The tradition of retiring guernsey numbers in the Australian Football League honours players who have made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to their club. For the Geelong Cats, these retired numbers serve as a permanent tribute to individuals whose performances, leadership, and loyalty have defined eras of success at Kardinia Park. The following glossary provides a comprehensive overview of the terminology, history, and significance associated with the Cats’ retired guernsey numbers.
Glossary of Terms
Retired Number
A guernsey number that has been permanently withdrawn from circulation by the Geelong Cats to honour a player of exceptional distinction. Once retired, no future player may wear that number for the club’s senior AFL team.Guernsey
The sleeveless playing jumper worn by Geelong Cats players, traditionally featuring the club’s distinctive blue and white hoops. The guernsey displays the player’s number on the back and is a symbol of team identity.Number 4 – Andrew Bews
Originally worn by Andrew Bews, this number was retired in 2021. Bews played 204 games for Geelong between 1987 and 1999, winning two AFL Premierships in 1992 and 1994. His consistency and courage as a defender made him a club icon.Number 5 – Gary Ablett Sr.
One of the most famous numbers in AFL history, the Number 5 guernsey was retired in 2008 in honour of Gary Ablett Sr. He played 192 games for the Cats, kicked over 1,000 goals, and won the Brownlow Medal in 1993. His athleticism and marking ability remain legendary.Number 11 – Paul Couch
The Number 11 was retired in 2008 for Paul Couch, a midfielder who played 259 games for Geelong and won the Brownlow Medal in 1989. Couch was a key figure in the Cats’ resurgence during the late 1980s and early 1990s.Number 14 – Jack Collins
Jack Collins wore the Number 14 for Geelong between 1946 and 1957, playing 195 games and kicking 218 goals. The number was retired posthumously after Collins died in a car accident in 1958. He is remembered as a courageous and skilled half-forward.Number 17 – Doug Wade
The Number 17 guernsey was retired in 1978 for Doug Wade, who played 168 games for Geelong and kicked 834 goals, including a record 10 goals in a game on multiple occasions. Wade won three Coleman Medals and was a dominant full-forward.Number 23 – Bill Ryan
Bill Ryan wore the Number 23 for 142 games between 1947 and 1957. The number was retired in 1999 to honour his service and dedication to the club, both as a player and later as a long-serving committee member.Number 29 – Kevin Sheedy
Kevin Sheedy played 103 games for Geelong between 1967 and 1974, wearing the Number 29. The number was retired in 2019 to recognise his immense contribution as a player and his subsequent Hall of Fame career as a coach and administrator.Number 3 – Unretired but Reserved
While not officially retired, the Number 3 guernsey is currently reserved and not in use following the departure of former captain Joel Selwood. The club has indicated it may be retired in the future, reflecting Selwood’s four AFL Premierships, six All-Australian selections, and record 40 finals appearances.Premiership
An AFL Premiership is the championship won by the club that triumphs in the AFL Grand Final. Geelong has won 10 premierships, with retired numbers often associated with players from these successful eras.AFL Grand Final
The annual premiership decider held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Geelong’s retired numbers include players who performed in multiple Grand Finals, such as the 1992, 1994, 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2022 victories.Kardinia Park
The home ground of the Geelong Cats, also known as GMHBA Stadium. The venue has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, enhancing its capacity and facilities for players and fans alike.GMHBA Stadium Redevelopment
The ongoing stadium upgrade at Kardinia Park, which has increased seating capacity to over 40,000. This redevelopment ensures the Cats can host major finals and attract large crowds, while honouring the club’s history through displays of retired guernseys.Club Milestones
Significant achievements in Geelong’s history, including premierships, individual awards such as the Brownlow Medal, and the retirement of guernsey numbers. These milestones are celebrated at the Cattery and in club publications.Brownlow Medal
The league MVP award presented annually to the fairest and best player in the AFL. Geelong players such as Gary Ablett Sr. and Paul Couch have won the Brownlow while wearing numbers later retired.AFL Draft
The national draft system through which Geelong recruits young talent. Retired numbers are never assigned to draftees, preserving the legacy of past champions for future generations.Geelong VFL
The club’s reserves team competing in the Victorian Football League. While VFL players may wear numbers not used by the senior team, retired numbers are also prohibited in the VFL to maintain respect for the honorees.Joel Selwood
Former captain of the Geelong Cats, Selwood played 355 games and led the club to four premierships. His Number 3 guernsey is currently reserved, pending a decision on formal retirement.Tom Hawkins
Tom Hawkins, known as Tomahawk, wore the Number 26 and played 359 games for Geelong, kicking over 800 goals and winning three premierships. His number has not been retired, but his legacy is celebrated alongside other club greats.Patrick Dangerfield
Dangerfield, the Brownlow Medal winner in 2016, has worn the Number 35 for Geelong since joining the club. While his number is not retired, his impact on the Cats’ success is widely acknowledged.Chris Scott
The Geelong coach since 2011, Chris Scott has guided the Cats to three AFL Premierships. Under his leadership, the club has maintained a culture of excellence that honours retired numbers and club traditions.AFL Finals Series
The postseason competition that determines the premier team. Geelong’s retired numbers are often associated with players who excelled in finals, such as Andrew Bews and Gary Ablett Sr.AFL Competition
The premier Australian rules football league in which Geelong competes. The Cats’ retired numbers are a distinctive feature of the competition, reflecting the club’s deep history.Summary
The retired guernsey numbers of the Geelong Cats are a tangible link to the club’s storied past, honouring players whose contributions transcended statistics and defined eras of success at Kardinia Park. From the legendary feats of Gary Ablett Sr. to the steadfast service of Bill Ryan, each retired number represents a unique chapter in Geelong’s history. As the club continues to build on its legacy under Coach Chris Scott, these numbers remain permanently displayed at GMHBA Stadium, reminding players and fans alike of the standards set by those who came before. For further exploration of Geelong’s traditions, readers may consult the club milestones, rivalry history, and theme song history sections of this site.
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