Prediction How Will The Cats Fare in 2025?

[STPer18]

Anyone seen this graph for ball movement from last season? Most of the other teams are all in a tight cluster but we're an outlier for moving the ball fast & direct. I reckon we'd have been in the bottom left quarter pre-2022. The ball movement in the praccy match - particularly the 1st half was look very sleek too, and that's probably when we look at our most dangerous.

 

[Tony Barber]

You could say every team looks like being ninth right now.
Except us.
We won't be farking ninth.

You guys get too serious.
I have us (based on last year) at around 7th.

We'd seriously need the midfield group to step up to reach top 4 again.
Theres just so many clubs that are improving.

9 just felt like an unbiased number.

 

[PzBlinky]

Anyone seen this graph for ball movement from last season? Most of the other teams are all in a tight cluster but we're an outlier for moving the ball fast & direct. I reckon we'd have been in the bottom left quarter pre-2022. The ball movement in the praccy match - particularly the 1st half was look very sleek too, and that's probably when we look at our most dangerous.

Yeah, I wouldn't say we've gone the polar opposite, but a lot of our play was very slow and controlled prior to 2022. But we didn't abandon it completely - we just used it more sparingly instead of it being our defining style (which was supposed to be a counter to the Tigers but ultimately played into their hands during their run).

Nothing I saw in the practice match showed we were giving up the fast/direct ball movement. The second half was more a personnel issue than anything else, and even then we were still playing that way when we could.

 

[Gazza Greatness]

Anyone seen this graph for ball movement from last season? Most of the other teams are all in a tight cluster but we're an outlier for moving the ball fast & direct. I reckon we'd have been in the bottom left quarter pre-2022. The ball movement in the praccy match - particularly the 1st half was look very sleek too, and that's probably when we look at our most dangerous.

Thanks so much for this graphic STPer18: which as you say clearly highlights Geelong being the outlier which is a pleasant surprise, I wouldn't have picked that fact to that degree with a handful of guesses. It's also plain for all to see when watching modern footy these days that with zoning and numbers back if you don't move the ball in quickly to the forward half it lessens your chance of finding targets and scoring, hence 'fast ball movement' becoming so critical. And I also 100% agree with your pre 2022 game style which quite frankly use to annoy the bloody crap out of me during certain games during the course of year, even Captain Selwood stated prior to 2022 that for guys like Gryan Miers and Brad Close that it was like being on 'starvation corner' (his words) with them playing on the half forward flanks but that ALL changed the '2022 preseason' and Chris Scott even made particular mention to that fact with the new assistants and he coming together and wanting to these make critical and fundamental changes and since that time we really haven't looked back excluding the 2023 season when everything and anything that could go wrong, DID.

And once again STPer18: I'm in full agreeance with your comment re: the first half of sim. match against the Hawks last Monday just gone by where-by we continued on with this extremely impressive fast and direct ball movement style of play and made the Hawks look pedestrian at best, in fact had we kicked straight in that first half we easily could have been up by at least 7 goals at half time such was the 'PussyCat dominance' in our general play and 'ball movement' which I reckon has gone up a notch and improved again in 2025.

And adding Bailey Smith into the side only adds to this style of play coz this is the way he 'loves to play', therefore Bailey Smith is going to be an incredible acquisition to our side in 2025 and going forward but even more-so with Bailey playing in tandem, 'as in match sim' with the male version of 'Black Caviar' in Max Holmes, that guy is a 'supersonic jet'. Also with my new favourite player and new avatar in Connor O'Sullivan, all nearly 200cms of him, it's in his DNA to play this style of football and given that he's going to be a incredible interceptor for us, he in time will become one of the most valuable commodities in our already ultra impressive side. Of course that graphic cannot possibly happen without having the players capable of executing such as game style as it takes a high level of skill, dedication, training and 'commitment' to perform such wondrous feats but mainly thanks to Wellsy/Mackie, the development and coaching staff, we do indeed have the players capable of performing such an 'awesome style of play'...... and GO CATS !!!

 

[catempire]

After I correctly called Carlton and St Kilda as sliders in 2024, I give you the gift of this year’s:

HAWFORN

 

[Ratcat]

I'm thinking 4th.

 

[Gazza Greatness]

You guys get too serious.
I have us (based on last year) at around 7th.

We'd seriously need the midfield group to step up to reach top 4 again.
Theres just so many clubs that are improving.

9 just felt like an unbiased number.

