There's something special about watching a young player pull on the hoops for the first time. That moment when a fresh-faced draftee runs onto Kardinia Park, the crowd roaring, and you just know—this kid might be something special. For Geelong Cats fans, the excitement around the club's emerging talent isn't just blind optimism. It's a feeling rooted in history, in the way this club has consistently unearthed gems and turned them into premiership heroes.
But here's the thing: the AFL landscape is changing. The competition is faster, younger, and more demanding than ever. And while Geelong has built a reputation on experience—think Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins, and Patrick Dangerfield leading the charge—the 2025 AFL Season is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the Cats' next wave. The question on every supporter's mind? Who are the young guns ready to step up, and can they carry the torch forward?
In this guide, we're diving deep into Geelong's emerging talent. We'll look at the players generating buzz, the system that develops them, and what it all means for the club's future. Whether you're a die-hard who remembers every draft pick since the 2000s or a newer fan trying to learn the names, this is your comprehensive look at the Cats' next generation. Let's get into it.
Why the Young Guns Matter More Than Ever
Before we name names, let's talk about the bigger picture. Geelong has been a model of consistency in the AFL, making finals more often than not over the past two decades. But that success has come with a price: an aging list. As of 2024, the Cats had one of the oldest squads in the competition. That's not a criticism—it's a testament to how well the club has managed its veterans. But Father Time remains undefeated.
The 2025 AFL Season represents a transition point. With Joel Selwood already retired and Tom Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield entering the twilight of their careers, the club needs its next generation to accelerate their development. The good news? Geelong has been quietly building a pipeline of talent through the AFL Draft and its Geelong VFL program. The bad news? There's no guarantee that potential translates into premiership success.
But here's where it gets exciting. The Cats have a track record of getting this right. Think back to when the club blooded a young Joel Selwood in 2007, or when Patrick Dangerfield arrived via trade in 2016. Those weren't just good players—they became the spine of a dynasty. The current crop of young guns might not have the same star power yet, but the ingredients are there.
The Core Four: Players to Watch in 2025
Let's start with the names that should be on every Cats fan's radar. These are the players who've shown flashes of brilliance and are poised for bigger roles in the upcoming season.
Tanner Bruhn: The Midfield General in Waiting
If you've watched Geelong's VFL team over the past two seasons, you've seen Tanner Bruhn's name pop up repeatedly. Drafted with pick 12 in the 2021 AFL Draft, Bruhn arrived at the Cats with a reputation as a ball-winning midfielder who could also hit the scoreboard. But his journey hasn't been a straight line.
In 2024, Bruhn played 15 AFL games, averaging 18 disposals and showing glimpses of the inside-outside balance that makes him dangerous. He's not flashy—he won't light up the highlight reels like some of his contemporaries—but he's reliable. And in a Geelong system that values structure over chaos, reliability is gold.
The big question for 2025? Can Bruhn become a consistent 25-disposal player? If he can, he slots perfectly alongside the likes of Patrick Dangerfield and the next wave of midfielders. Keep an eye on his contested work—that's where he'll make his name.
Jhye Clark: The Selwood Successor (Sort Of)
Comparisons to Joel Selwood are unfair to any young player. But when Jhye Clark was drafted with pick 8 in 2022, the whispers started immediately. Like Selwood, Clark is a hard-nosed midfielder who thrives in the contest. He's not the biggest guy on the field, but he plays like he's 10 feet tall.
Clark's 2024 season was interrupted by injury, which limited him to just 8 AFL games. But when he played, the signs were promising. He averaged 14 disposals and 4 tackles per game, and his work around the stoppages caught the eye of Coach Scott. The coaching staff loves his intensity—it's the kind of energy that lifts a team.
The challenge for 2025 is staying on the park. If Clark can string together 15-18 games, he'll fast-track his development. And if he becomes even half the player Selwood was, Geelong has a gem.
Oliver Dempsey: The X-Factor
Every team needs a player who can do things others can't. For the Cats, that player might be Oliver Dempsey. Drafted as a forward with pick 20 in 2021, Dempsey has developed into a versatile swingman who can play through the midfield or push forward to kick goals.
In 2024, Dempsey played 13 AFL games and kicked 10 goals, but his impact goes beyond the scoreboard. He's got that something—the ability to read the play a split-second faster than opponents, the knack for finding space in traffic. He's still raw, but the talent is undeniable.
The key for Dempsey is consistency. He can have games where he looks like a star, then disappear for stretches. If he can iron out those fluctuations, he becomes a genuine weapon in Geelong's forward line and midfield rotations.
Max Holmes: The Breakout Candidate
If you're looking for a player who could have a Patrick Dangerfield-style impact (minus the Brownlow Medal, at least for now), Max Holmes is your guy. Drafted with pick 20 in 2020, Holmes has already shown he belongs at AFL level. In 2024, he played 21 games and averaged 21 disposals, showcasing his elite speed and composure under pressure.
What sets Holmes apart is his athleticism. He's one of the quickest players in the AFL, and he uses that speed to break lines and create scoring opportunities. He's also developed a reliable kick, which makes him dangerous coming out of defense or through the midfield.
The 2025 season feels like a breakout year for Holmes. With more responsibility likely coming his way, expect his numbers to climb. If he takes the next step, he could be the Cats' most important player under 25.
The Development Pipeline: How Geelong Builds Its Future
You can't talk about young guns without understanding the system that produces them. Geelong has a unique advantage in the AFL: its strong connection to the Geelong VFL program and the Kardinia Park Redevelopment, which has turned the club's home ground into a state-of-the-art facility.
