Swans fan here. So much respect for Geelong as a football club. They are always in contention, always play hard competitive football, always make GMHBA a fortress. I think a lot of people don't like Chris Scott, and that's the reason he doesn't get as much respect as he deserves. Hes done it with many different groups now. The recruiting staff have been incredible over the last 10 years in particular, to pull off the deals they have and bring in the players they've needed. The rookies they pluck from obscurity and turn into stars. I was at the 2022 granny, and by all rights, should hate the cats, but I don't, because I am so often in awe of what they have been able to do. Props to them
Thank You for touching on this! I'm used to this every preseason, It's we're cooked or no one wants to accept that we're still good. Our youth development is never talked about until the end of a season. It's tough for most footy fans to accept. Our 2024 finals series was so much fun
So true..cats are easily capable of top 4 again in 2025..providing they don't get key injurys ofcourse..any team that gets key injurys for chunks of a season will struggle to get in the top 4, like.... cats,swans,Brisbane you know,the top teams lol.
All the media talk about SDK missing finals at the end of last season failed to take into account he was he was carrying a knee injury that he had a "minor" procedure for and Scotts history of not risking injured players in finals. He ended up having surgery in the off season and hopefully with another pre season to fill out and develop his body further he will be back to his old self this year. Nice review. Though feels kinda weird you are more optimistic than I am as a Cats fan.
Mate, thankyou. You picked up on the fact that Geelong aren’t the old and slow team they once were. They’ve put a lot of effort into developing their young players who are now the core of the doing the heavy lifting. Somehow the afl media don’t see this..
As a pies fan I envy that Geelong can always just go about Pre Season quietly. (Not sure what it’s like with Addy news articles) Would love for us to just do pre season without the media watching every move.
Geelong will start 2025 with a win against Brisbane at The Gabba in the Opening Round. The two clubs will head in opposite directions from that point onwards. Geelong will be contending for the premiership yet again. The big question is can they break that Preliminary Final curse and make it to the Grand Final and give themselves the chance to win it? Brisbane on the other hand will have a massive premiership hangover, equally as bad if not worse than the premiers of 2022 and 2023 Geelong and Collingwood. And just like those two teams they will miss the finals the year after winning the premiership, finishing no higher than 9th.
@darrenmiles-morland8038 there's honestly NOTHING scary about Brisbane.. put it this way AND there's no way around it, Brisbane's midfield compared to geelongs is on a whole 2 levels above lol..bailey smith this year should make the catters a whole lot better
Gee wizzz, after your analysis I’m convinced we are a good ruckman away from another premiership…look out if Toby can put his hand up and force that position GO CATS
Midfield is the main issue and depth, SDK should be better this year. If Bailey Smith is decent and there are 1-2 kids that stand up then it should be another good year.
As far as im concerned they'll be in the top 6 for me, not else that needs discussing really theyve been great for a long time so it doesnt really generate too much offseason discussion this year
As a Geelong supporter I think we should be pretty solid this year, but I think there a lot of teams you could say that about. For me there is no real stand out team and a lot is going to come down to luck across the year; who gets injured, for how long and when. I struggle to see Jack Martin playing much for us to be honest. He isn't going to push out any of Stengle, Miers, Close or Mannagh. His best hope is that Scott chooses him over O Henry or that someone, other than himself, gets injured or has a run of bad form. Also in terms of over 30s players who shouldn't make the team I agree that Stanley shouldn't be, though Conway is coming off a foot injury which is not great for a big fella. Unfortunately M Duncan is one of those as well. He is just too slow now, to the point where he doesn't have enough time to execute his skills as well as needed. He is way to slow to be a defender and I think Humphries is the better option for an attacking defender. He can't get back quick enough on defensive transition to play mid and he is definitely not a natural forward. I have loved him as a player but I think his time is up. Honestly I was pretty surprised he decided to play on this year
I've learnt my lesson with Geelong, I'm not going to buy into the 'they're old, its time for them to fall' narrative until they do it. Everytime I thought it would happen, it didnt. So I'm done doubting them lol
I don't think it's that people are expecting them to underperform, it's just that they're not a particularly newsworthy team unless something out of the ordinary is going on down there.
