History of the Hoops: Geelong's Iconic Strip

History of the Hoops: Geelong's Iconic Strip

There’s something special about pulling on a footy jumper. For Geelong Cats fans, the sight of those blue and white hoops isn’t just a uniform—it’s a badge of identity, a thread that connects generations of supporters from the terraces at Kardinia Park to the stands on Grand Final day. The Geelong Cats’ iconic strip is one of the most recognisable in the AFL, and its story is as rich as the club’s championship history.

Whether you’re a new fan trying to understand why the Cats wear hoops while others wear stripes, or a lifelong supporter curious about the evolution of the jumper, this guide will walk you through the history of the hoops. From the earliest days of the VFA to the modern era of high-tech fabrics and community tributes, we’ll explore how Geelong’s strip became a symbol of pride, resilience, and success.

Let’s pull on that blue and white and dive in.

The Birth of the Hoops: Why Blue and White?

From the VFA to the AFL

The Geelong Football Club was founded in 1859, making it one of the oldest clubs in the world. But it wasn’t until the club joined the VFA (the precursor to the AFL) in 1877 that the need for a distinct playing strip became critical. In those early days, teams often wore whatever colours they had on hand. But as competition grew, so did the need for identity.

The choice of blue and white is often attributed to the club’s early association with the city of Geelong. The colours were simple, bold, and easy to distinguish on muddy grounds. The hooped design—horizontal bands of blue and white—was chosen for its visual impact. Unlike vertical stripes, hoops created a strong, cohesive pattern that stood out even in the chaos of a scrimmage.

The First Official Jumper

By the 1880s, the Geelong Cats had settled on a jumper featuring thick navy blue and white hoops. This wasn’t just a fashion choice—it was a practical one. The hoops made it easy for players to spot teammates in the heat of battle. And for supporters, seeing that pattern from the stands meant one thing: the Cats were on the field.

Interestingly, the early jumpers were made of heavy wool, often with long sleeves. Players wore them rain or shine, and after a game, they’d be caked in mud. The hoops were a badge of honour, worn with pride through the club’s first AFL Premiership in 1925.

The Evolution of the Strip: From Wool to Performance Fabric

The Mid-Century Changes

As the AFL grew in popularity, so did the demands on the playing strip. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Geelong Cats experimented with different shades of blue. The navy blue of the early years sometimes appeared almost black under floodlights, so the club moved to a slightly brighter royal blue. This gave the hoops more contrast and made the jumper more photogenic for the growing television audience.

The 1960s also saw the introduction of the iconic “Cats” logo on the jumper. Before that, the strip was plain hoops. The addition of the snarling cat emblem—first appearing in 1963—gave the jumper a fierce identity. It wasn’t just about the hoops anymore; it was about the team behind them.

The Modern Era: 1980s to Today

The 1980s brought synthetic fabrics, which were lighter and more breathable than wool. The Geelong Cats adopted these new materials while keeping the hooped design. By the 1990s, the jumper had become a canvas for innovation. The club introduced a white clash jumper for away games, designed to avoid confusion with teams wearing similar colours.

In 2007, the Cats unveiled a special heritage jumper to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary. It featured the original thick navy hoops on a white background, a nod to the 1880s design. Fans loved it, and it became a tradition to wear heritage jumpers for milestone games.

Today, the Geelong Cats’ playing strip is made from state-of-the-art performance fabrics. It’s designed for speed, comfort, and durability. But the hoops remain unchanged—a constant in a changing game.

The Hoops in Grand Final Glory

A Strip Worn in Victory

The AFL Grand Final is the ultimate stage, and the Geelong Cats’ hoops have been part of some of the most memorable moments in AFL history. From the 1963 Grand Final victory over Hawthorn to the 2007 premiership decider against Port Adelaide, the blue and white hoops have been a symbol of triumph.

In 2007, the Cats ended a 44-year premiership drought. The image of Joel Selwood—then a young captain—holding the premiership cup aloft in the hooped jumper is etched into the memory of every Geelong fan. The hoops were there for the 2009 and 2011 flags too, worn by champions like Tom Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield.

The Legacy of the Strip

For players, putting on the Geelong jumper is a rite of passage. It’s a connection to the legends who came before—like Gary Ablett Sr., who wore the hoops with such flair in the 1980s and 1990s. It’s also a reminder of the club’s standards. As Chris Scott, the Geelong coach, often says, “You don’t just wear the jumper; you earn it.”

The hoops have also been a source of inspiration for fans. When the Cats play a home game at Kardinia Park, the stands are a sea of blue and white. The redevelopment of GMHBA Stadium has only amplified this, with the new stands bringing fans closer to the action. The hoops are everywhere—on scarves, beanies, and even face paint.

Special Editions and Tributes

Indigenous Round and Pride Jumpers

In recent years, the Geelong Cats have used their iconic strip as a canvas for important causes. During the AFL’s Indigenous Round, the club wears a specially designed jumper featuring artwork by local Aboriginal artists. The hoops remain, but they’re interwoven with symbols of connection to country and community.

