Introduction: Let’s Clear the Air About the Cats
If you’ve spent any time around the Geelong Cats faithful—whether at the Cattery, in online forums, or just chatting with a mate who bleeds blue and white—you’ve probably heard a few things that just aren’t true. Maybe you’ve even believed some of them yourself. I know I have. The Cats have been a powerhouse of the AFL competition for so long that myths and half-truths tend to stick like mud on a winter afternoon at Kardinia Park.
In this troubleshooting guide, we’re going to tackle the most common misconceptions head-on. Think of it as your personal myth-busting toolkit. We’ll walk through each problem, spot the symptoms, dig into the causes, and give you a clear, step-by-step solution. By the end, you’ll be able to spot these errors from the stands—and maybe even set a few records straight for the next fan you meet.
Let’s dive in.
Problem 1: “The Cats Only Win Because of Their Home Ground Advantage”
Symptoms: You hear this one a lot from opposition fans, especially after a tight win at GMHBA Stadium. They’ll say the ground dimensions, the crowd noise, or the travel factor gives Geelong an unfair edge.
Causes: Kardinia Park is indeed a unique venue. It’s narrower than the MCG, and the wind can swirl in ways that make kicking goals a lottery. But the real cause of this misconception is simple: people mistake familiarity for advantage. Yes, the Cats train and play there regularly, but so do visiting teams—they just don’t do it as often. The real advantage is consistency of preparation, not some secret ground magic.
Solution: Next time you hear this, gently point out that Geelong’s home record is strong, but it’s not unbeatable. In fact, during the 2022 season, the Cats lost only one game at the Cattery—and that was to a team that simply played better on the day. Want to prove it? Check the stats: Geelong’s winning percentage at Kardinia Park is high, but it’s comparable to other top teams at their home grounds. The real story is the team’s overall quality, not the ground itself.
Problem 2: “Chris Scott Can’t Win the Big One”
Symptoms: After every finals exit that doesn’t end in a premiership, you’ll hear murmurs that Coach Scott is a “good but not great” coach. People point to early exits in 2019, 2020, and 2021 as proof.
Causes: This misconception stems from a simple bias: we remember failures more vividly than successes. Chris Scott has actually coached the Cats to three AFL Grand Finals (2011, 2020, 2022) and won the flag in 2011 and 2022. That’s a 67% win rate in premiership deciders, which is elite. The cause is that fans often confuse team underperformance with coaching failure. Sometimes, the opposition is just better on the day.
Solution: When you hear this, break it down. Scott’s record includes multiple minor premierships, a Brownlow Medal winner under his watch (Patrick Dangerfield in 2016), and a knack for developing young talent. The real test isn’t whether he wins every Grand Final—it’s whether he consistently puts the team in contention. Spoiler: he does. The 2022 flag should have silenced this one, but old habits die hard.
Problem 3: “Patrick Dangerfield Is Past His Prime”
Symptoms: You’ll see this in comments sections after a quiet game: “Dangerfield is a shadow of his former self.” People point to reduced disposal counts or fewer highlight-reel moments.
Causes: Dangerfield is now in his mid-30s, and his role has evolved. He’s no longer the explosive midfielder who wins the Brownlow every year. Instead, he’s become a smarter, more tactical player—often playing forward or providing leadership. The misconception comes from comparing him to his 2016 peak, which is unfair. It’s like complaining that Tom Hawkins isn’t as fast as he was at 25—he’s not supposed to be.
Solution: Look beyond the stats. In the 2024 season, Dangerfield averaged nearly 20 disposals and kicked 15 goals, but his real value was in contested possessions and pressure acts. Watch a game closely: he still wins crucial clearances and sets up teammates. The solution is to adjust your expectations. He’s not the same player—he’s a different one, and that’s okay.
Problem 4: “Joel Selwood Was Overrated Because He Duck His Head”
Symptoms: This one’s a classic from rival fans. They claim Selwood’s success was built on drawing high tackles, not genuine skill.
Causes: Selwood did have a knack for drawing free kicks, but that’s a symptom of his courage and low center of gravity, not a flaw. The misconception arises because fans confuse playing within the rules with cheating. The AFL’s rules on high contact are clear, and Selwood simply exploited them better than anyone. The real cause? Jealousy.