Stengle overdosing at a nightclub or Atkins causing a car accident hardly made the news. Would’ve been bigger than the moon landing if it was Collingwood.
Why is no one talking about Geelong? It's not that they're underrated, it's IMO that they are very much rated. In fact it's no stretch to say that both comp and Geelong are just collectively comfortable with what they're doing as the same old Geelong.... To put it plainly it's the only footy side to make finals footy mediocre. That's not from how they play, it's how they reach it and fall short. Question. Would you rather win one premiership in a decade or make finals 8 of those 10 years? That's the story of Geelong. They make finals consistently and where that deserves no judgement it's lacking any pressure or duress to be better enough to actually make the GF and win. Tbh no one's talking about Geelong because what else is there to say that hasn't already been said? So really it's just a wait and see. On the North mention mate. Yes those veteran departures still hurts and THANK GOD those behind it are gone too.
they’ve won 4 flags since 2000. Tied for the most. You can’t win the flag every year, regardless of how many times u make finals, it’s a ridiculous theory people make to cope about geelongs success.
@user-dj2xn I see your meaning and I certainly wouldn't suggest it's a small thing to win as many premierships as the cats have done these past 25yrs. That said I think it's very much a glass half full/empty scenario. On one hand the comp rates Geelongs consistency exceptionally well and rightfully so. Proofs in the pudding and the fact Geelong has stayed so consistently relevant in finals bodes well for culture and history depending on how we specifically look back on it. On the other hand the consistency to reach finals and miss out on another premiership is a stain of failure that too wears the lengths of time. Nothing lasts forever after all and when the time of decline comes, as it does for every team, it can also be looked back upon with wasted opportunities. To the original question of "why is no one talking about Geelong?" I do in fact think it is that there is nothing more to say that already hasn't been said before. They're a successful team that can compete for the flag, can they win it though is another question entirely.
In answer to the question, I would rather have a go each year - knowing you're probably not the best team in it. I'd rather try and stay at the top and keep competing, hopeful that a few things go your way. There's no guarantee of winning a flag by dropping down and rebuilding - look how many clubs have been trying for 20+ years. Falling short is one way of looking at, but I tend to think they punch above their weight. If it wasn't for Holmes getting injured in the prelim last year, Geelong would likely have won the flag - that list had no right to finish top 4, but they went all in and had a crack. Most years, they get beaten by a better team in a prelim - Whether that's the Richmond team that went rampant for a 4 or 5 year stretch, the Hawks during their period of dominance - Melbourne when they were clearly the best in the comp - Brisbane last year who were eventual premiers. Is it really such a bad thing being the second or third best in the comp for a period until you win one, rather than fighting it out at the bottom of the table?
@@ianscott424 that's a fair shout! And while I do believe you make good points with your examples I still respectfully disagree as the whole point of this game is to aspire for the premiership success and bearing that in mind it's always 1 winner and 17 losers of the comp. And while I see your meaning of 20+ years that dosn't nessacarily apply to those who are rebuilding, that can also apply to teams such as Geelong who could be successfully sustainable to a point and time, but the worth of that stint can be reflected upon poorly as missed opportunities too. We won't know otherwise till it happens but I'd say it'd be a devastating blow for Geelong to be this good for so long and have little to show for it for the next 20yrs if they suddenly dropped off and struggle for a large stint in the comp. Either way it's an interesting time for Geelong and while they're not particularly my favourite opposition team to barrack for, I do think they set a good example in what it takes to be consistent and with that, set a benchmark for the rest of the comp to persevere to be better than.
@ShadowLight-kn7rl Given I grew up with the Cats in the 80s and 90s, I'm more than happy with the flags we've won. If people look at it as a missed opportunity, that's fine. End of the day, even a 5 year rebuild where you opt to bottom out is 5 years of no opportunity. If they end up bottoming out, they end up bottoming out - but it will be forced and not by choice. It takes some balls for them to continue showing up year after year, taking the criticism and not getting the chocolates, but at least they're throwing their hat in the ring. Granted, clubs build dynasties based on recruiting talent and having it come through together - Geelong did that under Bomber Thompson, Hawks then Richmond as well. If anything, Melbourne squandered their lot. They are rare and not guaranteed either, so I guess if they miss out on that to keeping having a crack, I reckon I can live with that.
