Geelong has been the most consistent AFL side for a generation, but doesn’t have the silverware to show for it. 2022 could be its last chance to change that.
The Geelong Cats are sustained excellence. That’s what’s most closely associated with the one-club town; enough to intimidate the other 17 AFL operations.
But the one thing that has eluded a modern great is footy’s most tangible prize, the premiership.
Since their last flag in 2011, the Cats have only reached one Grand Final, falling short in a staggering five Prelims.
As they prepare for yet another one this Friday, against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG, it‘s shaping as one of the club’s most important games in its storied 163-year history.
It’s not a nice title, but ‘choker’ could be hard for the Cats to shake if they let another GF opportunity slip away, particularly after its utterly dominant year. Ironically, many experts were predicting the cliff to arrive for an ageing list that’s continued put itself in the finals frame in recent seasons. So perhaps this ‘alternate’ route, exceeding expectations rather than the contrary, results in a different outcome.
Although it’s still an achievement to finish late in September so regularly, clubs such as Hawthorn and Richmond were able to capitalise on their chances in the past decade, winning three grand finals each to etch their names in history.
Geelong have had comparably great teams like the Tigers and Hawks, but haven’t cashed in.
In the past eight years alone, Geelong’s been able to attract quality big-name players such as Patrick Dangerfield, Jeremy Cameron and even brought back Gary Ablett to help secure a tenth premiership for the club.
Since the 2011 flag, the Cats have had 12 individuals recognised as All-Australians; the second most selections in that time with 26, one behind West Coast.
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The clock is ticking, which has to work in Geelong’s favour from a motivational standpoint. Skipper Joel Selwood and key forward Tom Hawkins are both off contract at season’s end, leaving doubts over the two 34-year-olds’ futures. While Hawkins is still clearly playing well enough to go on at least another season, finishing on a high must be on the minds of some veterans at the Cattery.
But of course there’s one large hurdle before those thoughts become more of a reality; this Friday’s Preliminary Final. The Cats are heavy favourites to qualify for the AFL’s final match of 2022, but that’s not a position they’re unfamiliar with.
There really is a lot on the line for coach Chris Scott and his troops.
