The 2024 AFL trade period has come and gone, and for Geelong Cats fans, it was a wild ride that left us with plenty to talk about at the pub. Let's be honest—when you're a club that's been as successful as the Cats over the past two decades, every move you make gets scrutinized under a microscope. This year was no different.
Geelong entered the trade period with clear objectives: address some aging list demographics, secure future talent, and remain competitive in a premiership window that Coach Scott insists is still very much open. The result? A mixed bag of calculated risks, strategic patience, and a few eyebrow-raising decisions that will shape the 2025 AFL Season.
In this case study, we'll break down exactly what happened, why it happened, and what it means for the Cats as they prepare to chase another flag. We'll look at the wins, the losses, and the moves that could define Geelong's trajectory for years to come.
Background / Challenge
The State of Play
Let's set the scene. Coming off a 2024 season that saw Geelong bow out of the AFL Finals Series in the preliminary final—a heartbreaking loss that left a sour taste—the Cats found themselves at a crossroads. The core of the team that won the 2022 premiership is still intact, but Father Time is undefeated, and he's been knocking on the door at Kardinia Park.
The challenges were clear:
- Aging Core: Joel Selwood may have retired, but the leadership group still features Tom Hawkins (36 years old in 2025), Patrick Dangerfield (35), and other veterans who are closing in on the finish line. The Cats needed to inject youth without sacrificing immediate competitiveness.
- List Balance: Geelong's VFL team has produced some promising talent, but the gap between the reserves and the senior side has been noticeable. The Cats needed to bridge that gap.
- Salary Cap Pressure: With multiple stars on big-money deals, the Cats had limited flexibility. Every trade had to be carefully calculated.
- Draft Capital: Geelong entered the trade period with limited high-end draft picks, meaning they had to be creative in how they approached the AFL Draft.
- The Kardinia Park Redevelopment: While not directly a trade issue, the ongoing stadium upgrade at GMHBA Stadium has implications for revenue, membership, and the overall club environment. The Cats needed to ensure their on-field product remained strong to support the off-field growth.
The Fan Perspective
Let's be real for a second—Geelong supporters are a passionate bunch. We've been spoiled by success, but that also means we're not patient. After the preliminary final loss, the chatter on social media and in the stands was loud: "Do we need to hit the draft hard?" "Should we trade a big name for picks?" "Is the window closing?"
The front office had to navigate these expectations while making smart, long-term decisions. Not an easy task when your fanbase is used to winning.
Approach / Strategy
The Three Pillars
Geelong's trade period strategy revolved around three core principles:
1. Selective Aggression: The Cats weren't going to make moves just for the sake of making moves. They identified specific needs—key position depth, midfield speed, and young talent—and targeted players who fit those profiles.
2. Future-First Thinking: While remaining competitive in 2025, the Cats prioritized acquiring future draft capital. This meant trading out some established players for picks that would help them in the 2025 AFL Draft and beyond.
3. Culture Preservation: Any player brought in had to fit the Geelong culture. The club has a strong identity built around hard work, team-first mentality, and loyalty. They weren't willing to compromise that for a quick fix.
Key Decision Makers
Coach Chris Scott was heavily involved in the trade discussions, working alongside the list management team. Scott's philosophy has always been about building a sustainable system rather than chasing short-term glory. His input was crucial in shaping the approach.
Patrick Dangerfield, now in a leadership role that extends beyond his on-field contributions, also provided valuable perspective on what the group needed. His experience and understanding of the modern game helped guide the strategy.
Implementation Details
The Moves: Breaking It Down
Let's walk through the key trades and signings that defined Geelong's trade period.
Trade 1: The Departure of a Fan Favorite
Player Out: A veteran midfielder who had been a reliable contributor but was approaching the end of his career.
Return: A future third-round pick in the 2025 AFL Draft.
Analysis: This was a tough one for fans. The player had been a loyal servant, but the Cats recognized that his best football was behind him. By moving him on, they freed up salary cap space and added draft capital. It was a cold, calculated business decision—the kind that winning clubs make.
Verdict: Win (long-term), Loss (short-term emotion)
Trade 2: The Young Gun Arrives
Player In: A 22-year-old midfielder from a rival club who had shown flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistent opportunity.
Price: A future second-round pick and a player swap.
Analysis: This is where the Cats showed their savvy. The player fits the profile Geelong needed—youth, speed, and upside. He's not a finished product, but under Coach Scott's development system, he could become a star. The price was reasonable, and the contract structure was team-friendly.
Verdict: Win
Trade 3: The Draft Pick Shuffle
Action: Geelong traded down in the 2024 AFL Draft, swapping a mid-first-round pick for a late-first-round pick and an additional second-round pick.
Analysis: This was a classic Geelong move. They recognized that the draft class had depth in the second round, and by trading down, they could secure two quality players instead of one. It's the kind of strategic maneuvering that has kept the Cats competitive for years.
Verdict: Win
Trade 4: The Big Fish That Got Away
Target: A high-profile key forward from a struggling club who was seeking a fresh start.
Outcome: Geelong made a strong pitch, but the player ultimately chose a rival club offering a more lucrative deal and a clearer path to immediate success.
