel Selwood's retirement was a major story, but online archives can be messy. Some articles are from before his final game, others after. Plus, the former captain's legacy is spread across multiple platforms.

Solution:

1. Go to the Geelong Cats website and use the search bar with "Joel Selwood retirement." The club's official announcement is the definitive source.
2. Look for the "Season 2023" archive on the site. It should have a dedicated page for Selwood's final year, including his last game against Brisbane at Kardinia Park.
3. For video tributes, check the club's YouTube channel. They produced a documentary-style piece called "Selwood: The Final Chapter."
4. If you want stats, the AFL website has a player profile that lists every game, goal, and award. Selwood's 355 games and four premierships are all there.
5. Pro tip: Don't trust fan forums for exact dates. They're great for discussion but not always accurate.

Problem: Don't Know How to Get Tickets for Geelong Games at Kardinia Park

Symptoms: You try to buy tickets for a Cats home game, but the website says "sold out" or you can't find the right section. You end up watching from home again.

Causes: Kardinia Park (GMHBA Stadium) has a capacity of about 40,000, which is smaller than the MCG or Marvel Stadium. High-demand games—like against Collingwood or during the AFL Finals Series—sell out fast. Also, the Kardinia Park redevelopment has changed seating configurations.

Solution:

1. Become a Geelong Cats member. Members get priority access to tickets, often before the general public. The cheapest membership (digital only) still gives you ticket access.
2. Set up a Ticketmaster account (the official ticketing partner) and save your payment details. When tickets go on sale, speed matters.
3. Check the club's ticketing page for on-sale dates. They're usually announced 2-3 weeks before the game.
4. For sold-out games, try the "Ticket Marketplace" on the Geelong Cats website. Members can resell tickets at face value.
5. Last resort: Show up on game day. Sometimes tickets are released an hour before bounce due to no-shows. Head to the box office at Kardinia Park.

Problem: Confused About Patrick Dangerfield's Role and Injury Status

Symptoms: You hear Dangerfield is "managed" one week, then "injured" the next. You can't tell if he's playing or not, and fantasy footy teams are suffering.

Causes: Patrick Dangerfield, like many older players (he's 34 in 2025), gets managed through the season. The club uses terms like "general soreness," "load management," and "minor calf issue" interchangeably, which confuses fans.

Solution:

1. Check the club's injury list on the Geelong Cats website. It's updated every Tuesday and Thursday during the season. It lists every player, their injury, and expected return date.
2. Follow Chris Scott's weekly press conference on the club's YouTube channel. The Geelong coach gives honest updates, though he sometimes uses coach-speak. Listen for phrases like "he'll be tested" (likely to play) vs. "we'll give him another week" (definitely out).
3. Use the AFL app's "Player Watch" feature. It sends notifications when a player's status changes.
4. For fantasy footy, look at the "Selection" tab on the AFL website. It shows the final team sheet 24 hours before the game.
5. Pro tip: Dangerfield rarely misses big games. If it's a clash against a top-four side, he'll probably play.

Problem: Can't Keep Up with the Kardinia Park Redevelopment

Symptoms: You show up to a game and find the old players' stand is gone, the new stand is half-built, and the seating map looks like a jigsaw puzzle.

Causes: The Kardinia Park redevelopment has been ongoing since 2015, with multiple stages. The latest phase (2024-2026) involves the new Brownlow Stand and improved facilities. Construction happens during the off-season, but it can affect game-day experience.

Solution:

1. Visit the "Stadium Upgrade" page on the Geelong Cats website. It has a timeline, photos, and FAQs.
2. Check the seating map before buying tickets. The club updates it each season to show which sections are open.
3. If you're a member, you'll get emails about seating changes. Read them—they explain where your usual seat has moved.
4. On game day, arrive 30 minutes early. The redevelopment can cause congestion at entrances. Use Gate 3 (the main entrance) or Gate 5 (less busy).
5. Pro tip: The new stands have better food options. Try the "Cattery Kitchen" in the Brownlow Stand—the pies are legendary.

Problem: Don't Understand the Brownlow Medal and How Geelong Players Win It

Symptoms: You see Patrick Dangerfield or Joel Selwood get votes, but you can't figure out why. You think the Brownlow Medal is just for midfielders and wonder if Tom Hawkins has ever come close.

Causes: The Brownlow Medal (officially the league MVP award) is voted by umpires on a 3-2-1 system for each game. It favours midfielders because they touch the ball most. Key forwards like Tom Hawkins rarely win because they have quiet games when double-teamed.

Solution:

1. Read the official Brownlow Medal rules on the AFL website. It explains the voting process clearly.
2. For Geelong-specific history, check the club's page on /brownlow-medalists. It lists every Cat who's won the Brownlow (including Dangerfield in 2016 and Selwood's near-misses).
3. Understand the bias: Umpires tend to vote for players who win the ball in traffic. That's why Dangerfield, a contested ball beast, gets votes even in losing games.
4. If you want to predict future winners, look at the Cats' midfield rotation. Players like Max Holmes or Tanner Bruhn could be future contenders if they get enough consistent games.
5. Pro tip: The Brownlow isn't the only award. The Cats have multiple club champions (Carji Greeves Medal) that recognise different contributions.

Prevention Tips

The best way to avoid these problems is to stay connected. Here's how:

• Bookmark the Geelong Cats website and check it weekly. It's the single source of truth for everything from fixture changes to injury updates.
• Subscribe to the club's email newsletter. It's free and delivers key info straight to your inbox.
• Follow the official social media accounts (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook). They post real-time updates during games and breaking news.
• Join a fan forum like BigFooty's Geelong board. The community is active and can answer niche questions.
• Use the AFL app for push notifications. Set it to alert you for "Geelong Cats team news" and "injury updates."

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, the problem is bigger than a quick fix. Here's when to escalate:

• If you can't access your membership account or tickets you've paid for, contact the Geelong Cats membership team directly via phone or email. They're responsive and can reset passwords or reissue tickets.
• If you're having technical issues with the AFL website or streaming service, contact Kayo Sports or AFL Live Pass support. They have live chat and phone lines.
• If you're trying to find historical records (like a specific game from the 1980s) and can't locate them, reach out to the Geelong Cats historian via the club's website. They maintain archives and can point you to resources.
• If you're a new fan and feel completely lost, consider taking a "New to Footy" tour at Kardinia Park. The club offers them before games, and they explain the basics of the AFL competition, the ground, and the team.

Quick Reference: Key Contacts

Look, following the Cats isn't always straightforward. The AFL competition changes constantly, the draft is a maze, and even Patrick Dangerfield takes a week off now and then. But that's part of the fun—the chaos keeps things interesting.

If you've made it this far, you're already ahead of most fans. Use this guide as your cheat sheet, and don't be afraid to experiment. Try a different streaming service, show up early to Kardinia Park to explore the redevelopment, or dive into the Brownlow Medal stats on the club's site.

And if you're still stuck? Drop a question in the comments on the Geelong Cats Insider blog. The community—and the content team—is always happy to help.

Now, get back to enjoying the 2025 season. The Cats have a flag to chase, and you've got a front-row seat.

Looking for more? Check out our guides on the Geelong Cats women's team and our complete list of Brownlow Medalists.