There’s something special about pulling on the blue and white hoops. For over a century, the Geelong Cats have been a powerhouse of the AFL, a club built on resilience, community, and an uncanny ability to produce generational talent. Whether you’re a lifelong Cats supporter or just diving into the rich history of the Australian Football League, you’ve probably found yourself wondering: Who are the absolute best to ever wear the jumper?
That’s the question we’re tackling today. This isn’t just a list—it’s a celebration of the players who defined eras, broke records, and brought flags to Kardinia Park. From the brownlow medal winners to the quiet champions who did the hard yards, we’re counting down the greatest Geelong Cats players of all time. And trust me, narrowing this list down was harder than kicking a goal from the boundary under pressure.
Let’s start at the beginning.
The Golden Era: The 1950s and 1960s Legends
Before the modern dynasty, there was a golden age. The Cats won their first AFL Premiership in 1951, and then backed it up in 1952. Those teams were built on grit and skill, and they produced some of the most iconic names in club history.
Bob Davis – The Original Showman
If you talk to older Cats fans, they’ll tell you about Bob Davis. A brilliant ruckman and forward, Davis was the heart and soul of those early premiership teams. He wasn’t just a player; he was a character. Known for his cheeky grin and daring play, Davis kicked the winning goal in the 1951 Grand Final—a moment forever etched in Geelong folklore. He later became a beloved commentator, but his legacy as a player is untouchable.
Polly Farmer – The Ruck Revolutionary
Graham “Polly” Farmer changed how ruckmen played the game. Before him, rucks were mostly about hit-outs and physical presence. Farmer introduced handball as a weapon, turning the ruck position into a creative hub. He won three Brownlow Medals (1960, 1961, 1963) and was the first Indigenous player to reach 100 VFL/AFL games. His influence on the modern game is immeasurable, and he remains one of the most important figures in Geelong history.
Fred Flanagan – The Captain Courageous
Fred Flanagan was the rock of those 1950s teams. A tough, reliable defender and later a forward, he captained the Cats to the 1951 and 1952 flags. He was the kind of player every team needs—consistent, fearless, and a leader by example. Flanagan’s 248 games were a club record for decades, a testament to his durability and class.
The Modern Dynasty: 2007–2011 and Beyond
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the Geelong Cats experienced a golden age that rivals any in AFL history. Under the guidance of Coach Scott (and before him, Mark Thompson), the Cats won three AFL Premierships in five years (2007, 2009, 2011). This era produced a constellation of stars, many of whom are still playing or have only recently retired.
Joel Selwood – The Heartbeat of a Generation
You cannot tell the story of the Geelong Cats without Joel Selwood. The former captain played 355 games, won four AFL Premierships (2007, 2009, 2011, 2022), and is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most inspirational leaders the game has ever seen.
Selwood wasn’t the fastest or the most skilled by raw numbers, but his courage was unmatched. He would throw his body at contests that others would shy away from, and he had an uncanny ability to lift his teammates when it mattered most. He won the 2013 Brownlow Medal, but his legacy goes far beyond individual awards. Selwood was the soul of the Cats for nearly two decades.
Why he’s on this list: Leadership, durability, and four premierships. He’s the modern benchmark for what it means to be a Cat.
Tom Hawkins – The Tomahawk
If Selwood was the heart, Tom Hawkins was the engine. For over a decade, Hawkins was the most dominant key forward in the AFL. Standing 198 cm and weighing over 100 kg, he was a nightmare for defenders. But it wasn’t just his size—Hawkins had soft hands, a booming kick, and a footy IQ that made him nearly unstoppable.
He kicked 796 goals for the Cats, a club record. He won the Coleman Medal twice (2020, 2021) and was a key part of the 2011 and 2022 premierships. Hawkins’ ability to bring teammates into the game with his marking and ground-level work made him the complete forward.
Why he’s on this list: Record-breaking goal tally, two Coleman Medals, and two premierships. He’s the greatest forward the club has ever produced.
Patrick Dangerfield – The Midfield Maestro
When Patrick Dangerfield crossed from Adelaide to the Cats in 2016, there were questions about whether he could replicate his Brownlow-winning form. He answered emphatically. Dangerfield won his second Brownlow in 2016 (his first season at Geelong) and has been a midfield powerhouse ever since.
What makes Dangerfield special is his explosive power. He can burst from a stoppage, break tackles, and kick goals from impossible angles. He’s also a fierce competitor—his 2022 Grand Final performance, where he kicked two crucial goals, was a masterclass in big-game football. Dangerfield is still going strong, and his influence on the young players at the club is invaluable.
Why he’s on this list: Two Brownlow Medals, explosive midfield dominance, and a premiership in 2022.
Gary Ablett Sr. – The Legend
You can’t have a greatest players list without Gary Ablett Sr. The father of Gary Ablett Jr. (who also had a stellar career, mostly at Gold Coast), Ablett Sr. was a freak of nature. He played as a forward and midfielder, and his high-flying marks were the stuff of legend.
Ablett Sr. kicked 1,021 goals for the Cats, a club record that stood until Hawkins surpassed it. He won the Brownlow in 1993 and was a two-time Coleman Medalist. His 1989 Grand Final performance, despite being on the losing side, is often called the greatest individual performance in a Grand Final ever—he kicked 9 goals and took 12 marks. He was the Michael Jordan of Australian rules football in his prime.