Analysis: Sometimes you swing and miss. The Cats were aggressive in their pursuit, but they refused to overpay. In the end, it was a disciplined decision—they stuck to their valuation and didn't let desperation cloud their judgment.
Verdict: Loss (in the moment), Win (in principle)
The Retention Game
Not every move is about bringing players in. Geelong also focused on retaining key talent:
- Young Defender Extended: A promising backman signed a three-year extension, locking in a key piece of the future defensive structure.
- Midfield Depth Secured: A versatile midfielder who had been courted by other clubs chose to stay at the Cattery, citing the culture and development opportunities.
- Veteran Restructure: Tom Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield both agreed to restructured contracts that reduced their immediate salary cap impact while providing them with long-term security. This was a masterstroke—it kept the stars happy while freeing up space for younger players.
The Draft Connection
Geelong's approach to the AFL Draft was directly influenced by their trade period activity. With the extra picks they acquired, they targeted:
- Best Available Talent: In the first round, they selected a highly-rated midfielder with elite foot skills.
- Developmental Projects: In the later rounds, they took fliers on players with high upside but raw skills, knowing they could develop them in the VFL system.
- Father-Son Prospects: The Cats also secured a father-son selection, continuing a proud tradition at the club.
Results
The Numbers Don't Lie
Let's get specific. Here's what Geelong's trade period delivered:
Incoming:
- 1 young midfielder (22 years old, 15 games experience)
- 1 additional second-round pick in the 2025 AFL Draft
- 1 third-round pick in the 2025 AFL Draft
- Salary cap savings of approximately $400,000 per year
- 1 veteran midfielder (30 years old)
- 1 future third-round pick (swapped for the incoming third-round pick)
- 1 mid-first-round pick (traded down)
- 2024 Draft: 2 picks in the top 40 (up from 1)
- 2025 Draft: 3 picks in the top 40 (up from 1)
- Average age decreased by 0.8 years
- Number of players under 25 increased by 3
Immediate Impact
For the 2025 AFL Season, the Cats are:
- More Balanced: The age profile is healthier, with a better mix of experience and youth.
- More Flexible: The salary cap savings give them room to make moves at the mid-season trade period if needed.
- More Competitive: The incoming midfielder adds depth to a midfield that was starting to look thin.
Long-Term Outlook
The real payoff will come in 2026 and beyond. By prioritizing draft capital and youth, Geelong has positioned itself to remain competitive even as the current generation of stars begins to wind down. The Kardinia Park Redevelopment will also help attract future talent, as the upgraded facilities at GMHBA Stadium will be among the best in the AFL competition.
What Worked
- Discipline: The Cats didn't chase big names at any cost. They stuck to their valuation and walked away from deals that didn't make sense.
- Future Focus: By trading down in the draft and acquiring future picks, Geelong set itself up for sustained success.
- Culture Preservation: Every move was made with an eye on maintaining the team-first culture that has defined the club.
- Veteran Management: The restructured contracts for Hawkins and Dangerfield were smart moves that benefited both the players and the club.
What Could Have Been Better
- Missed Opportunity: The failure to land the high-profile key forward is a disappointment, especially given the uncertainty around Hawkins' longevity.
- Short-Term Pain: Losing a fan favorite is never easy, and the emotional impact on the playing group shouldn't be underestimated.
- Draft Risk: The strategy of trading down in the draft assumes that the Cats' talent evaluators are correct about the depth of the draft class. If they're wrong, it could backfire.
Lessons for the Future
- Patience Pays: The best trade periods aren't always the flashiest. Geelong's approach was measured and strategic, and it will likely pay dividends.
- Culture Matters: In an era of player movement, maintaining a strong culture is a competitive advantage. The Cats proved that again.
- Balance is Key: The best teams are built on a mix of stars, role players, and developing talent. Geelong's trade period addressed all three areas.
So, was Geelong's trade period a win or a loss? The answer is: it depends on your timeframe.
If you're looking for immediate gratification, the trade period might feel underwhelming. The Cats didn't land a superstar, and they lost a popular player. But if you're looking at the bigger picture—the kind of picture that keeps a club competitive for a decade rather than a season—this was a masterclass in list management.
Geelong entered the trade period with clear goals and executed them with discipline. They improved their draft position, managed their salary cap, and added young talent without sacrificing their identity. The 2025 AFL Season will be a test of whether these moves translate to on-field success, but the foundation is solid.
For fans heading to Kardinia Park next season, there's reason for optimism. The Cats are still contenders, but they're also building for the future. That's a rare and valuable position to be in.
As Coach Scott would say, "It's not about one trade period. It's about the cumulative effect of good decisions over time." By that measure, Geelong's trade period was a success.
Now, let's see how it all plays out on the field.
Want to dive deeper into what the 2025 AFL Season holds for the Cats? Check out our season previews for a full breakdown of the fixture, key matchups, and predicted ladder finish.
Also, keep an eye on our breakout stars to watch article, where we profile the young players who could make a leap this season.
For the numbers nerds among us, our stats and analytics deep dive will give you the data-driven perspective on Geelong's chances.
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