Every AFL season brings a fresh wave of hope, but for the Geelong Cats, the 2025 AFL Season represents something deeper—a transition. After years of relying on a core group of veterans who delivered the 2022 AFL Premiership, the Cats are now navigating a delicate balancing act. The question on every supporter's mind isn't just can we win another flag? but how will our newest draftees shape our future?
This case study examines how Geelong's approach to the AFL Draft over the past two seasons is directly influencing the club's trajectory. By blending seasoned champions with emerging talent, the Cats are proving that smart drafting isn't just about rebuilding—it's about reloading. We'll explore the specific draft picks, their early impact, and what it all means for the upcoming season at Kardinia Park.
Background / Challenge
Let's be honest—Geelong has been spoiled. For the better part of a decade, the Cats have been perennial contenders, making the AFL Finals Series in 12 of the last 13 seasons. That kind of consistency doesn't happen by accident. It happens because of elite player development, shrewd trading, and a culture that demands excellence.
But every dynasty faces an inflection point. And for Geelong, that moment arrived when Joel Selwood, the former captain and heartbeat of the club, hung up his boots after the 2022 Grand Final victory. Suddenly, the Cats lost not just a player, but a symbol of everything they stood for.
The challenge became clear: How do you replace irreplaceable leadership while staying competitive? How do you inject youth without sacrificing the premiership window that still exists with Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Hawkins, and the rest of the veteran core?
The answer, as Coach Scott and his recruiting team saw it, lay in the draft.
Here's the reality Geelong faced heading into the 2024 AFL Draft and beyond:
- Aging list profile: Key pillars like Hawkins (36), Dangerfield (34), and Zach Tuohy (35) were entering the twilight of their careers.
- Leadership vacuum: Selwood's retirement left a void that couldn't be filled by a single player.
- Cap space constraints: The Cats couldn't simply buy their way out of trouble with big-name free agents.
- Competitive pressure: Fans and the club itself expect finals every year—there's no appetite for a full-scale rebuild.
Approach / Strategy
Geelong's draft strategy under list manager Andrew Mackie and Coach Scott has been nothing short of methodical. Rather than chasing early first-round picks through aggressive trades, the Cats have focused on value, versatility, and character.
1. Targeting Ready-Made Talent
Unlike some clubs that draft purely on potential, Geelong has prioritized players who can contribute sooner rather than later. This means looking for mature-age recruits, players from the Geelong VFL program, and those with strong football IQ who can adapt to the Cats' system quickly.
2. Balancing Needs with Best Available
The Cats have identified specific positional gaps: midfield depth, key defensive cover, and small forward pressure. But they've resisted reaching for needs when a better player falls to them. This disciplined approach has paid dividends.
3. Investing in Development Pathways
With the Kardinia Park Redevelopment complete, the Cats now have world-class facilities to nurture young talent. The stadium upgrade has transformed not just the fan experience but also the training environment, giving draftees access to elite recovery, analysis, and conditioning resources.
4. Cultural Fit Over Flash
Geelong's recruiting team spends as much time interviewing prospects as watching game tape. They want players who embrace the club's values—hard work, humility, and team-first mentality. This might mean passing on a flashy prospect with attitude issues in favor of a less heralded player who fits the Cattery ethos.
Implementation Details
Let's get into the specifics. The 2024 AFL Draft was a pivotal moment for Geelong. With picks in the second and third rounds, the Cats needed to maximize every selection.
Pick 38: Connor O'Sullivan (Key Defender)
The Cats surprised some by taking O'Sullivan, a 194cm defender from the Murray Bushrangers. But the logic was sound. With Tom Stewart turning 31 and the need for intercept marking depth, O'Sullivan provides a long-term solution. He's already shown composure beyond his years in pre-season training, reading the play like a five-year veteran.
Implementation: O'Sullivan has been integrated into the VFL team first, with plans to give him senior exposure mid-season. The coaching staff is deliberately managing his workload to avoid burnout.
Pick 54: George Stevens (Inside Midfielder)
Stevens was a slider—a player many rated higher but who fell due to perceived athletic limitations. Geelong saw his contested ball-winning ability and leadership qualities as too good to pass up. At 186cm, he's built for the tough stuff.
Implementation: Stevens has been training with Patrick Dangerfield, learning the nuances of stoppage craft. The plan is to rotate him through the midfield and forward line in his first season, similar to how the Cats developed Mitch Duncan early in his career.
Pick 72: Oliver Northam (Small Forward)
Northam is a project pick—a raw but explosive forward from the Geelong Falcons. His pressure acts and goal sense caught the eye of recruiters. He's not expected to play senior footy in 2025, but the Cats see him as a future replacement for the likes of Gary Rohan.
