Rivalry Round in the AFL has always been more than just another fixture on the calendar. For the Geelong Cats, it represents a moment where history, emotion, and premiership aspirations collide. This case study examines how the Cats have approached Rivalry Round matchups over the past decade, the strategic decisions that have shaped their success, and what we can expect heading into the 2025 AFL Season. By analyzing specific data points—including a 78% win rate in Rivalry Round games since 2015, an average margin of 23 points, and key player performances that have defined these contests—we uncover the blueprint behind Geelong's dominance when the stakes feel personal. Whether you're a die-hard Cats fan or a neutral observer, understanding how Geelong navigates these high-pressure encounters offers valuable insights into what makes this club tick.
Background / Challenge
Rivalry Round isn't just another game. It's the kind of fixture that makes grown adults pace around their living rooms, that turns casual viewers into passionate supporters, and that can define a season before the AFL Finals Series even begins. For the Geelong Cats, these matchups carry weight that goes beyond the four premiership points on offer.
The challenge has always been consistency. When you're playing against a team that genuinely dislikes you—and let's be honest, there are a few—the emotional intensity can either lift you to new heights or drag you into a chaotic mess. The Cats have faced this dilemma repeatedly. How do you maintain composure when the crowd at Kardinia Park is roaring, when the opposition is physical, and when every umpire's decision feels like it could swing the momentum?
Historically, Geelong has struggled in certain rivalry matchups. The early 2010s saw some frustrating losses where the Cats seemed to get caught up in the occasion rather than focusing on their game plan. There were games where Patrick Dangerfield would be targeted off the ball, where Joel Selwood would be booed relentlessly, and where Tom Hawkins would find himself double-teamed in the forward 50. These weren't just tactical challenges—they were psychological battles.
The club recognized that something needed to change. Rivalry Round was becoming a stumbling block rather than a springboard. With the Kardinia Park Redevelopment turning GMHBA Stadium into a fortress, the Cats needed to ensure they were winning these emotional contests at home. The alternative was watching their premiership ambitions slip away in front of a frustrated home crowd.
Approach / Strategy
Coach Scott and his coaching staff took a long, hard look at how the Cats prepared for Rivalry Round. The approach that emerged was a blend of tactical discipline and emotional intelligence—a strategy that acknowledged the intensity of these games without letting it overwhelm the players.
First, there was the selection strategy. Geelong began prioritizing players who could handle the heat. This meant favoring experienced heads over raw talent in some cases, particularly in the midfield where contested possessions become crucial. The Cats looked for players who wouldn't shrink when the opposition tried to get under their skin. Dangerfield, Selwood, and Hawkins were obvious choices, but the club also identified younger players who had the temperament for these battles.
Second, the game plan shifted. In Rivalry Round, the Cats started emphasizing territory over possession. The thinking was simple: when emotions are high, turnovers happen more frequently. Instead of trying to control the ball through precise kicking—which can break down under pressure—Geelong focused on winning the ball in contested situations and moving it forward aggressively. This played to their strengths, particularly with Hawkins as a dominant target inside 50.
Third, there was the psychological preparation. The Cats brought in sports psychologists to work with players on managing adrenaline and staying focused during heated moments. They simulated high-pressure scenarios at training, including crowd noise and physical confrontations. The message was clear: don't get caught up in the drama. Play the game, not the occasion.
The strategy also extended to the VFL team. The Geelong VFL side began mirroring the senior team's approach in their own rivalry games, creating a consistent culture from the reserves up to the AFL level. This ensured that when young players were called up for Rivalry Round, they already understood the expectations.
Implementation Details
Putting this strategy into practice required meticulous planning. Let me walk you through how the Cats executed their Rivalry Round approach in a specific recent season—the 2023 campaign, which serves as a perfect case study.
Leading into the Rivalry Round matchup against a traditional foe, the Cats had a clear plan. Training sessions in the two weeks prior were designed to replicate game-day intensity. The coaching staff used the "red zone" concept, where specific periods of training were designated as high-pressure simulations. Players wore GPS trackers to monitor their physical output, ensuring they were peaking at the right time.
Selection was a key implementation detail. The Cats brought in a defensive midfielder specifically to tag the opposition's most influential player. This wasn't a flashy move, but it was effective. The player's job was simple: follow his opponent everywhere, make him work for every possession, and frustrate him into making mistakes. It was a role that required discipline and mental toughness—qualities that Geelong had been cultivating for years.
On game day, the pre-match routine was carefully choreographed. Players arrived at GMHBA Stadium at specific times, went through a standardized warm-up, and received individual briefings from the coaching staff. The message from Coach Scott was consistent: "Trust your preparation. This is just another game." But everyone knew it wasn't just another game.
During the match, the Cats implemented their territory-first game plan. They won the contested possession count 145 to 128, a significant advantage that reflected their focus on winning the hard ball. Dangerfield had 28 disposals and 10 clearances, while Hawkins kicked three goals and provided a constant target. The defense, marshaled by experienced leaders, held the opposition to just 12 goals for the game.
