So you want to get the inside edge on Geelong’s biggest rivalries this season? Maybe you’re tired of watching games without knowing the real storylines, or you’re prepping for a footy chat with mates and need to sound like you’ve done your homework. Either way, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to scout, analyze, and report on the key matchups that define the Cats’ season. By the time you’re done, you’ll be able to spot the critical battles before they happen, track them during the game, and explain why they mattered after the final siren. No fluff, no jargon—just a practical system you can use all season long.
Let’s get into it.
Prerequisites / What You Need
Before you start building your rivalry reports, grab these essentials:
- A fixture list for the 2025 AFL Season (you can find the full draw on the AFL website or our /fixture-analysis page)
- Access to match replays or live broadcasts (Kayo, Fox Footy, or the AFL app work fine)
- A notebook or digital doc (I use a simple Google Doc, but pen and paper work just as well)
- Basic stats—you don’t need to be a data nerd, but knowing disposal counts, inside 50s, and clearances helps
- Patience—great rivalry reports take practice, not genius
Step 1: Identify the Rivalry Context
Not every game is a rivalry game. The Cats have genuine history with a handful of clubs—Hawthorn, Collingwood, Richmond, and Essendon come to mind. But even within those matchups, the context changes every season.
Ask yourself: Why does this game matter beyond the four points?
Maybe it’s a rematch of last year’s preliminary final. Maybe a former Cat is playing against his old teammates for the first time. Maybe both teams are fighting for a top-four spot late in the season. Whatever the reason, pin down the narrative before you watch a single minute of footage.
For example, when Geelong faces Hawthorn at the MCG, the history runs deep—those 2008, 2011, and 2013 Grand Final matchups still sting for Cats fans. But in 2025, the context might be about whether the Hawks’ young midfield can stand up against Geelong’s seasoned engine room. That’s your angle.
Pro tip: Check our /key-stories hub for the latest narratives around each matchup. We update it weekly with the context you need.
Step 2: Study the Key Positional Battles
Rivalry games are won and lost in specific areas of the ground. You’re not trying to analyze every player—just the ones who will decide the outcome.
Start with these three positions:
- The ruck contest: Who’s jumping for the Cats? If it’s a young ruck against an experienced opponent, watch how Geelong’s midfielders work around the stoppages. A dominant ruck can give Dangerfield and Selwood first use of the ball—and that’s game-changing.
- The key forward duel: Tom Hawkins is a legend, but even Tomahawk has tough days against certain defenders. Identify which opponent will line up on him. Is it a lockdown defender or an intercept marker? That tells you how the Cats will try to deliver the ball inside 50.
- The midfield battle: This is where games are won. Patrick Dangerfield’s explosiveness, Joel Selwood’s leadership (even in retirement, his legacy looms), and the supporting cast all matter. Watch for which midfield group gets on top in the first quarter—it often sets the tone for the whole match.
Step 3: Track the Momentum Swings
Rivalry games are emotional. Crowds are louder, players are more aggressive, and momentum can shift in a single play. Your job is to notice when and why that happens.
During the game, jot down:
- The first goal: Who kicked it? How did it happen? A quick opening goal can rattle an opponent.
- Controversial moments: A 50-meter penalty, a missed free kick, a scuffle after the siren—these moments change the energy.
- Key injuries: If a star player goes down, the entire dynamic shifts. That’s a story worth telling.
Common mistake: Don’t just list what happened—explain why it mattered. “Dangerfield kicked a goal” is boring. “Dangerfield’s goal from 50 meters out, after a 70-meter run, silenced the crowd and gave the Cats belief” is a rivalry report.
Step 4: Analyze the Crowd and Atmosphere
This is the secret sauce most analysts miss. Rivalry games at Kardinia Park are different from games at the MCG or Marvel Stadium. The Cattery is a fortress, and the crowd can be a genuine factor.
Ask yourself:
- How did the crowd react to big moments? Did they get loud after a tackle? Boo a decision? That tells you about the emotional state of the game.
- Did the away team struggle with the atmosphere? Some teams hate playing at GMHBA Stadium because of the noise and the tight ground dimensions.
- Were there any off-field storylines? A former player returning, a milestone game, or a tribute can add layers to the report.
Step 5: Connect to the Bigger Picture
A rivalry report isn’t just about one game. It’s about how that game fits into the season. After the final siren, zoom out and ask:
- What does this result mean for the AFL Finals Series? Did the Cats strengthen their top-four position, or did they fall back?
- How does this affect the AFL Premiership race? A win against a rival can build momentum for a flag run.
- Are there any draft implications? If the Cats lose, does that improve their AFL Draft position? (Unlikely for Geelong, but worth noting.)
- What does Coach Scott’s post-game press conference reveal? The Geelong coach often gives honest assessments after rivalry games.
Common mistake: Don’t overreact to one result. A single rivalry game doesn’t define a season—but it can reveal trends. Be measured in your analysis.
Step 6: Write the Report (Keep It Simple)
Now it’s time to turn your notes into a readable report. You don’t need to be Shakespeare. Just follow this structure:
- Opening paragraph: Set the scene. Mention the venue (Kardinia Park or wherever), the stakes, and the final score.
- Key matchup analysis: Dive into the positional battles you tracked. Use specific examples.
- Momentum moments: Describe the turning points.
- Crowd and atmosphere: Add color.
- Bigger picture: Connect to the season.
- Final thought: One sentence that sums up the game’s significance.
Example opening: “The Cattery was rocking on Saturday night, and for good reason. Geelong’s clash with Hawthorn had everything—hard tackles, controversial calls, and a final quarter that left fans breathless. When the dust settled, the Cats had pulled off a 12-point win that might just define their season.”
Pro Tips / Common Mistakes
Do:
- Watch the game twice—once for enjoyment, once for analysis.
- Use stats to back up your observations, but don’t drown in numbers.
- Talk to other fans. Their perspectives can reveal things you missed.
- Update your report if new information comes out (injury reports, tribunal outcomes).
- Write a play-by-play summary. Nobody wants that.
- Ignore the opposition. A rivalry report should acknowledge the other team’s strengths.
- Use clichés like “they wanted it more” or “they left it all on the field.” Be specific.
- Forget to proofread. Typos kill credibility.
Checklist Summary
Here’s your quick-reference checklist for every rivalry report:
- Identify the rivalry context (history, stakes, narratives)
- Study the key positional battles (ruck, key forward, midfield)
- Track momentum swings (first goal, controversial moments, injuries)
- Analyze the crowd and atmosphere (reactions, venue, off-field stories)
- Connect to the bigger picture (finals, premiership race, draft, coach’s comments)
- Write the report (simple structure, conversational tone)
- Review and edit (check for clichés, typos, and missing context)
Now go watch some footy. And if you want to dive deeper into the 2025 AFL Season, check out our /predicted-ladder to see where Geelong might finish, or explore /community-events for ways to connect with other Cats fans.
See you at the Cattery.
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