The VFL as a Finishing School
The Geelong VFL team isn't just a place for fringe players to get games—it's a development machine. The Cats have consistently used the VFL to blood young players, giving them exposure to senior-level training and game plans before they're ready for the AFL.
Take Tanner Bruhn, for example. Before he became a regular in the AFL side, he spent significant time with the VFL team, learning the structures and building his confidence. The same goes for Jhye Clark and Oliver Dempsey. The VFL allows these players to make mistakes in a lower-stakes environment, then apply those lessons at the highest level.
The 2025 season will see even more emphasis on the VFL program. With the club's list undergoing transition, expect several young guns to rotate between the AFL and VFL as they find their feet.
The Kardinia Park Factor
The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has been a game-changer for Geelong's development. The upgraded facilities at GMHBA Stadium include better recovery rooms, training spaces, and video analysis suites. For young players, this means access to resources that were once only available at bigger clubs.
But the real advantage is cultural. Geelong's home ground has always been a fortress, and the redevelopment has only strengthened that identity. When young players train at the Cattery, they're immersed in the club's history and expectations. It's a subtle but powerful way to build the next generation.
The 2025 AFL Season: What to Expect from the Young Guns
So, what does all this mean for the 2025 AFL Season? Let's get specific.
Predicted Breakout Players
- Max Holmes: Expect him to average 25+ disposals and become a genuine midfield weapon.
- Tanner Bruhn: A 20-22 disposal per game season with improved contested work.
- Oliver Dempsey: 15+ goals and more midfield minutes.
- Jhye Clark: 18-20 games if healthy, with a focus on contested ball winning.
The Rotation Strategy
Coach Chris Scott has historically been cautious with young players, preferring to ease them into the system rather than throw them in the deep end. That approach has served Geelong well—look at how Tom Hawkins developed over time. But the 2025 season might require a shift.With veterans like Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins likely to be managed more carefully, the young guns will get more opportunities. Expect to see Bruhn, Clark, and Dempsey rotating through the midfield, while Holmes takes on a more prominent role off half-back or on the wing.
The Finals Factor
Here's the thing about Geelong: they're never truly rebuilding. Even in transition years, the club expects to compete for the AFL Finals Series. That puts pressure on the young guns to perform immediately, not just develop for the future.The good news? The Cats have a history of young players stepping up in big moments. Think back to Joel Selwood's first final in 2007, or Patrick Dangerfield's heroics in the 2016 qualifying final. The current crop has that same potential—they just need the opportunity.
How Fans Can Support the Next Generation
As a Geelong Cats fan, you play a role in the development of these players. Here's how:
- Be patient: Young players will have bad games. It's part of the process. Instead of calling for their heads, trust the system that's produced decades of success.
- Get to VFL games: The Geelong VFL team plays at Kardinia Park regularly. Watching these games gives you a front-row seat to the future. Plus, it's a great day out.
- Engage online: Follow the club's social media channels and key-stories section for updates on young players. Share your excitement—it builds momentum.
- Attend open training sessions: The Cats often hold open sessions at GMHBA Stadium. It's a chance to see the young guns up close and show your support.
- Share your own stories: The fan-stories section is full of passionate Cats supporters. Add your voice to the conversation.
The Long View: Where Will These Young Guns Be in 3 Years?
Let's project forward. By the 2027 AFL Season, the landscape at Geelong will look different. Patrick Dangerfield will likely be retired, and Tom Hawkins will be in his late 30s. Joel Selwood's leadership will be a distant memory (though his influence will linger). The young guns we've discussed will be entering their prime.
If everything goes right, here's what the future could look like:
- Max Holmes: A top-10 player in the AFL, competing for All-Australian honors.
- Tanner Bruhn: A reliable, 25-disposal midfielder who anchors the engine room.
- Oliver Dempsey: A versatile star who can play forward or midfield, kicking 30+ goals a season.
- Jhye Clark: The heart and soul of the team, carrying on Joel Selwood's legacy of toughness.
The Big Picture: Why This Matters for Geelong's Future
The Geelong Cats aren't just a football club—they're an institution. For decades, this club has defined success in the AFL through consistency, culture, and a refusal to accept mediocrity. The young guns we've discussed are the next custodians of that legacy.
When you watch the 2025 AFL Season, pay attention to the details. Watch how Tanner Bruhn positions himself at a stoppage. Notice how Max Holmes accelerates through a corridor. See how Jhye Clark throws his body into a contest. These are the moments that define careers, and they're happening right now at Kardinia Park.
The season-preview-2025 section will have more specific predictions, but here's my take: Geelong will make the AFL Finals Series in 2025, and the young guns will play a significant role. They might not win the premiership this year—the competition is too deep for that—but they'll lay the foundation for the next flag.
Conclusion: The Future Is Bright
So, there you have it—a comprehensive look at the Geelong Cats young guns. From Tanner Bruhn's midfield grunt to Max Holmes' electrifying speed, from Jhye Clark's Selwood-like intensity to Oliver Dempsey's X-factor, the next generation is ready to step up.
But here's the thing: these players can't do it alone. They need the support of the fans, the guidance of the coaching staff, and the structure of the club's development system. They need Kardinia Park to remain a fortress, and they need the Geelong VFL program to keep producing talent.
If you're a Cats fan, now is the time to get excited. The future might not have the same star power as the past—yet—but it's full of potential. And if there's one thing Geelong knows how to do, it's turning potential into premierships.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out the fan-stories section to connect with other supporters, or head to key-stories for the latest updates on the young guns. And don't forget to bookmark the season-preview-2025 page for all your preview needs.
The 2025 AFL Season is almost here. Let's see what these young guns can do. Go Cats.
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