There’s something special about September at Kardinia Park. The air changes. The optimism builds. And for Geelong Cats fans, that feeling has turned into reality more times than most clubs could dream of. When we talk about AFL success, the Cats aren’t just part of the conversation—they’ve shaped it.
From the dusty early days of the VFL to the modern AFL juggernaut, Geelong’s grand final victories tell a story of resilience, smart recruitment, and a culture that refuses to fade. Whether you’ve been following since the 1960s or jumped on during the 2007 dynasty, understanding these premiership moments is key to appreciating why the Cats are one of the most respected clubs in the AFL competition.
Let’s walk through the flags that defined generations, the heartbreaks that forged character, and what makes each victory unique. By the end, you’ll see why the Cats’ grand final legacy isn’t just about trophies—it’s about identity.
The Early Flags: Laying the Foundation (1925, 1931, 1937)
Before the Cats became the modern powerhouse we know today, they had to earn their stripes. The first three premierships came in an era when the VFL was still finding its feet, and Geelong was proving that a regional club could compete with Melbourne’s inner-city powerhouses.
1925: The First Taste of Glory
The 1925 AFL Grand Final was a watershed moment. Geelong, led by the legendary Tom Hawkins-era predecessor (no relation, but the name carries weight), defeated Collingwood by 10 points. This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The Cats showed that the Geelong region, with its passionate community and developing talent pool, could produce a championship team.
Key takeaway: This flag established Geelong as a serious contender, not a regional afterthought.
1931: Back-to-Back Dominance
Six years later, the Cats returned to the big stage. The 1931 Grand Final saw Geelong defeat Richmond by 20 points in a low-scoring, defensive battle. This victory was particularly sweet because it came during the Great Depression—a time when the club’s survival was uncertain. The premiership brought hope to a community struggling through tough times.
1937: The Third Star
The third flag of this era came against the same opponent: Collingwood. The 1937 Grand Final was a 21-point win that showcased the Cats’ ability to adapt. This era proved that Geelong wasn’t a flash in the pan—they were building something sustainable.
Why this matters today: These early flags created the expectation that Geelong should contend. The culture of winning started here, even if the next one took a while.
The Long Drought: 1951 and the 36-Year Wait
1951: The Forgotten Champion
The 1951 AFL Grand Final is often overlooked, but it’s crucial to understanding the Cats’ journey. Geelong defeated Essendon by 11 points in a tense, low-scoring affair. This was the last flag for over three decades—a period that tested the patience of even the most loyal fans.
What happened next? The Cats entered a wilderness period. They made finals occasionally but couldn’t break through. The 1963 Grand Final loss to Hawthorn was particularly painful. For a club that had tasted success early, the drought felt endless.
Lesson learned: The 1951 flag taught the Cats that success isn’t guaranteed. It took smart list management, patience, and a bit of luck to return to the top.
The Modern Era Begins: 2007, 2009, 2011
This is where most current fans start their memories. The late 2000s dynasty transformed Geelong from a respected club into an AFL powerhouse. Three flags in five years—a feat achieved by only a handful of teams in history.
2007: The Breakthrough
The 2007 AFL Grand Final was a demolition. Geelong defeated Port Adelaide by a staggering 119 points—the largest margin in grand final history at the time. Joel Selwood, in his second season, played a key role. Tom Hawkins was a young forward finding his feet. Patrick Dangerfield was still at Adelaide, but the foundation was being laid.
Why this flag matters: It ended the 44-year drought. The Cats had been close in 2004 and 2005 but fell short. 2007 wasn’t just a win—it was an explosion. The team finished the season with a record of 18-4, then dominated the AFL Finals Series.
Key moment: The second-quarter blitz that turned a close game into a rout. The Cats kicked 8 goals to 1, and Port Adelaide never recovered.
2009: The Gutsy Win
The 2009 Grand Final was the opposite of 2007. It was a grind. Geelong defeated St Kilda by 12 points in a match that could have gone either way. The Saints were undefeated for most of the season, but the Cats found a way.
Heroes of the day: Joel Selwood played through injury. Tom Hawkins kicked a crucial goal. The defense, led by Matthew Scarlett, held firm under relentless pressure.
What this flag proved: The Cats weren’t just a dominant team—they were a resilient one. They could win ugly, win close, and win when it mattered most.
2011: The Three-Peat
The 2011 Grand Final against Collingwood was a classic. The Magpies were the reigning premiers and had dominated the season. But Geelong, with Patrick Dangerfield now in the midfield (he joined in 2016, but the nucleus was there), played a near-perfect game.
Final score: Geelong 18.11 (119) to Collingwood 12.9 (81). The Cats controlled the game from start to finish, with Joel Selwood winning the Norm Smith Medal.
Legacy: This flag cemented the 2007-2011 era as one of the greatest in AFL history. Three flags in five years, with a core group that included Tom Hawkins, Joel Selwood, and eventually Patrick Dangerfield.
The Long Wait Continues: 2022
After 2011, the Cats entered another period of near-misses. They made grand finals in 2020 (lost to Richmond) and 2021 (lost to Melbourne). Critics said the window was closing. The core was aging. The future was uncertain.
2022: The Redemption
The 2022 AFL Grand Final was a statement. Geelong defeated Sydney by 81 points—a dominant performance that silenced doubters. Patrick Dangerfield played a brilliant game. Tom Hawkins kicked three goals. Joel Selwood, in his final season, lifted the premiership cup one last time.
Key factors:
- Chris Scott’s coaching masterclass. The Cats had a game plan that neutralized Sydney’s strengths.
- The midfield dominance of Patrick Dangerfield and Cam Guthrie.
- The defensive structure that limited Sydney to just 7 goals.
Emotional moment: Joel Selwood holding the cup in his final game. A fitting end for the greatest captain in club history.
The 2025 Season: What’s Next?
As we look ahead to the 2025 AFL Season, the Cats are in an interesting position. The core of Tom Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield is still there, but younger players like Max Holmes and Tanner Bruhn are stepping up. The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has transformed GMHBA Stadium into a fortress.
Can they win another flag? The AFL competition is deeper than ever. But if history tells us anything, it’s that you never count out the Cats.
Practical Tips for Cats Fans
Whether you’re watching from the stands at Kardinia Park or from your living room, here’s how to make the most of grand final season:
- Know the history. Understanding the 1925, 1951, and 2007 flags gives context to every game. Watch old highlights on the club’s website.
- Follow the AFL Draft. The Cats’ success in recent years comes from smart drafting. Players like Tom Hawkins (pick 41) and Joel Selwood (pick 7) were steals.
- Embrace the Cattery. GMHBA Stadium is one of the toughest places to play. If you can, attend a home game during the AFL Finals Series—the atmosphere is electric.
- Watch for Brownlow Medal contenders. Patrick Dangerfield (2016 winner) and Tom Hawkins (2021 runner-up) are always in the conversation. Track their performances during the season.
- Support the Geelong VFL. The reserves team is where future stars develop. Watching them gives you insight into who might break into the senior side.
Conclusion: The Legacy Continues
Geelong Cats grand final victories aren’t just about flags—they’re about community, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From the early days at Kardinia Park to the modern AFL juggernaut, the Cats have shown that success is built over decades, not seasons.
As we approach the 2025 AFL Season, the question isn’t whether the Cats will contend again—it’s when they’ll add another star to the jumper. With Chris Scott at the helm, a core of champions, and a redeveloped home ground, the future looks bright.
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The Cats are more than a team. They’re a tradition. And the next grand final victory? It’s coming. You can feel it.
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