TB: I certainly applaud 'any individual' to be unbiased in a time where many people seem to be incapable of thinking for themselves but I reckon you really are under-rating and under-valuing this current Geelong's side capabilities for the 2025 season with many of the side now at a still very young age. First final last year the PussyCats wiped Port Adelaide of the map on their home ground with a devastating style of finals football, then in the prelim against the eventual Premiers in Brisbane we were more than competitive and with a few things going our way, could have quite easily won that game and likely the 2024 flag . And that was without SDK who had a off season operation on his knee, COS who will be a 'outstanding player for us' and a real weapon for us by seasons end, Toby Conway a future top 3 AFL ruckman who unfortunately still might be a season away from being AFL ready 'body-wise', and 'now' we have Bailey Smith who is going to be a 'wonderful readymade addition' to our side.

Personally speaking I see nothing but upside for the PussyCats in 2025 and the graph that STPer18: was kind enough to supply to us clearly highlights how impressive a fast and direct ball-movement side Geelong really has become and this ball movement has mainly come about by the 'younger and youngish players' who are all highly skilled and extremely talented and will only further improve in 2025 and get better. For mine unless we have a 2023 season whereby everything and anything goes wrong, we are at the 'very least' a top 4 side, if not top 2 and the additional one extra home game at the Cattery is also a welcome addition and.... GO CATS !!!

 

[Gunf]

Anyone seen this graph for ball movement from last season? Most of the other teams are all in a tight cluster but we're an outlier for moving the ball fast & direct. I reckon we'd have been in the bottom left quarter pre-2022. The ball movement in the praccy match - particularly the 1st half was look very sleek too, and that's probably when we look at our most dangerous.

Pre 2022 maybe 2021 we didn't really have the cattle to play fast football i would say so Scott tried to implement a style that would protect us.. Sadly it was boring at times and didn't get us a Cup.. But after getting the players needed for a better style Holmes, Mires, Close, Cameron etc we changed it dramatically to be one of the fastest if not fastest teams at moving the ball.

 

[you pick one]

After I correctly called Carlton and St Kilda as sliders in 2024, I give you the gift of this year’s:

HAWFORN

Yeah they will be worked out with the little 12mtr kick mark game and forced to go longer and it will unravel.

 

[catempire]

Anyone seen this graph for ball movement from last season? Most of the other teams are all in a tight cluster but we're an outlier for moving the ball fast & direct. I reckon we'd have been in the bottom left quarter pre-2022. The ball movement in the praccy match - particularly the 1st half was look very sleek too, and that's probably when we look at our most dangerous.

Actually does make you wonder whether being that far of an outlier is going too far. It’s fun to watch but does it create other issues?

 

[Mr Meow]

Actually does make you wonder whether being that far of an outlier is going too far. It’s fun to watch but does it create other issues?

It probably does make us a bit easier to score against and there is less defensive coverage.

Other seasons Scott would sometimes try for this style early in the year but we were burned so much the other way, and didn't have the personnel to make it a point of difference with our attack. So he'd revert back to a safer style that was probably our best chance to stay top 4, but wasn't the greatest for finals. It took 2 or 3 seasons of recruiting and development to switch to a run and gun (but still highly skilled) style that now is our POD. So I guess Scott thinks it's worth it with this squad. Because we're probably not going to win too many dour dog fights like we used to be able to.

 

[lettheboysplay]

Flag.

I'm far too confident, so we will probably come 13th.

Best depth in the league, minus in the ruck. It's the top end that will be our make or break, and some kids coming through to put pressure on TAK, Duncan, MOC, Bews etc.

Max to take another step, Bailey to have a good year with some outstanding moments. A lot rests on Scratcher kicking 30-odd and being a menace up forward. Hawks' game very encouraging.

 

[And_ROOS]

I have tipped us finishing either 2nd or 3rd.

 

[Vdubs]

anywhere from 4th - 15th

Flag.

I'm far too confident, so we will probably come 13th.

Best depth in the league, minus in the ruck. It's the top end that will be our make or break, and some kids coming through to put pressure on TAK, Duncan, MOC, Bews etc.

Max to take another step, Bailey to have a good year with some outstanding moments. A lot rests on Scratcher kicking 30-odd and being a menace up forward. Hawks' game very encouraging.

This year will make or break that thought- Midfield depth and quality is questionable, but high potential.

 

[Mr Meow]

anywhere from 4th - 15th

This year will make or break that thought- Midfield depth and quality is questionable, but high potential.

15th is insane.

 

[catempire]

15th is insane.

Applying the Vdubs pessimist adjustment factor (VDPAF) it’s really like 7th.

love you VW, don’t worry.

 

[Zouz Kitty]

I admit to being a tough marker of Cameron, not based on lack of endeavour, but simply because when he's "on" he still has unstoppable, top 5 player in the league potential. Which quite frankly we need against the best teams, close games and in those big knockout finals. Big bags of goals against weaker sides are nice but being a difference maker in crunch time is what separates the greats.