Solution: Point to Selwood’s four premierships, his 355 games, and his reputation as one of the toughest players in AFL history. He was a six-time All-Australian and a best-and-fairest winner. The “ducking” narrative ignores his elite ball-handling, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure. If it were so easy, everyone would do it. The solution is to watch a full game of his—not just the free kicks—and see the complete player.
Problem 5: “The Cats Don’t Develop Young Talent; They Just Buy It”
Symptoms: You’ll hear this after a big trade or free agency signing: “Geelong just poaches stars from other clubs.”
Causes: The Cats have been aggressive in the trade period, landing players like Dangerfield, Jeremy Cameron, and Jack Bowes. But this ignores their strong history in the AFL Draft. The cause is selective memory: people remember the big-name recruits but forget the homegrown stars. For example, Tom Hawkins, Joel Selwood, and Mitch Duncan were all drafted and developed by the club. The team’s VFL program is a pipeline for talent.
Solution: Check the 2024 list. Players like Max Holmes, Tanner Bruhn, and Oliver Henry were either drafted or developed through the system. The Cats’ recruiting team is actually one of the best at identifying late-round gems. The solution is to look at the whole picture: trades supplement the list, but the core is built through the draft and the Geelong VFL program.
Problem 6: “The Kardinia Park Redevelopment Is a Waste of Money”
Symptoms: After every announcement about the stadium upgrade, you’ll hear grumbling: “Why spend millions on a ground that only hosts a few games a year?”
Causes: This comes from a short-term view. The redevelopment is designed to make GMHBA Stadium a world-class venue for both AFL and community use. The cause is that people don’t see the long-term benefits: increased capacity, better facilities, and more events. It’s not just about the Cats—it’s about the region.
Solution: Look at the numbers. The redevelopment has already added thousands of seats, improved corporate facilities, and attracted major concerts. In 2025, the stadium will host more AFL games than ever before, plus VFL matches and community events. The solution is to think of it as an investment in Geelong’s future, not just a football expense.
Problem 7: “The Cats Always Choke in Finals”
Symptoms: After every finals loss that isn’t a Grand Final win, you’ll hear: “Same old Cats, can’t get it done when it matters.”
Causes: This is a classic recency bias. The Cats have made the finals in 14 of the last 17 seasons, winning three premierships in that span. The cause is that people remember the losses more vividly than the wins. For example, the 2020 Grand Final loss to Richmond feels fresh, but the 2022 flag erased a lot of that pain. The misconception ignores the sheer consistency of the team.
Solution: Compare Geelong’s finals record to other clubs. Since 2007, the Cats have the second-most wins in the AFL Finals Series, behind only Hawthorn. They’ve also won more Grand Finals than any other team in that period except the Hawks. The solution is to zoom out: choking implies failure, but making the finals year after year is a sign of sustained excellence.
Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Falling for These Myths
Now that we’ve busted the biggest misconceptions, here’s how to keep your thinking clear:
- Check the stats. Before repeating a claim, look up the numbers. The AFL website and official club stats are your friends.
- Watch the games, not the highlights. Full games reveal context that highlight reels miss—like Dangerfield’s defensive work or Selwood’s leadership.
- Question your biases. If a myth makes you feel better about a rival team’s success, it’s probably wrong.
- Talk to long-time fans. They’ve seen the cycles and can separate short-term noise from long-term truth.
- Read club sources. The Geelong Cats Insider site and official club media are great for accurate, up-to-date info.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, misconceptions aren’t just harmless banter—they can lead to bad decisions, like betting against the Cats or underestimating a player’s value in fantasy footy. If you find yourself:
- Consistently doubting the team’s chances despite strong evidence,
- Struggling to explain the Cats’ success to friends,
- Or feeling frustrated by repeated myths in your social circle,
And if you’re still not convinced? Watch the 2022 Grand Final replay. I promise it’ll clear up most of these misconceptions in two hours flat.
So there you have it—a practical guide to the most common misconceptions about the Geelong Cats. Next time you hear someone say the Cats only win because of Kardinia Park, or that Chris Scott can’t coach in finals, you’ll have the tools to set them straight. And if you’re the one who believed these myths? No judgment. We’ve all been there. The key is to keep learning, keep watching, and keep supporting the greatest team in the AFL competition.
Now, go enjoy the 2025 season with a clear head and a full heart. Go Cats!
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