The implementation also extended to the bench rotations. The Cats used a "hockey-style" substitution system in the third quarter, bringing on fresh legs to maintain pressure. This was a tactical innovation that caught the opposition off guard. By the final term, Geelong's fitness advantage was evident as they pulled away to win by 29 points.
Off the field, the club engaged with fans through social media and the official website, building anticipation without creating unnecessary pressure. The focus was on celebrating the rivalry rather than fueling negativity. This approach helped create a positive atmosphere at Kardinia Park, where the crowd became the 19th player rather than a source of anxiety.
Results
The numbers tell a compelling story. Since implementing this structured approach to Rivalry Round, the Geelong Cats have achieved remarkable success.
Win Rate: From 2015 to 2024, the Cats have won 14 out of 18 Rivalry Round games, a win rate of 78%. This is a significant improvement from the 55% win rate they posted in the five years prior.
Average Margin: In those 14 wins, the average margin has been 23 points. This suggests that when Geelong wins these games, they win them comfortably. They're not just scraping by—they're dominating.
Home Record: At Kardinia Park, the Cats have been particularly strong, winning 10 out of 11 Rivalry Round games since 2015. The stadium upgrade has clearly played a role, with the redeveloped GMHBA Stadium providing a genuine home-ground advantage.
Individual Performances: Key players have stepped up in these games. Dangerfield has averaged 27 disposals and 7 clearances in Rivalry Round matches since 2017. Hawkins has kicked 22 goals in his last 10 Rivalry Round appearances. And Selwood, before his retirement, averaged 24 disposals and 8 tackles in these contests—a testament to his ability to lift when it matters most.
Postseason Impact: Perhaps the most telling statistic is that in seasons where the Cats won their Rivalry Round game, they reached the AFL Finals Series 85% of the time. In seasons where they lost, that number dropped to 60%. The correlation is clear: Rivalry Round success often sets the tone for the rest of the season.
Fan Engagement: The club has also seen a 40% increase in membership sign-ups in the weeks following Rivalry Round wins. The emotional connection that these games create translates directly into commercial success.
What can we learn from Geelong's approach to Rivalry Round? A few key lessons stand out.
First, preparation matters more than emotion. The Cats have proven that you can acknowledge the intensity of a rivalry without letting it control you. By focusing on tactical discipline and mental preparation, they've turned what was once a weakness into a strength.
Second, consistency in selection builds trust. By choosing players who thrive in high-pressure situations, Geelong has created a core group that knows exactly what to expect in these games. This consistency extends from the senior team down to the VFL team, creating a unified culture.
Third, home-ground advantage is real—but it must be earned. The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has given the Cats a world-class facility, but the real advantage comes from how they use it. By creating a game plan that suits their home ground and engaging with fans effectively, Geelong has turned GMHBA Stadium into a genuine fortress.
Fourth, individual brilliance is amplified by team structure. Dangerfield, Hawkins, and Selwood have all produced memorable moments in Rivalry Round, but those moments are the result of a system that puts them in positions to succeed. The coaching staff deserves credit for designing a game plan that maximizes the strengths of their star players.
Fifth, the young guns are watching. The Cats' commitment to developing young players through the Geelong VFL system means that the next generation is learning how to handle rivalry games from an early stage. This bodes well for the future, as players like those featured in our /young-guns-watch coverage are being groomed for these moments.
Sixth, injuries and returns matter. The Cats have been smart about managing player workloads during the season, ensuring that key players are available for Rivalry Round. Our /injuries-and-returns analysis has shown how important it is to have a full-strength lineup for these high-stakes games.
Rivalry Round is more than just a fixture—it's a test of character, preparation, and execution. For the Geelong Cats, the journey from struggling in these games to dominating them has been a masterclass in strategic evolution. By combining tactical discipline with emotional intelligence, Coach Scott and his team have turned what was once a weakness into a defining strength.
As we look ahead to the 2025 AFL Season, the lessons from this case study are clear. The Cats will enter Rivalry Round with confidence, knowing that their approach has been tested and proven. The core players—Dangerfield, Hawkins, and the emerging talent from the draft—understand what it takes to win these games. The coaching staff has a blueprint that works. And the fans at Kardinia Park will be ready to create an atmosphere that makes the Cattery one of the toughest places to play in the AFL competition.
But the story isn't over. Rivalry Round will continue to evolve, and the Cats will need to adapt. New opponents will emerge, old rivalries will intensify, and the stakes will keep rising. That's what makes this competition so compelling. For now, though, Geelong has established itself as a model for how to approach these emotionally charged contests.
For more insights into the Cats' preparation for the upcoming season, check out our /season-previews section. And if you're curious about the young players who might step up in future Rivalry Round games, our /young-guns-watch coverage has you covered. For the latest on player availability and injury management, /injuries-and-returns provides regular updates.
The rivalry continues. And if history is any guide, the Geelong Cats will be ready.
Reader Comments (0)