So you’re a Geelong Cats fan who wants to dive deeper into the club’s rich history, but you’re not sure where to start. Maybe you’ve watched the highlights, memorized the premiership years, and can recite Joel Selwood’s career stats from memory. But books? That’s a whole different ball game.
I get it. The world of AFL literature can feel overwhelming. There are biographies, season retrospectives, tactical breakdowns, and coffee-table photo books. Some are brilliant. Others… well, let’s just say they’re better used as doorstops.
This checklist is your shortcut. By the end, you’ll know exactly which books deserve a spot on your shelf, how to find hidden gems, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that trip up even dedicated Cats supporters. Let’s get started.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s make sure you’re set up for success:
- A genuine interest in Geelong’s story – This isn’t about casual fandom; it’s about becoming a true insider.
- Access to a bookstore or online retailer – Physical copies are great, but digital versions work too.
- A notebook or notes app – You’ll want to jot down titles, authors, and your own ratings.
- Patience – The best books aren’t always the most popular ones. We’re going to dig deep.
Step 1: Start with the Club’s Official History
Every great collection begins with the foundation. For Geelong fans, that means starting with the official club histories. These aren’t just dry recitations of wins and losses—they’re the definitive chronicles of the Cats’ journey from Kardinia Park’s humble beginnings to the powerhouse we know today.
Look for titles like The Geelong Story or Cats: The Complete History of the Geelong Football Club. These books cover everything from the early days at Corio Oval to the modern era under Coach Scott. They’ll introduce you to the legends—Selwood, Hawkins, Dangerfield—and explain how the club’s culture was built.
Why this matters: Official histories give you the framework. Every other book you read will reference these events, so having this context makes everything else richer.
Pro tip: Check publication dates. An official history published in 2010 won’t cover the 2011 premiership or the 2022 flag. Look for updated editions or companion volumes.
Step 2: Dive into Player Biographies and Memoirs
Once you’ve got the big picture, it’s time to zoom in on the individuals who made the Cats great. Player biographies are where the real magic happens. They give you the behind-the-scenes stories, the personal struggles, and the moments that don’t make the highlight reels.
Start with the icons. Joel Selwood’s autobiography is essential reading—it’s raw, honest, and gives you insight into what made him the most respected captain of his generation. Tom Hawkins’ story is another must-read, especially if you want to understand how the Tomahawk became the club’s all-time leading goal-kicker.
Don’t stop there. Patrick Dangerfield’s journey from Adelaide to Geelong is fascinating, and books about the 2022 premiership team often feature multiple player perspectives.
Why this matters: Biographies humanize the game. You’ll never watch a Cats match the same way after reading about what these players sacrificed to get there.
Common mistake: Skipping the lesser-known players. Some of the best books are about role players or former Cats who had unconventional paths. They offer perspectives you won’t get from the superstars.
Step 3: Explore Season-Specific Books
This is where things get really interesting. Season-specific books capture the drama of a single year—the wins, the losses, the controversies, and the triumphs. For Geelong fans, the 2007, 2011, and 2022 seasons are particularly well-documented.
Look for titles like The Year of the Cat (about the 2007 premiership) or 2022: The Flag That Almost Wasn’t (hypothetical title, but you get the idea). These books often include game-by-game breakdowns, player interviews, and analysis of key moments like the AFL Grand Final.
Why this matters: Season books are like time capsules. They transport you back to the exact moment when the Cats were chasing glory. Plus, they’re great for reliving the emotions of those unforgettable finals series runs.
Pro tip: Pair a season book with the corresponding season’s DVD or streaming highlights. Reading about the 2011 Grand Final while watching the replay is an experience every Cats fan should have.
Step 4: Seek Out Tactical and Analytical Books
You’ve got the history. You’ve got the personal stories. Now it’s time to understand how the Cats win. Tactical books break down the game plans, the strategies, and the innovations that made Geelong one of the AFL’s most successful teams.
These books aren’t for everyone—they can be dense and technical. But if you’ve ever wondered why Chris Scott’s game plan works so well at GMHBA Stadium, or how the Cats have consistently outperformed their draft position, this is your category.
Look for books that analyze the modern AFL, with specific chapters on Geelong’s defensive structures, forward entries, or midfield rotations. Some tactical books are written by former players or coaches, which adds credibility.
Why this matters: Understanding the why behind the wins makes you a more informed fan. You’ll spot patterns during games that casual viewers miss.
