So you're thinking about becoming a Geelong Cats member—or maybe you've already signed up and want to make sure you're squeezing every last drop of value out of your membership. Either way, you've come to the right place.

Let's be honest: being a Cats fan isn't just about watching games. It's about belonging to something bigger. It's about the roar of the crowd at Kardinia Park, the nervous energy before a big clash, and the pride that comes with being part of one of the AFL's most successful clubs. But if you're not actively using your membership benefits, you're leaving opportunities—and memories—on the table.

This checklist will walk you through exactly how to get the most out of your Geelong Cats membership. By the time you're done, you'll know how to access every perk, avoid common pitfalls, and make this season your best one yet as a Cats supporter.

Let's dive in.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, make sure you have these basics covered:

Your membership number and login credentials for the Geelong Cats membership portal
Access to your email (the one you used when signing up)
The Geelong Cats app installed on your phone (available for iOS and Android)
A valid ID if you're picking up physical membership packs or accessing certain benefits
A credit or debit card handy for any upgrades or additional purchases

Got all that? Great. Let's get into the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Activate Your Membership and Set Up Your Digital Account

This is the foundation. Without an active digital account, you're locked out of most benefits.

Check your email inbox for your welcome message from the Geelong Cats membership team. If you don't see it, check your spam folder.
Click the activation link in that email. This will take you to the membership portal.
Create your account using your membership number and a strong password.
Download the Geelong Cats app and log in using the same credentials.

Once you're in, take a moment to explore the dashboard. You'll see your membership type, expiry date, and a list of available benefits. This is your command centre for everything membership-related.

Pro tip: Save your login details in your phone's password manager. You'll be using this account regularly throughout the season.

Step 2: Claim Your Home Game Tickets at Kardinia Park

This is where the magic happens. Watching the Cats live at GMHBA Stadium is an experience every fan should have—and your membership is your golden ticket.

Log into your membership portal at least two weeks before each home game.
Navigate to the "Ticket Allocation" section. Here you'll see which games are available for claiming.
Select your preferred seating area. If you have a reserved seat membership, your spot is already locked in. For general admission members, you'll need to claim a ticket for each game.
Confirm your attendance. Some memberships require you to opt-in for each game, even if you have a reserved seat. Missing this step could mean losing your seat for that match.
Download your digital ticket to your phone's wallet or save the PDF.

Common mistake: Forgetting to claim tickets for high-demand games. Blockbusters against rivals like Collingwood or Richmond fill up fast. Set a reminder on your phone for when ticket claims open.

Insider tip: If you're a general admission member, arrive at the Cattery at least 45 minutes before the first bounce to secure a good spot. The standing areas behind the goals offer incredible atmosphere—especially during a close game.

Step 3: Access Exclusive Member-Only Content

Your membership unlocks a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes content that casual fans never see. Here's how to find it:

Open the Geelong Cats app and look for the "Members Only" tab.
Watch exclusive training vision from sessions at Kardinia Park. You'll see Coach Scott putting the team through their paces, and maybe catch a glimpse of Dangerfield or Hawkins working on their craft.
Read the weekly member newsletter. This often includes insights from Selwood (yes, the former captain still contributes), injury updates, and previews of upcoming matches.
Check for video content featuring player interviews, coach press conferences, and behind-the-scenes footage from game day.

Pro tip: Set up push notifications in the app for "Members Only" content. The club often drops surprise videos after big wins or milestone games, and you don't want to miss them.

Step 4: Maximise Your Discounts and Offers

One of the most underrated benefits of Geelong Cats membership is the discounts. Here's how to use them:

Visit the Geelong Cats online shop and log in with your membership details. You'll see member-only pricing on merchandise, from guernseys to scarves to hats.
Check your membership portal for partner discounts. The Cats have deals with everything from travel companies to local restaurants around Geelong.
Use your membership card at participating retailers. Some discounts are applied automatically when you show your card at the register.
Look for match-day offers. On game days at GMHBA Stadium, members often get discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise inside the venue.

Common mistake: Assuming discounts are automatic. Always ask at the counter or check the terms online. Some offers require a specific code or a minimum spend.

Insider tip: The biggest savings come during the off-season. The club often runs member-only sales on merchandise in November and December. If you need a new Cats jumper or a gift for a fellow fan, wait for these sales.

Step 5: Get Priority Access to Finals and Special Events

This is where membership really pays off. When the Cats are charging toward the AFL Finals Series, you'll have first dibs on tickets.

