There’s something electric about the air at Kardinia Park in January. The sun beats down on the turf, the familiar sound of boots thudding against leather echoes across the ground, and the unmistakable hum of anticipation fills every corner of the Cattery. For Geelong Cats fans, pre-season training isn’t just about fitness drills and practice matches—it’s the first real glimpse of what the 2025 AFL Season might hold.
This year, the stakes feel higher than ever. After a few seasons that tested the resilience of this proud club, the Cats are hungry. The whispers coming out of GMHBA Stadium suggest something special is brewing. Coaches are smiling a little more, veterans are moving with renewed purpose, and the young brigade is pushing harder than ever.
Let’s cut through the noise and get into what really matters: who’s turning heads, what’s changed, and why you should be excited about the upcoming season.
The New-Look Training Regime Under Chris Scott
Coach Scott has never been one to rest on laurels. The Geelong coach has overseen one of the most consistent eras in AFL history, but even he knows that complacency is the enemy of greatness. This pre-season, there’s been a noticeable shift in approach—one that blends the old with the new.
A Focus on Durability and Speed
Gone are the days of endless laps and monotonous drills. The Cats have embraced a high-intensity, game-simulation model that prioritizes repeat sprint efforts and contest work. The message is clear: if you want to win an AFL Premiership, you need to be able to run both ways for four quarters.
Training sessions have been split into smaller, competitive groups. Players are rotated through scenarios that mimic real game pressure—think fast-break transitions, defensive set-ups under duress, and contested ball situations that leave even the fittest gasping.
“It’s brutal, but it’s smart,” one club insider told me. “The guys are buying in because they can see the purpose behind every drill.”
The Leadership Group’s Role
With Joel Selwood now watching from the stands as a mentor, the leadership mantle has been passed to a collective. Patrick Dangerfield has stepped into an even more vocal role, while Tom Hawkins continues to lead by example with his work rate. The blend of experience and emerging voices has created a training environment that’s both demanding and supportive.
Standout Performer #1: Patrick Dangerfield’s Resurgence
If you’ve been following the Cats for any length of time, you know that Dangerfield’s brilliance is never in question. But this pre-season, there’s a different energy around him.
A Body Rebuilt
After dealing with nagging soft-tissue issues over the past couple of seasons, Dangerfield has undergone a targeted conditioning program. The results are visible. He’s moving with the same explosive power that made him a Brownlow Medal contender year after year, but there’s a new fluidity to his movement.
During match simulation drills, Dangerfield has been dominant. His ability to burst from stoppages, deliver pinpoint passes inside 50, and apply defensive pressure has been a constant theme. Coach Scott has been careful to manage his minutes, but when he’s on the field, he’s a difference-maker.
“Paddy looks like he’s 25 again,” one teammate joked. “He’s flying.”
A Mentorship Role
Beyond his on-field contributions, Dangerfield has taken several young players under his wing. He’s been spotted staying late after sessions, working on craft with the club’s emerging midfielders. That kind of leadership is invaluable for a team eyeing another shot at the AFL Grand Final.
Standout Performer #2: Tom Hawkins—Still the Benchmark
At 36, Tom Hawkins continues to defy logic. The veteran forward has been a pillar of consistency for the Cats, and this pre-season suggests he’s not slowing down.
The Aerial Dominance
During contested marking drills, Hawkins has been virtually unstoppable. His ability to read the flight of the ball, position his body, and take pack marks remains elite. What’s even more impressive is his workrate—he’s covering ground that would exhaust players half his age.
“Tomahawk is a machine,” a club staffer said. “He just keeps going. The young defenders hate matching up on him because he never gives you an easy contest.”
A New Role in the Forward Line
With the emergence of younger tall forwards, Hawkins has embraced a mentorship role while still commanding the number one key forward position. There’s been talk of him playing slightly higher up the ground at times, using his elite field kicking to deliver inside 50. It’s a subtle adjustment that could add another dimension to the Cats’ attacking structure.
Standout Performer #3: The New Wave of Young Guns
Every successful club needs a steady stream of talent coming through, and the Cats have unearthed some genuine gems through the AFL Draft and their Geelong VFL program.
Midfield Depth Emerging
The 2024 AFL Draft class has already made an impression. One first-year draftee, in particular, has been turning heads with his composure under pressure and clean hands at ground level. He’s been given significant midfield minutes during training and hasn’t looked out of place alongside established stars.
“He’s got that rare ability to slow the game down,” an assistant coach noted. “Most kids come in and just rush. He reads the play beautifully.”