Common mistake: Assuming all tactical books are boring. Some are written in a conversational style that makes complex ideas accessible. Read reviews before buying.
Step 5: Collect Coffee-Table and Photographic Books
Sometimes you just want to look at beautiful pictures. Coffee-table books about Geelong are perfect for that. They’re filled with iconic images—the 2007 premiership celebration, the Kardinia Park redevelopment, the Brownlow Medal nights, and candid shots of players like Dangerfield and Selwood.
These books are perfect for casual browsing or for displaying in your living room. They’re also great conversation starters when fellow Cats fans visit.
Why this matters: Visual history is powerful. Seeing the evolution of the Cattery from a modest ground to the modern GMHBA Stadium is inspiring, especially if you remember the old days.
Pro tip: Look for limited edition or signed copies. Some authors or photographers release special runs that become collector’s items.
Step 6: Don’t Forget the VFL and Reserves History
Geelong’s success isn’t just about the AFL team. The Geelong VFL squad has a rich history of its own, and books about the reserves program offer a unique perspective on player development. Many of the Cats’ greatest stars—including Hawkins and Selwood—came through the VFL system.
These books often cover the relationship between the AFL and VFL teams, the draft process, and how players are groomed for the big stage. They’re especially valuable if you’re interested in the club’s long-term planning.
Why this matters: Understanding the VFL connection gives you a deeper appreciation for the club’s depth. It also explains why Geelong’s development system is so highly regarded.
Step 7: Check for Updated Editions and New Releases
The AFL world moves fast. A new season—like the 2025 AFL Season—brings new stories, new milestones, and new books. Make it a habit to check for updates every year.
Set up alerts on book retailer websites for keywords like “Geelong Cats book,” “AFL history,” or “premiership.” Follow the club’s official social media channels for announcements. Some books are released in limited quantities, so acting fast is key.
Why this matters: You don’t want to be the fan who’s still reading about the 2011 season when everyone else is discussing the 2025 campaign. Stay current.
Pro Tips for Building Your Collection
Now that you know the steps, let’s talk about how to do it well.
1. Mix physical and digital. Physical books are great for display and for reading at home. Digital versions are perfect for travel or late-night reading. Don’t feel pressured to choose one format.
2. Join fan communities. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to the Cats often have book recommendations. You’ll find hidden gems that aren’t widely advertised.
3. Attend book signings and club events. When authors or players release new books, they sometimes do signings at Kardinia Park or local bookstores. These events let you meet the writers and get personalized copies.
4. Don’t ignore self-published works. Some of the most passionate Cats fans write their own books. They might not have the polish of a major publisher, but they often contain unique insights and rare photographs.
5. Build your collection gradually. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a great book collection. Focus on quality over quantity. A shelf of ten carefully chosen books is better than fifty random ones.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned collectors make these errors. Learn from them:
- Buying outdated statistics books. AFL stats change every season. A book published in 2015 won’t have the latest records from Hawkins or Dangerfield.
- Ignoring the author’s credentials. Some books are written by journalists with deep access to the club. Others are written by fans with limited sources. Check the author’s background before buying.
- Overlooking second-hand copies. Many great Cats books are out of print. Check used bookstores, online marketplaces, and library sales for bargains.
- Assuming all premiership books are the same. Each flag has its own story. The 2007 season was about dominance; 2022 was about resilience. Read them all to get the full picture.
Your Cats Book Collection Checklist
Here’s a quick summary you can print out or save on your phone. Use it as you build your library.
- Official club history (updated edition)
- Joel Selwood biography (or memoir)
- Tom Hawkins biography
- Patrick Dangerfield biography
- Season-specific book (2007, 2011, or 2022)
- Tactical/analytical book (focusing on Geelong’s game plan)
- Coffee-table photo book (Kardinia Park redevelopment or premiership celebrations)
- VFL/reserves history book
- At least one book published in the last 2 years (covering recent seasons)
- Signed or limited edition copy (optional, but adds value)
Start with the official history. Then move to the players. Then dive into the seasons and the tactics. Before you know it, you’ll have a library that any Cats fan would envy.
And remember: the best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is right now. So grab that notebook, head to your favorite bookstore, and begin your journey into the written history of one of the AFL’s greatest teams.
Ready to dig deeper? Check out our other guides on getting started with the Cats, fan questions answered, and the ultimate rivalries explained. Your journey to becoming a true Geelong insider starts here.
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