There’s something special about finals time in Geelong. As the leaves start to turn and the air gets that crisp autumn edge, the entire city seems to hold its breath. For Geelong Cats fans, September isn’t just another month—it’s a tradition, a test of nerve, and often, a celebration.
Whether you’re a new supporter trying to understand what all the fuss is about, or a lifelong Cats fan wanting to relive the glory days, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Geelong Cats finals history. From heart-stopping preliminary finals to those unforgettable premiership victories, we’re covering it all.
Let’s dive into the story of one of the AFL’s most successful finals teams.
Why Finals Matter at Geelong
The Geelong Cats aren’t just any club. They’re a powerhouse. With a history stretching back to the VFL days, the Cats have built a reputation for being consistently competitive, especially when it matters most.
Finals footy is where legends are made. It’s where Joel Selwood cemented his legacy as one of the toughest captains the game has ever seen. It’s where Tom Hawkins became “Tomahawk,” the big man who could turn a game in five minutes. And it’s where Patrick Dangerfield, with his explosive pace and power, showed why he’s one of the most dynamic players of his generation.
But more than individual brilliance, finals are about the team. The Cats have a unique culture—one that values resilience, adaptability, and a never-say-die attitude. That culture has carried them through decades of September battles.
The Early Years: Building a Foundation
The First Taste of Success
The Geelong Cats finals history didn’t start with a bang—it started with a promise. The club’s first AFL Premiership came in 1925, but it was a different game back then. The Cats were still finding their feet, learning what it took to compete at the highest level.
Through the 1930s and 1940s, Geelong had moments of brilliance. They made the finals regularly, but the big one—the AFL Grand Final—remained elusive. It wasn’t until 1951 that the Cats claimed their second flag, and then again in 1952, showing they were a force to be reckoned with.
The 1960s: Near Misses and Heartbreak
The 1960s were a rollercoaster for Geelong fans. The Cats made the Grand Final in 1963 but fell short. Then again in 1967, they came agonizingly close. These near misses taught the club something important: you can’t just be good—you have to be great when it counts.
That lesson would stick with the Cats for decades.
The Modern Era: A Dynasty in the Making
The 2007–2011 Golden Era
If you ask any Geelong fan about the golden years, they’ll point to 2007 to 2011. This was the period when the Cats transformed from a competitive side into an unstoppable machine.
2007: The Breakthrough After years of finals disappointment, the 2007 season was something special. The Cats finished on top of the ladder, then stormed through the AFL Finals Series with breathtaking footy. In the AFL Grand Final, they demolished Port Adelaide by a record 119 points. It was a statement: Geelong was back, and they were here to stay.
2008: The Bitter Loss The 2008 season was almost perfect—until the Grand Final. The Cats were favorites against Hawthorn, but the Hawks had other plans. That loss stung, and it still haunts some fans. But it also fueled the fire for what came next.
2009: Redemption The Cats bounced back in 2009, winning their second premiership in three years. This time, it was a tight, grinding Grand Final against St Kilda. The Cats prevailed by 12 points in a game that’s remembered as one of the greatest deciders of all time.
2011: The Threepeat That Almost Was The Cats didn’t win in 2010 (Collingwood were too good), but they returned in 2011 with a vengeance. In what would be the last Grand Final for several legends, Geelong defeated Collingwood in a classic. That flag gave the Cats three premierships in five years—a feat that few clubs have matched.
The Chris Scott Era: Consistency Personified
When Chris Scott took over as Geelong coach in 2011, he inherited a team that was already great. But he made them even better. Under Scott, the Cats have become the model of consistency in the AFL.
2012–2019: Always Contending During this period, Geelong made the finals every single year. They didn’t always win the flag—in fact, they didn’t win another until 2022—but they were always in the conversation. That consistency is rare in modern footy.
Scott’s coaching philosophy is built on adaptability. He’s not afraid to change the game plan, bring in new talent through the AFL Draft, or give young players a chance. That flexibility has kept the Cats competitive even as other teams rose and fell.
2020: The COVID Year The 2020 season was unlike any other. The AFL Finals Series was played entirely in Queensland, and the Cats made it to the Grand Final against Richmond. They lost, but the experience was invaluable for a team that was still building.
2022: The Ultimate Reward After years of near misses, the Cats finally broke through in 2022. They finished the home-and-away season on top, then dominated the finals. The Grand Final against Sydney was a masterclass—a 81-point demolition that showed just how good this team could be.
For Patrick Dangerfield, it was his first premiership. For Joel Selwood, it was his fourth. And for Tom Hawkins, it was a moment of pure joy after years of carrying the forward line.
Key Figures in Geelong Cats Finals History
Joel Selwood: The Heart and Soul
You can’t talk about Geelong Cats finals history without talking about Joel Selwood. The former captain played 355 games for the Cats, and his toughness was legendary. In finals, he was at his best—winning contested balls, inspiring his teammates, and leading by example.