Home prelim ??? No it's the AFL who determines the ground to play the prelim. If GFC had its way it would most definitely be at GMHBA. Anyway it was sad not to make the GF and maybe have a crack again in 2025, Go CATS
It may be hard to listen, but we admire you for your respect. That's what a good, old-fashioned rivalry is all about. You hate your opponent, but you respect them just as much as you hate them.
It's JANUARY. Why are we talking about footy already? Geelong should always make the finals. They are the only Victorian team in the AFL who play home games on their own training ground. This year they also get six of their away games in Victoria. They do have away games against the grand finalists which will indicate their actual strength.
The cats literally won most of their games without hawkins in 2024..soooo,ya take out hawkins nd tuohy in 2025 (tuohy was out for quite a few games in 2024 also) its no different to 2025..theres no way the cats slide lol..they had 7 young guys playing their first finals series..cats aint going anywhere.
WHY YOU ASK??all home grounds are against lowly teams ,which practically assures them of a top 8 spot , BUT , the top 8 are not lowly teams, there is the truth of it, not good enough in truth
I would hardly call Brisbane, Sydney, GWS, or Port Adelaide lowly teams. Geelong plays those teams at The Cattery whenever they play home games against them, and in some cases could be playing all 4 of them there in the same season. Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs played Geelong at The Cattery last season too. Both of those teams played in the finals. The only lowly teams to play Geelong at Geelong were West Coast and North Melbourne. Maybe Richmond, who were trash last season when they played there for the first time since 2017.
@kevinrussell346 lol..I love how you say "lowly teams" but gws and freo play down in Geelong consistently and actually beat the cats down there..both gws and freo and not lowly teams..
I bring this up to Geelong supporters and they claim that they are hard done by not playing every single home game at gmhba They have the benefit of an interstate team with only having to travel interstate 5 times a year Biggest afl drip fed club
@@Johny-jy5vo lmfao🤣🤣 st kilda Moorabbin Carlton Princess park Collingwood Vic Park Bulldogs western oval not Geelongs fault these clubs dont play at there original home grounds ,Geelong only get 10 home games compared to interstate teams 12 if not 13 home games ,every Victorian club travels interstate 5 times its been like this forever IDIOT
The AFL checks the books every year. People go to Geelong for less to play finals every year, compete every year, better lifestyle for majority of players (farm life or surf life alternatives). They have the best coaching crew, development regime and recruiting team in the comp. Thats why theyre always there.
@aucata8816 better lifestyle? Nonsense, they're professional athletes and this is Australia. Lifestyle everywhere is pretty amazing! Singing all these players on big money, year in, year out? #checkthebooks The spineless AFL even allowed the Premiership teams to steal a top 10 draft pick AND take the salary dump from a bottom team! That was nonsense by everyone, should never have been allowed to happen!
Swans fan here. So much respect for Geelong as a football club. They are always in contention, always play hard competitive football, always make GMHBA a fortress. I think a lot of people don't like Chris Scott, and that's the reason he doesn't get as much respect as he deserves. Hes done it with many different groups now. The recruiting staff have been incredible over the last 10 years in particular, to pull off the deals they have and bring in the players they've needed. The rookies they pluck from obscurity and turn into stars. I was at the 2022 granny, and by all rights, should hate the cats, but I don't, because I am so often in awe of what they have been able to do. Props to them
Huge respect my friend!
💙🤍🤝🤍❤️
Thank You for touching on this! I'm used to this every preseason, It's we're cooked or no one wants to accept that we're still good. Our youth development is never talked about until the end of a season. It's tough for most footy fans to accept. Our 2024 finals series was so much fun
As a cats fan, anything lower than 6th would likely be a horrendous year for us
Yeah
So true..cats are easily capable of top 4 again in 2025..providing they don't get key injurys ofcourse..any team that gets key injurys for chunks of a season will struggle to get in the top 4, like.... cats,swans,Brisbane you know,the top teams lol.
All the media talk about SDK missing finals at the end of last season failed to take into account he was he was carrying a knee injury that he had a "minor" procedure for and Scotts history of not risking injured players in finals. He ended up having surgery in the off season and hopefully with another pre season to fill out and develop his body further he will be back to his old self this year.