Keep your membership active and up to date. Only current members get priority access.
Watch for emails from the club about finals ticketing. These usually go out a few days after the final home-and-away round.
Log into your portal during the priority booking window. You'll typically have 48-72 hours to secure your seats before they go on sale to the general public.
Consider upgrading to a finals package if you want guaranteed seats for multiple games. The club offers these packages to members before anyone else.
For the AFL Grand Final, if the Cats make it, you'll be entered into a ballot for the limited allocation of tickets. Make sure your membership details are correct and that you've opted in for communications.

Pro tip: If you're a regional member living outside Geelong, check if your membership includes access to away games during the finals. Some packages cover all finals matches, not just home games.

Step 6: Engage with the Geelong VFL and Development Programs

Your membership isn't just about the senior team. The Geelong VFL team and development squads are also part of the package.

Check the VFL schedule on the club website or app. Many VFL games are played at Kardinia Park or nearby venues.
Show your membership card for free or discounted entry to VFL matches. It's a great way to see future stars before they make it to the AFL competition.
Attend open training sessions for the VFL team. These are less crowded than senior sessions and offer a more intimate experience.
Follow the development pathway. Watch for updates on draft prospects and academy players. Seeing a young player you watched in the VFL get selected in the AFL Draft is incredibly rewarding.

Common mistake: Assuming VFL games aren't worth attending. They're some of the most entertaining matches of the year, and you'll often see players fighting for a spot in the senior team. Plus, the atmosphere is more relaxed and family-friendly.

Step 7: Participate in Member Events and Fan Experiences

The Geelong Cats community is one of the most active in the AFL. Here's how to get involved:

Check the events calendar in your membership portal. The club runs everything from player Q&A sessions to family days at Kardinia Park.
Register for events early. Popular ones, like the season launch or the Brownlow Medal night viewing party, fill up quickly.
Bring your family. Many events are designed for all ages, with activities for kids and opportunities to meet players.
Look for exclusive member functions during the season. These might include a behind-the-scenes tour of the Cattery or a meet-and-greet with Coach Scott.

Insider tip: The best events are often the smaller, less publicised ones. Join the official Geelong Cats Facebook group or follow the club on social media to hear about last-minute opportunities.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tips:

Set calendar reminders for key dates: ticket claim windows, finals booking periods, and member sale days.
Use the Geelong Cats app as your primary source of information. It's faster than email and includes push notifications for urgent updates.
Connect with other members at games. The camaraderie at Kardinia Park is legendary—don't be shy about striking up a conversation with the person next to you.
Consider upgrading your membership if you find yourself using benefits frequently. A reserved seat or a premium package might offer better value in the long run.
Keep your contact details updated. The club uses your email and phone number for important communications. If you move or change numbers, update your profile immediately.

Common Mistakes:

Forgetting to claim tickets for home games. This is the number one reason members miss out on attending matches.
Ignoring the member newsletter. It contains crucial information about deadlines, events, and changes to benefits.
Assuming all benefits are automatic. Many require you to opt-in or take action, especially for finals and special events.
Not checking partner discounts. You could be saving money on everything from petrol to groceries without realising it.
Waiting until the last minute for popular events. By the time you remember, tickets are often sold out.

Your Geelong Cats Membership Benefits Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you're covering everything:

Activate your digital account and download the Geelong Cats app
Claim your home game tickets at Kardinia Park for each match
Explore the "Members Only" content in the app
Check and use your membership discounts at the shop and partner retailers
Register for priority access to the AFL Finals Series and the AFL Grand Final ballot
Attend at least one Geelong VFL game this season
Sign up for member events and fan experiences
Set calendar reminders for all key dates
Update your contact details in the membership portal
Read the weekly member newsletter

Your Geelong Cats membership is more than just a ticket to games. It's your passport to a community of passionate fans, exclusive content, and experiences you'll remember for a lifetime. Whether you're watching Dangerfield tear through a defence at the Cattery, celebrating a flag with thousands of fellow supporters, or just enjoying a quiet VFL match on a Sunday afternoon, every moment is better when you're a member.

So go ahead—tick off that checklist, get active, and make the 2025 AFL Season your most memorable one yet. The Cats are counting on you, and trust me, you won't regret it.

See you at Kardinia Park.

Want more tips on getting the most out of your Cats experience? Check out our guides on getting started, understanding why the Cats might have lost a close game, and debunking common misconceptions about the club.

Geelong Cats Membership Benefits Checklist