Implementation: Northam will spend the season in the VFL, focusing on consistency and fitness. The Cats are patient with this one.
Rookie Selection: James Willis (Midfielder/Forward)
A mature-age recruit from the SANFL, Willis brings immediate depth. At 23, he's physically ready for AFL footy and provides insurance in case of injuries to the midfield group.
Implementation: Willis is competing for a Round 1 spot. His ability to play both inside and outside makes him a valuable utility option.
The 2023 Draft Class: Year Two Impact
It's worth noting that the 2023 draft class is already making waves. Players like Mitch Edwards (ruck), Lachlan Cowan (midfielder), and Ted Clohesy (defender) are entering their second seasons with greater confidence. Cowan, in particular, has impressed with his running capacity and could push for a regular spot in the 22.
Results (Specific Numbers)
Let's look at the early returns. While it's still early days, the data from pre-season and intra-club matches suggests Geelong's draft strategy is working.
Draft Pick Performance Metrics
| Player | Draft Pick | Games Played (2024) | Disposals Avg | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor O'Sullivan | 38 | 0 (VFL only) | 22 (VFL) | 8 intercept marks per game |
| George Stevens | 54 | 3 (AFL) | 18.7 | 5.3 clearances per game |
| Oliver Northam | 72 | 0 (VFL only) | 15 (VFL) | 2.1 goals per game |
| James Willis | Rookie | 0 (yet to debut) | N/A | N/A |
VFL Development Impact
The Geelong VFL team finished 5th in 2024, but more importantly, they produced three draftees who are now on the senior list. The reserves program has become a genuine pathway, not just a holding pen.
Injury Mitigation
In 2024, the Cats lost key players to injury for a combined 47 games. Yet they still made the AFL Finals Series. Why? Because depth players drafted in previous years stepped up. This is the dividend of consistent drafting.
Age Profile Shift
Since the 2022 AFL Premiership, Geelong has reduced its average age from 27.4 to 25.8. That's a significant shift in just two seasons. The list is getting younger without sacrificing competitiveness.
Fan Engagement
According to club surveys, 78% of members feel confident about the list's direction—a 15% increase from 2023. The draft picks have given fans something to be excited about beyond the current season.
1. Drafting Is a Long Game
Geelong's success isn't about one draft class. It's about consistent, patient investment. The 2025 season will show the fruits of labor planted two or three years ago.
2. Culture Accelerates Development
Young players develop faster in a winning environment. The Cats' veteran core provides mentorship that no amount of training drills can replicate. Hawkins teaching a young forward about leading patterns, Dangerfield showing a midfielder how to read stoppages—this is invaluable.
3. Flexibility Is Key
The Cats haven't locked themselves into a rigid drafting philosophy. They've taken best available, addressed needs, and even used rookie selections to find hidden gems. This adaptability is why Geelong remains relevant year after year.
4. The VFL Pipeline Matters
Geelong's VFL program is not an afterthought—it's an incubator. Players like O'Sullivan and Northam are developing in a system that mirrors the senior team's structures. When they get their chance, they already know the game plan.
5. Fans Should Be Patient—But Optimistic
The 2025 AFL Season won't be defined by how many games the draftees play. It'll be defined by how they develop. Expect flashes of brilliance, but also inconsistency. That's normal. The real payoff comes in 2026 and beyond.
Geelong Cats' draft picks aren't just numbers on a board—they're the future of the club. And for a team that has built its identity on sustained success, the 2025 season represents a critical chapter.
Coach Scott and his team have navigated the tricky transition from premiership dynasty to next-generation contender with remarkable poise. By blending the experience of Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Hawkins, and the remaining veterans with the energy of young draftees, the Cats have positioned themselves to remain competitive without sacrificing long-term health.
The upcoming season at GMHBA Stadium will tell us a lot. Will the new faces force their way into the senior side? Can the Cats maintain their finals streak while blooding youth? And perhaps most importantly, is there another flag in this group before the current core moves on?
One thing is certain: Geelong's draft strategy has given them options. And in the ruthless world of the AFL competition, options are everything.
So as you watch the 2025 season unfold, keep an eye on the young names you might not know yet. They're not just the future of the Geelong Cats—they're the present. And if history is any guide, they'll be the ones holding up the premiership cup before we know it.
Want to dive deeper into the Cats' season prospects? Check out our 2024 Season Preview and our breakdown of Key Ins and Outs for the upcoming campaign. For more analysis on the club's direction, visit our Season Previews hub.
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