Nice review. Though feels kinda weird you are more optimistic than I am as a Cats fan.
Great video Daz. Hoping the Cats play finals again in 2025.
Mate, thankyou. You picked up on the fact that Geelong aren’t the old and slow team they once were. They’ve put a lot of effort into developing their young players who are now the core of the doing the heavy lifting. Somehow the afl media don’t see this..
As a pies fan I envy that Geelong can always just go about Pre Season quietly.
(Not sure what it’s like with Addy news articles)
Would love for us to just do pre season without the media watching every move.
Few mistakes cost geelong flag in 2024 ,i think they will reload and make it to the grand final in 2025 and win the flag
Geelong will start 2025 with a win against Brisbane at The Gabba in the Opening Round. The two clubs will head in opposite directions from that point onwards. Geelong will be contending for the premiership yet again. The big question is can they break that Preliminary Final curse and make it to the Grand Final and give themselves the chance to win it? Brisbane on the other hand will have a massive premiership hangover, equally as bad if not worse than the premiers of 2022 and 2023 Geelong and Collingwood. And just like those two teams they will miss the finals the year after winning the premiership, finishing no higher than 9th.
@darrenmiles-morland8038 hopefully geelong will make it ,they did in 2022 ,they were so close in 2024 too ,they will be ready to go
@darrenmiles-morland8038 there's honestly NOTHING scary about Brisbane.. put it this way AND there's no way around it, Brisbane's midfield compared to geelongs is on a whole 2 levels above lol..bailey smith this year should make the catters a whole lot better
@darrenmiles-morland8038 all geelong needed was a midfield as good as Brisbane's and the cats would have won that prelim
Geelong will actually host 10 home games at GMHBA Stadium for the first time since 1996
Yes correct, that was my error
Gee wizzz, after your analysis I’m convinced we are a good ruckman away from another premiership…look out if Toby can put his hand up and force that position GO CATS
I look at him and can't not think of a Damien Bourke clone, coached by Brad Ottens for four years... The kid will shine!
I don't Barrick for the cats, and I didn't watch this, but they will never be taken for granted.
They refuse to fall off
Shaun Mannah just getting started too. Gun
Footy IQ through the roof
My words exactly
Midfield is the main issue and depth, SDK should be better this year. If Bailey Smith is decent and there are 1-2 kids that stand up then it should be another good year.
As far as im concerned they'll be in the top 6 for me, not else that needs discussing really theyve been great for a long time so it doesnt really generate too much offseason discussion this year
As a Geelong supporter I think we should be pretty solid this year, but I think there a lot of teams you could say that about. For me there is no real stand out team and a lot is going to come down to luck across the year; who gets injured, for how long and when. I struggle to see Jack Martin playing much for us to be honest. He isn't going to push out any of Stengle, Miers, Close or Mannagh. His best hope is that Scott chooses him over O Henry or that someone, other than himself, gets injured or has a run of bad form. Also in terms of over 30s players who shouldn't make the team I agree that Stanley shouldn't be, though Conway is coming off a foot injury which is not great for a big fella. Unfortunately M Duncan is one of those as well. He is just too slow now, to the point where he doesn't have enough time to execute his skills as well as needed. He is way to slow to be a defender and I think Humphries is the better option for an attacking defender. He can't get back quick enough on defensive transition to play mid and he is definitely not a natural forward. I have loved him as a player but I think his time is up. Honestly I was pretty surprised he decided to play on this year
Don’t worry , we are used to it 😂
I've learnt my lesson with Geelong, I'm not going to buy into the 'they're old, its time for them to fall' narrative until they do it. Everytime I thought it would happen, it didnt. So I'm done doubting them lol
You are wise my friend!
6th eldest in the comp these days... and definitely not slow... Holmes, Miers, Blicavs... etc, etc, etc
Shoosh 🤫
😂😂😂
They did not miss the finals last year they lost the preliminary to Brisbane
When did I say they missed the finals?
Every ladder prediction I’ve seen so far Geelong are 1st or no lower than 3rd
We are looking at very different predictors my friend, how did I get stuck with the incompetent feeds? 😂
i saw someone put geelong at 14th, and he wasn’t joking either.