Selwood’s four premierships (2007, 2009, 2011, 2022) put him among the most decorated players in AFL history. He retired after the 2022 flag, going out on top.
Tom Hawkins: The Big Man
Tom Hawkins, or “Tomahawk,” is one of the most dominant forwards of his generation. At 198 cm and 106 kg, he’s a physical presence that defenders dread. But it’s his footy IQ that sets him apart.
In finals, Hawkins has been a consistent performer. He kicked crucial goals in the 2022 Grand Final, and his ability to bring teammates into the game makes him invaluable.
Patrick Dangerfield: The Explosive Star
Patrick Dangerfield came to Geelong in 2016, and he’s been a key part of the Cats’ finals success ever since. His speed, power, and ability to break tackles make him a nightmare for opposition teams.
Dangerfield won the Brownlow Medal in 2016, but he’s always said that team success matters more. The 2022 premiership was the crowning achievement of his career.
The Home Ground Advantage: Kardinia Park
One of the biggest factors in Geelong’s finals success is their home ground. Kardinia Park, also known as GMHBA Stadium or simply the Cattery, is a fortress.
The Kardinia Park redevelopment has transformed the ground into one of the best in the AFL. With a capacity of over 40,000, it’s a intimidating place for visiting teams. The Cats have an incredible record at home, especially in finals.
When Geelong hosts a final at Kardinia Park, the atmosphere is electric. The crowd is loud, the players feed off the energy, and the opposition often struggles to cope. It’s a genuine home ground advantage that few clubs can match.
The VFL Connection: Building for the Future
The Geelong VFL team plays a crucial role in the club’s finals success. It’s where young players develop, where injured stars regain match fitness, and where the next generation of Cats learn what it takes to win.
Many of the players who’ve starred in AFL finals for Geelong came through the VFL system. The reserves team provides a pathway for talent, ensuring that the Cats always have depth.
The VFL team also gives fans a chance to see future stars before they make the big time. It’s a vital part of the club’s ecosystem.
The AFL Draft: How Geelong Builds Champions
The Geelong Cats have a reputation for being smart in the AFL Draft. They don’t always pick the flashiest players, but they find the right ones.
Over the years, the Cats have used the draft to build their finals teams. Joel Selwood was a pick in the 2006 draft. Tom Hawkins was a father-son selection in 2006. Patrick Dangerfield came via trade, but the Cats gave up a lot to get him.
The key to Geelong’s draft success is patience. They develop players slowly, giving them time to learn the system. That approach has paid off with multiple premierships.
Practical Tips for Following the Cats in Finals
If you’re new to following the Geelong Cats in the AFL Finals Series, here are some tips to make the most of the experience:
1. Know the Schedule
Finals start in early September and run through to the Grand Final on the last Saturday of the month. Keep an eye on the AFL website for fixture updates.2. Get to Kardinia Park
If the Cats are playing a home final, try to get a ticket. The atmosphere at the Cattery is something special.3. Watch the Prelim Final
The preliminary final is often the most exciting game of the finals series. It’s the one that decides who goes to the Grand Final.4. Join a Fan Group
Geelong has a passionate fan base. Join a supporter group or online community to share the highs and lows.5. Wear Your Colors
On game day, wear your Geelong gear. It’s a sign of solidarity and a way to connect with other fans.The 2025 AFL Season: What’s Next?
As we look ahead to the 2025 AFL season, the Geelong Cats are once again in the conversation. With a mix of experienced stars and emerging talent, the Cats have the pieces to make another deep finals run.
The key will be staying healthy. Injuries can derail any team’s finals hopes, and the Cats have had their share of bad luck in recent years. But if they can keep their best players on the field, they’ll be a threat.
Chris Scott continues to lead the team with a steady hand. His ability to adapt and innovate keeps the Cats ahead of the curve. And with players like Patrick Dangerfield still playing at an elite level, the future looks bright.
Conclusion: Why Geelong Cats Finals History Matters
The Geelong Cats finals history is more than just a list of wins and losses. It’s a story of resilience, of heartbreak and triumph, of a community that rallies around its team.
From the early days at Kardinia Park to the modern era of premiership glory, the Cats have given their fans memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s Joel Selwood lifting the cup, Tom Hawkins kicking a clutch goal, or Patrick Dangerfield tearing through a defense, these moments define the club.
If you’re a new fan, welcome. You’ve joined a family that’s passionate, loyal, and always hungry for success. And if you’re a lifelong supporter, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
The journey continues. The Cats are always building, always striving, always believing. And when September comes around, you can bet they’ll be ready.
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Let’s keep the conversation going. Go Cats!
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