Why he’s on this list: Unmatched athleticism, 1,021 goals, and the 1989 Grand Final heroics.
Jimmy Bartel – The Clutch Performer
Jimmy Bartel was the ultimate big-game player. He won the 2007 Brownlow Medal, but his true legacy was in finals. Bartel was a midfielder who could drift forward and kick crucial goals. He won the Norm Smith Medal as best on ground in the 2011 Grand Final, and he was a key part of all three premierships in the modern dynasty.
Bartel wasn’t flashy, but he was reliable. He read the game brilliantly and had a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He played 305 games and is remembered as one of the smartest players to ever pull on the hoops.
Why he’s on this list: Brownlow Medal, Norm Smith Medal, and three premierships.
The Unsung Heroes: Players Who Defined Eras
Not every great Cat is a household name. Some players built the foundation for success without the glittering awards.
Matthew Scarlett – The General of Defence
Matthew Scarlett is arguably the best full-back of the modern era. He was the rock of the Cats’ defense during the 2007–2011 dynasty, winning three premierships and being named All-Australian six times. Scarlett was a master of reading the play, spoiling marks, and setting up attacks from the backline.
He wasn’t the biggest or the fastest, but his footy brain was second to none. Scarlett’s ability to shut down the opposition’s best forward while also creating offensive opportunities made him invaluable.
Why he’s on this list: Three premierships, six All-Australian selections, and a defensive masterclass every week.
Cameron Ling – The Captain Who Led the Charge
Before Joel Selwood, there was Cameron Ling. Ling was the captain of the 2007 and 2009 premiership teams. He was a tagger by trade, but he was so much more than that. Ling could shut down the game’s best midfielders while still winning his own footy. He was a leader by example, known for his toughness and professionalism.
Ling’s 246 games and two premierships might not jump off the page, but ask any teammate from that era, and they’ll tell you he was the glue that held the team together.
Why he’s on this list: Leadership, two premierships, and the ultimate team-first player.
Corey Enright – The Iron Man
Corey Enright played 332 games and was a model of consistency. He was a half-back flanker who could shut down opponents, win the ball, and set up scoring chains. Enright was a three-time premiership player and a six-time All-Australian.
What made Enright special was his durability. He rarely missed games and was always available when the Cats needed him. He’s the kind of player every premiership team needs—reliable, skilled, and selfless.
Why he’s on this list: Three premierships, six All-Australian selections, and incredible consistency.
The Next Generation: Who’s Building Their Legacy?
The Geelong Cats aren’t just about the past. The 2025 AFL Season is on the horizon, and the club has a crop of young stars who are already making their mark.
Max Holmes – The Speedster
Max Holmes is a dynamic midfielder/defender who has shown flashes of brilliance. His speed and foot skills make him a weapon on the wing or off half-back. He’s still developing, but he’s already a key part of the Cats’ future.
Oliver Henry – The Forward Target
Oliver Henry arrived from Collingwood and has quickly become a reliable forward option. With Tom Hawkins winding down, Henry is poised to take on a bigger role. His marking and goal sense are elite.
Tanner Bruhn – The Midfield Bull
Tanner Bruhn is a tough inside midfielder who wins contested ball and uses it well. He’s still finding his feet, but he has the tools to be a long-term star for the Cats.
These players, along with the experienced core of Dangerfield and Hawkins, make the Cats a threat in the upcoming 2025 season. If you’re looking for a team to follow or a fantasy footy draft target, keep an eye on these names.
Practical Tips for Fans and Fantasy Players
Whether you’re a die-hard Cats fan or just getting into the AFL, here are a few ways to deepen your connection with the club:
- Watch the classics: If you haven’t seen the 1989 Grand Final or the 2011 Grand Final, do yourself a favor. They’re masterclasses in footy.
- Visit Kardinia Park: The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has turned Geelong's home ground into one of the best venues in the league. Catching a game there is an experience every footy fan should have.
- Get into fantasy footy: If you want to test your knowledge of players and stats, fantasy footy is a great way to engage with the game. Check out our fantasy footy basics guide to get started.
- Follow the draft: The AFL Draft is where future stars are born. Keep an eye on who the Cats pick up—it’s always exciting.
Conclusion: The Legacy Lives On
The Geelong Cats have a history that’s rich with champions. From Polly Farmer’s revolutionary ruck work to Joel Selwood’s fearless leadership, from Tom Hawkins’ goal-scoring brilliance to Gary Ablett Sr.’s aerial heroics, this club has produced players who define the game.
But the story isn’t over. The 2025 season is coming, and with it, new chapters to be written. Whether you’re here for the history, the current stars, or the future talent, the Cats offer something for every footy fan.
So, who’s your greatest Cat of all time? Is it one of the legends we’ve covered, or someone else who holds a special place in your heart? The debate is what makes footy great.
If you’re new to the club or just want to dive deeper, start with our getting started guide. And if you’re already planning for the 2025 season, don’t miss our season preview 2025 for everything you need to know.
Go Cats.
Reader Comments (0)