@ I saw one guy who was a Collingwood fan he is a moron but most I’ve seen have been positive
I don't think it's that people are expecting them to underperform, it's just that they're not a particularly newsworthy team unless something out of the ordinary is going on down there.
Stengle overdosing at a nightclub or Atkins causing a car accident hardly made the news.
Would’ve been bigger than the moon landing if it was Collingwood.
Why is no one talking about Geelong?
It's not that they're underrated, it's IMO that they are very much rated. In fact it's no stretch to say that both comp and Geelong are just collectively comfortable with what they're doing as the same old Geelong....
To put it plainly it's the only footy side to make finals footy mediocre. That's not from how they play, it's how they reach it and fall short.
Question. Would you rather win one premiership in a decade or make finals 8 of those 10 years? That's the story of Geelong. They make finals consistently and where that deserves no judgement it's lacking any pressure or duress to be better enough to actually make the GF and win.
Tbh no one's talking about Geelong because what else is there to say that hasn't already been said? So really it's just a wait and see.
On the North mention mate. Yes those veteran departures still hurts and THANK GOD those behind it are gone too.
they’ve won 4 flags since 2000. Tied for the most. You can’t win the flag every year, regardless of how many times u make finals, it’s a ridiculous theory people make to cope about geelongs success.
@user-dj2xn I see your meaning and I certainly wouldn't suggest it's a small thing to win as many premierships as the cats have done these past 25yrs.
That said I think it's very much a glass half full/empty scenario.
On one hand the comp rates Geelongs consistency exceptionally well and rightfully so. Proofs in the pudding and the fact Geelong has stayed so consistently relevant in finals bodes well for culture and history depending on how we specifically look back on it.
On the other hand the consistency to reach finals and miss out on another premiership is a stain of failure that too wears the lengths of time. Nothing lasts forever after all and when the time of decline comes, as it does for every team, it can also be looked back upon with wasted opportunities.
To the original question of "why is no one talking about Geelong?" I do in fact think it is that there is nothing more to say that already hasn't been said before. They're a successful team that can compete for the flag, can they win it though is another question entirely.
In answer to the question, I would rather have a go each year - knowing you're probably not the best team in it.
I'd rather try and stay at the top and keep competing, hopeful that a few things go your way. There's no guarantee of winning a flag by dropping down and rebuilding - look how many clubs have been trying for 20+ years.
Falling short is one way of looking at, but I tend to think they punch above their weight. If it wasn't for Holmes getting injured in the prelim last year, Geelong would likely have won the flag - that list had no right to finish top 4, but they went all in and had a crack. Most years, they get beaten by a better team in a prelim - Whether that's the Richmond team that went rampant for a 4 or 5 year stretch, the Hawks during their period of dominance - Melbourne when they were clearly the best in the comp - Brisbane last year who were eventual premiers. Is it really such a bad thing being the second or third best in the comp for a period until you win one, rather than fighting it out at the bottom of the table?
@@ianscott424 that's a fair shout! And while I do believe you make good points with your examples I still respectfully disagree as the whole point of this game is to aspire for the premiership success and bearing that in mind it's always 1 winner and 17 losers of the comp.
And while I see your meaning of 20+ years that dosn't nessacarily apply to those who are rebuilding, that can also apply to teams such as Geelong who could be successfully sustainable to a point and time, but the worth of that stint can be reflected upon poorly as missed opportunities too.
We won't know otherwise till it happens but I'd say it'd be a devastating blow for Geelong to be this good for so long and have little to show for it for the next 20yrs if they suddenly dropped off and struggle for a large stint in the comp.
Either way it's an interesting time for Geelong and while they're not particularly my favourite opposition team to barrack for, I do think they set a good example in what it takes to be consistent and with that, set a benchmark for the rest of the comp to persevere to be better than.
@ShadowLight-kn7rl Given I grew up with the Cats in the 80s and 90s, I'm more than happy with the flags we've won.
If people look at it as a missed opportunity, that's fine. End of the day, even a 5 year rebuild where you opt to bottom out is 5 years of no opportunity.