Similarly, the Cats have worn pride jumpers for the AFL’s Pride Game, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. These jumpers have been met with overwhelming support from fans, showing that the hoops can adapt while staying true to their roots.

The Clash Jumper Debate

Not all experiments have been universally loved. The Geelong Cats’ white clash jumper—introduced in the 2000s—has been a point of contention among traditionalists. Some argue that the hoops should never be replaced, even for away games. Others appreciate the practicality of a clear contrast against teams like Collingwood or Essendon.

The club has listened to feedback. In recent years, the clash jumper has incorporated thinner blue hoops on a white background, keeping the spirit of the original design alive. It’s a compromise that respects tradition while meeting the needs of the modern AFL competition.

How to Get Your Own Geelong Cats Strip

Official Merchandise

If you’re looking to wear the hoops yourself, there’s no shortage of options. The official Geelong Cats store sells replica jumpers for men, women, and children. You can choose from the home jumper (blue and white hoops), the away jumper (white with blue hoops), or the heritage jumper (thick navy hoops).

For a more personalised touch, you can add a player’s number and name. Whether you want Joel Selwood’s 14, Tom Hawkins’ 26, or Patrick Dangerfield’s 35, the store has you covered. Just make sure to check the sizing—these jumpers are designed for movement, so they fit snugly.

Vintage and Retro Options

For fans who love the old-school look, vintage jumpers are a great choice. You can find them at second-hand stores, online marketplaces, or through the club’s occasional retro releases. The 1960s-style jumper, with its thinner hoops and classic logo, is a favourite among collectors.

Caring for Your Jumper

A Geelong Cats jumper is an investment. To keep it looking its best, wash it in cold water and hang it to dry. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the print. If you’re wearing it to a game at Kardinia Park, consider bringing a rain jacket—the hoops look great, but they show mud easily!

The Hoops in the Community

More Than Just a Uniform

The Geelong Cats’ strip is more than just a playing jumper—it’s a symbol of community. When the club visits local schools, hospitals, or community events, the players wear the hoops with pride. For kids in Geelong, seeing a Cat in the blue and white is a moment of inspiration.

The hoops also appear on the jumpers of the Geelong VFL team, the reserves side that develops the next generation of talent. Watching the VFL team play at GMHBA Stadium is a chance to see future stars in the same iconic strip.

The Future of the Hoops

As the 2025 AFL Season approaches, the Geelong Cats are committed to preserving the legacy of the hoops. The club has announced plans for a special 125th-anniversary jumper, celebrating the original design from 1900. It’s a reminder that while the game evolves, some things never change.

The Kardinia Park redevelopment has also given the club a chance to rethink how the hoops are displayed. The new stadium features blue and white seating patterns, creating a visual tribute to the strip every time the Cats play at home.

Practical Tips for New Fans

Understanding the Strip

If you’re new to the AFL, here’s a quick guide to the Geelong Cats’ jumper:

• Home Jumper: Blue and white horizontal hoops. This is the classic design worn for most games.
• Away Jumper: White with blue hoops. Used for games where the home team’s colours clash.
• Heritage Jumper: Thick navy blue hoops on white. Worn for special occasions like milestone games or anniversaries.
• Training Gear: The Cats also wear blue and white training tops, but these often have vertical stripes or solid panels for practicality.

Where to Wear It

The Geelong Cats’ strip is perfect for game days, but it’s also great for casual wear. Pair it with jeans or shorts, and you’re ready to support the Cats anywhere. If you’re heading to Kardinia Park, consider bringing a hoodie or jacket—the weather in Geelong can be unpredictable.

Joining the Community

Wearing the hoops is a way to connect with other fans. Join a local supporters’ group, follow the club on social media, or attend a game at GMHBA Stadium. The Geelong Cats community is welcoming, and the hoops are your ticket in.

Conclusion: The Hoops That Bind Us

The history of the Geelong Cats’ iconic strip is a story of tradition, innovation, and pride. From the first woolen jumpers of the 19th century to the high-tech fabrics of today, the blue and white hoops have been a constant through the club’s triumphs and challenges.

Whether you’re cheering from the stands at Kardinia Park, watching the AFL Grand Final from your living room, or just walking down the street in your favourite jumper, the hoops connect you to something bigger. They’re a symbol of the Cats’ legacy—a legacy built by champions like Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins, and Patrick Dangerfield, and carried forward by every fan who pulls on the blue and white.

So next time you see that iconic strip, take a moment to appreciate its journey. And if you don’t have one yet, what are you waiting for? Head to the club store, grab a jumper, and join the family.

Go Cats.

Want to learn more about the Geelong Cats? Check out our getting started guide for new fans, or explore the essential gear every supporter needs. If you’re new to the sport, our how to follow AFL article will get you up to speed.