So you’ve decided to jump into the world of the Geelong Cats—welcome to the Cattery. Whether you’re a brand-new fan of Australian rules football or a seasoned follower looking to deepen your connection with one of the AFL’s most decorated clubs, this guide is your starting point. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly how to follow the Cats, understand the key players and milestones, and feel confident navigating everything from match day at Kardinia Park to the AFL Draft. Let’s get you set up.

What You’ll Achieve

By working through this checklist, you’ll:

Learn the essentials of following the Geelong Cats in the AFL competition
Understand the club’s championship history and what makes it special
Know how to watch games, follow the AFL Finals Series, and track the Brownlow Medal
Get practical tips for attending matches at GMHBA Stadium
Discover how to engage with the team’s VFL team and development pathways
Avoid common beginner mistakes that trip up new fans

Prerequisites / What You Need

Before diving in, make sure you have a few basics covered:

A device with internet access – for streaming games, checking scores, and following news
A basic understanding of Australian rules football – if you’re brand new, check out our guide on /how-to-follow-afl first
A willingness to learn – the Cats have a rich history, and there’s always more to discover
Optional but useful: a membership (see our /membership-guide) and some essential gear (check /essential-gear)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Get to Know the Club’s Championship History

The Geelong Cats aren’t just any team—they’re one of the most successful in the AFL. The club has won multiple AFL Premierships, with flags in 2007, 2009, 2011, and most recently in 2022. Understanding this history will help you appreciate the current squad and the legacy they’re building.

Start by reading about the famous 2007 Grand Final—a dominant performance that ended a 44-year premiership drought. Then look at the 2022 premiership, which featured a masterclass from Coach Scott and the leadership of former captain Joel Selwood. The Cats’ championship history is filled with iconic moments, from the "Handbag" era to the modern dynasty under Chris Scott.

Pro tip: Don’t just read the stats—watch highlights on YouTube. Seeing Tom Hawkins (Tomahawk) kick crucial goals or Patrick Dangerfield (Dangerfield) tear through opposition defenses brings the history to life.

Step 3: Learn the Key Players and Legends

You can’t follow the Cats without knowing the names that define the club. Here are the essentials:

Joel Selwood – The former captain and four-time premiership player. Selwood is synonymous with Geelong’s success. His toughness, leadership, and ability to win the ball in traffic made him a legend. He retired after the 2022 flag, but his legacy lives on.
Patrick Dangerfield – The Brownlow Medal winner (2016) and current star. Dangerfield is a dynamic midfielder who can change a game in seconds. Watch for his explosive bursts and long-range goals.
Tom Hawkins – The big forward known as Tomahawk. Hawkins is a key target up front and a multiple-time All-Australian. He’s the heart of the Cats’ forward line.
Chris Scott – The Geelong coach since 2011. Scott has led the Cats to three premierships (2011, 2022, and counting) and is known for his tactical acumen and calm demeanor.

Also, get familiar with emerging players from the AFL Draft—the Cats have a knack for finding talent late in the draft. Keep an eye on the VFL team, which serves as the reserves and development squad.

Common mistake: Assuming the Cats’ success is only about the past. While history matters, the 2025 AFL Season is shaping up to be exciting, with young guns like Jhye Clark and Oliver Dempsey stepping up.

Step 4: Understand the AFL Season Structure

The AFL competition runs from March to September, followed by the AFL Finals Series. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Home and away season – 23 rounds, where each team plays 22 games. The Cats typically play at Kardinia Park (GMHBA Stadium) for most home games, plus some at the MCG.
AFL Finals Series – The top eight teams compete in a knockout tournament. The Cats have made finals consistently under Chris Scott, so you’ll likely see them in September.
AFL Grand Final – The premiership decider, usually held on the last Saturday of September. The Cats have a strong record here, winning their last two appearances (2011, 2022).
Brownlow Medal – The league MVP award, voted on by umpires after each game. Patrick Dangerfield won it in 2016, and other Cats like Joel Selwood have been contenders.

To follow the season, use the official AFL app or website for scores, fixtures, and news. For deeper analysis, check out fan forums and podcasts.

Pro tip: Pay attention to the Kardinia Park redevelopment. The stadium upgrade has transformed the Cattery into a modern fortress, with increased capacity and better facilities. It’s a huge advantage for the Cats.

Step 5: Plan Your Match Day Experience

Attending a game at GMHBA Stadium is a rite of passage for any Cats fan. Here’s how to do it right:

Buy tickets – Members get priority, so consider signing up via our /membership-guide. Non-members can buy tickets through Ticketmaster.
Arrive early – The atmosphere builds before the game. Grab a pie and a beer at the nearby pubs or the stadium’s food outlets.
Know the seating – The stadium has dedicated zones for general admission, reserved seats, and standing areas. Check the map before you go.
Bring essentials – Sunscreen, a hat, and a rain jacket (Geelong weather is unpredictable). Also, wear your Cats gear—it’s part of the fun.

For more detailed tips, see our /match-day-tips guide.

Common mistake: Underestimating travel time. If you’re coming from Melbourne, the train to Geelong takes about an hour, plus a short walk to the stadium. Plan accordingly.

Step 6: Engage Beyond Game Day

Following the Cats isn’t just about match days. Here are ways to stay connected:

Follow the VFL team – The Geelong VFL team plays on weekends, often before the AFL game. It’s a great way to see future stars and support the development squad.
Track the AFL Draft – The draft is held in November. The Cats have a strong drafting record, so watching the draft night is exciting.
Join online communities – Reddit’s r/GeelongCats, BigFooty forums, and Facebook groups are full of passionate fans.
Play fantasy footy – Our /fantasy-footy-basics guide will help you get started. It’s a fun way to learn player names and stats.

Pro tip: Attend a VFL game at Kardinia Park. The atmosphere is more intimate, and you can often get autographs from players who aren’t in the AFL side.

Step 7: Avoid Common Beginner Mistakes

New fans often make a few missteps. Here’s what to watch out for:

Mistaking the AFL for other leagues – The AFL is the top tier. The Cats’ VFL team is the reserves, not a separate club.
Forgetting the importance of the draft – The AFL Draft is how teams rebuild. The Cats have been successful because they draft well, not just trade for stars.
Ignoring the Brownlow Medal – The Brownlow is the highest individual honor. Don’t confuse it with other awards.
Thinking Kardinia Park is just a stadium – It’s called the Cattery for a reason—it’s a fortress. The Cats have an incredible home record there.
Overlooking the 2025 season – The upcoming season is full of storylines, including the final years of Tom Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield. Don’t wait to get involved.

Checklist Summary

Here’s a quick checklist to ensure you’re fully set up as a Geelong Cats fan:

Learn the club’s championship history – Read about the 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2022 AFL Premierships.
Know the key players – Memorize Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Hawkins, and Chris Scott.
Understand the AFL season structure – Familiarize yourself with the home-and-away season, AFL Finals Series, and AFL Grand Final.
Plan your match day – Buy tickets, arrive early, and bring essentials for Kardinia Park.
Engage beyond game day – Follow the VFL team, track the AFL Draft, and join online communities.
Avoid common mistakes – Don’t confuse the AFL with other leagues, ignore the Brownlow Medal, or underestimate the Cattery’s advantage.
Stay updated for 2025 – The upcoming season promises excitement, so get your membership and gear ready.

Now you’re ready to dive into the world of the Geelong Cats. Whether you’re watching from the stands at GMHBA Stadium or following from afar, you’ve got the knowledge to enjoy every moment. Go Cats!

Geelong Cats Getting Started Guide