If they end up bottoming out, they end up bottoming out - but it will be forced and not by choice. It takes some balls for them to continue showing up year after year, taking the criticism and not getting the chocolates, but at least they're throwing their hat in the ring.
Granted, clubs build dynasties based on recruiting talent and having it come through together - Geelong did that under Bomber Thompson, Hawks then Richmond as well. If anything, Melbourne squandered their lot. They are rare and not guaranteed either, so I guess if they miss out on that to keeping having a crack, I reckon I can live with that.
Home prelim ??? No it's the AFL who determines the ground to play the prelim. If GFC had its way it would most definitely be at GMHBA. Anyway it was sad not to make the GF and maybe have a crack again in 2025, Go CATS
Great review on Geelong you are so right on so many points just it's a hard listen for a Hawthorn supporter 💛🤎
It may be hard to listen, but we admire you for your respect. That's what a good, old-fashioned rivalry is all about. You hate your opponent, but you respect them just as much as you hate them.
@darrenmiles-morland8038 yes you're so right that's why we can sit down at the games together
Hate comes from respect 💙🤍🤝💛🤎
It's JANUARY. Why are we talking about footy already? Geelong should always make the finals. They are the only Victorian team in the AFL who play home games on their own training ground. This year they also get six of their away games in Victoria. They do have away games against the grand finalists which will indicate their actual strength.
I mean if you don't want to talk footy on January my friend, that's your choice.
The 2022 Grand Final was rigged (I'm delusional)
rigged? winning 16 in a row
The cats literally won most of their games without hawkins in 2024..soooo,ya take out hawkins nd tuohy in 2025 (tuohy was out for quite a few games in 2024 also) its no different to 2025..theres no way the cats slide lol..they had 7 young guys playing their first finals series..cats aint going anywhere.
WHY YOU ASK??all home grounds are against lowly teams ,which practically assures them of a top 8 spot , BUT , the top 8 are not lowly teams, there is the truth of it, not good enough in truth
Take a look at the home games for Geelong in 2024 - then come back again.
I would hardly call Brisbane, Sydney, GWS, or Port Adelaide lowly teams. Geelong plays those teams at The Cattery whenever they play home games against them, and in some cases could be playing all 4 of them there in the same season. Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs played Geelong at The Cattery last season too. Both of those teams played in the finals. The only lowly teams to play Geelong at Geelong were West Coast and North Melbourne. Maybe Richmond, who were trash last season when they played there for the first time since 2017.
@kevinrussell346 lol..I love how you say "lowly teams" but gws and freo play down in Geelong consistently and actually beat the cats down there..both gws and freo and not lowly teams..
Flag Hok 2025
Because every one hates them and they're homeground advantage is almost cheating?
I bring this up to Geelong supporters and they claim that they are hard done by not playing every single home game at gmhba
They have the benefit of an interstate team with only having to travel interstate 5 times a year
Biggest afl drip fed club
@@Johny-jy5vo lmfao🤣🤣 st kilda Moorabbin Carlton Princess park Collingwood Vic Park Bulldogs western oval not Geelongs fault these clubs dont play at there original home grounds ,Geelong only get 10 home games compared to interstate teams 12 if not 13 home games ,every Victorian club travels interstate 5 times its been like this forever IDIOT
I mean I don't reckon it's cheating but I saw my Hawks dominate at Tassie throughout a three-peat so it's better for me to shut up about it 😂
@daztalksfooty There should be a maximum headband rule for every AFL team.
FYI, Geelong played 3/17 games in Geelong in 2020 and finished in the top 4
Because they're over the salary cap again and nobody wants to call them out #checkthebooks
You should send your evidence to the AFL to investigate
The AFL checks the books every year. People go to Geelong for less to play finals every year, compete every year, better lifestyle for majority of players (farm life or surf life alternatives). They have the best coaching crew, development regime and recruiting team in the comp. Thats why theyre always there.
@aucata8816 better lifestyle? Nonsense, they're professional athletes and this is Australia. Lifestyle everywhere is pretty amazing!
Singing all these players on big money, year in, year out? #checkthebooks
The spineless AFL even allowed the Premiership teams to steal a top 10 draft pick AND take the salary dump from a bottom team!
That was nonsense by everyone, should never have been allowed to happen!