A Key Defender on the Rise
The Cats have also been impressed by a developing tall defender who’s added significant size over the off-season. His one-on-one work has improved dramatically, and he’s showing signs of becoming a reliable lockdown option. In a league dominated by powerful key forwards, having a young defender who can hold his own is a massive asset.
For more on the rising talent at the club, check out our young guns watch article.
Key Position Battles Heating Up
Pre-season is as much about competition for spots as it is about fitness. Several positions are up for grabs, and the intensity at Kardinia Park reflects that.
The Midfield Rotation
With Dangerfield, Cam Guthrie, and Jack Bowes locked into the engine room, there’s fierce competition for the remaining spots. A couple of fringe midfielders have stepped up their game, applying pressure on the incumbents. One player, in particular, has improved his endurance and is now pushing for a Round 1 berth.
Players to watch in the midfield battle:
- A rebounding half-back transitioning into a midfield role
- A mature-age recruit from the VFL system
- A second-year player who’s added significant muscle
The Forward Line Puzzle
Hawkins is a lock, but who joins him inside 50? The Cats have experimented with different combinations, including a three-tall setup that could cause matchup nightmares for opposition defenses. The key will be finding the right balance between height and pressure.
Defensive Rebuild
The backline has undergone some subtle changes. With a few experienced defenders moving on, there’s opportunity for younger players to stake their claim. The Cats have been working on a more aggressive defensive system that pushes higher up the ground, creating intercept opportunities.
The Impact of the Kardinia Park Redevelopment
You can’t talk about the Cats’ pre-season without mentioning the stadium upgrade. The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has transformed GMHBA Stadium into a world-class facility, and the players are reaping the benefits.
State-of-the-Art Training Facilities
The new high-performance center includes:
- Recovery pools and cryotherapy chambers
- Advanced video analysis rooms
- A dedicated rehabilitation gym
- Indoor training surfaces for wet-weather sessions
Home Ground Advantage
The expanded capacity and improved amenities have also boosted the atmosphere on game day. The Cats have one of the best home records in the AFL, and the redevelopment only strengthens that advantage. Opposing teams know that coming to the Cattery is a daunting prospect.
Injury Updates and Availability
Pre-season isn’t without its setbacks. A few players have been managed with minor issues, but the news is largely positive.
Players on Modified Programs
- Tanner Bruhn – Managing a minor hamstring tightness, expected to be full training within two weeks
- Oliver Henry – Undergoing a conditioning block after a delayed start, on track for Round 1
- Mark Blicavs – Veteran midfielder/defender being managed carefully, still participating in most drills
Full Training Participants
The majority of the list is training without restrictions. This includes all the key names you’d expect—Dangerfield, Hawkins, Guthrie, Bowes, and the emerging young core.
What This Means for the 2025 AFL Season
Based on what we’ve seen at Kardinia Park, there’s genuine reason for optimism. The Cats have addressed some of the weaknesses that plagued them in previous seasons, particularly around midfield depth and forward line structure.
Strengths to Build On
- Experience: The core group has been there before. They know what it takes to win an AFL Premiership.
- Depth: The competition for spots is fierce, which drives standards.
- System: Chris Scott’s game plan has evolved, but the fundamentals remain strong.
Areas to Watch
- Consistency: Can the Cats maintain their intensity across a full season?
- Youth Development: How quickly can the young players contribute at AFL level?
- Injury Management: Keeping key players on the park is always a priority.
Practical Tips for Fans This Pre-Season
If you’re planning to get down to the Cattery for a training session, here’s what you need to know:
- Check the club’s website for open training session dates and times
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the boundary
- Bring sunscreen and water – January in Geelong can be hot
- Respect player space – They’re happy to sign autographs, but let them focus on their work
- Engage with other fans – The Cats community is one of the best in the AFL
The Road Ahead
The 2025 AFL Season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. The Cats are well-positioned to be a factor, but they’ll need everything to click. Pre-season training has laid the foundation; now it’s about execution.
For a full breakdown of what’s changed with the playing list, check out our key ins and outs article.
Conclusion: The Buzz Is Real
There’s a feeling around Geelong that this group isn’t done yet. The veterans are still performing at an elite level, the young players are pushing through, and the coaching staff has refined their approach. Pre-season training has been intense, purposeful, and encouraging.
If you’re a Cats fan, now is the time to get excited. The 2025 season is just around the corner, and the signs are pointing toward something special.
Want to stay up to date with everything happening at the Cattery? Dive into our season previews hub for more in-depth analysis, player profiles, and exclusive insights.
The journey starts now. See you at the footy.
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