With Stewart I don't know how we're going to manage him. He fell into a big rut as a pure defender but it was when our whole team was shocking. Then he moved into midfield and instantly became a top 3 player for us again. But the plan changed by finals and he was a very good defender again who didn't really get run through midfield much. He might have done so once Holmes got injured in the Brisbane game, but to little effect?

Another uncertain player is Bowes. He had a number of good games in midfield but also some quiet ones. And then we throw him on a forward flank where he does nothing. I still don't get quite what role we want him to settle in. Does he replace Duncan at half back or Atkins in midfield? Will he keep playing a bit in multiple positions but is that stopping him gaining consistency?

Bowes’ preferred position is in the midfield. Scott does play players out of position. I believe it’s to teach them how to play opp players in a particular position.
Is throwing Bowes forward to help him learn to deliver the ball to forwards?
It is confusing for us to establish his role.
Bowes has talent + potential, but is 27yo now. Our forward depth is excellent, why play him there?

 

[CoolCat75]

I must be a sucker for punishment, as I rewatched the second half of the 2024 Prelim today. We scored 4.6 to 9.5. Firstly, well done to Brisbane, they got some key moments right, kicked straight and were deserved premiers.

But bloody hell, we were not far off. There were a heap of 50/50 incidents that fell their way. We butchered the ball going forward in the second half. They had a few end to end goals where it was a fraction off not working. And Holmes getting injured was a bigger impact that McInerny getting injured.

And this was while transitioning Hawkins, Guthrie, Duncan and Tuohy out of the team. Yes, we will still rely heavily on 3 over 30 champs in Danger, Stewart and Jezza. Other over 30's like Blicavs, Bews and Stanley can play a role, but can be replaced without issue. But the addition of B.Smith and continued improvement from our under 26 bunch has me optimistic of another top 4 finish, given a decent injury run. We are lucky to support this club.

 

[Mattlock]

Flag. I'm all in.

Watch our kitty cat young brigade flourish.

 

[lettheboysplay]

anywhere from 4th - 15th

This year will make or break that thought- Midfield depth and quality is questionable, but high potential.

Agree with this. Really need Jhye and Knev to come on and put pressure on TAK, even Tanner. Still not quite sure on Bowes and where he fits. Guthrie back in for surgery also a big question mark on whether he will ever play again, and subsequently lacking the bulls outside of Danger who is into his 30s. Fair point. Max and Bailey a pretty decent pair to lead us though. Exciting, but I'll pull the reins in a bit.

Oliver, for all his baggage, would have been handy in the guts...

 

[And_ROOS]

Flag. I'm all in.

Watch our kitty cat young brigade flourish.

I think we win the flag on the back of the u23 squad.

You have guys like SDK, Bruhn, OHenry and Holmes who are all in the 60-80 games bracket.
We know Holmes is class, and he will become an A-Grader this year if he isn't already (Hi Sam!)
OHenry looked excellent V Hawks, and without Rohan in the team he gets a free run at that role of pack marking forward who can consistently kick goals. His career high is 4. This year I see him having a game where he kicks 7. He looks in insane shape.
Bruhn and SDK I think have a lot of growth in their game, especially for SDK whose best came when he went into the Blicavs role.
Bruhn had some really good games last year, especially against Croms/Blues/Tigers/Hawks. Needs consistency though.

Dempsey and Humphries are in the group of under 40 games but show wild potential. I expect there will be games where they dip but these two are going to have games this year where we all go and thank our recruiters. Sky is the limit with these two.

And then the group of players who have either limited games due to injury or opportunity, where we need them to just come in and do a job. Guys like Clohesy, Conway, Clarke come to mind, they might get 5-8 games this year if form permits, I doubt they get a lot of match time, so we need them to come in and either play a role where theres no drop off from who they replace, or come in on the back of a purple patch in the reserves for a boost.

And lastly we have guys who are a bit unknown, people on here going off on COS who I know little about, Knevitt who just hasn't had a good time of it when he gets his chances, Neale who has all the tools and with Hawkins gone will get a lot of opportunities and guys we drafted who might show something in the ressies that catch the coaches off guard that leads to AFL exposure. If COS is what people keep telling me, and Neale becomes what I think he might be, and we end up with a coaching staff with the hardest job each week of selecting a best 23.

But its this group, specifically SDK, Bruhn, OHenry, Dempsey, Neale and Humphries who will be the driving force behind a flag this year.

 

[DanA]

The way I see it compared to last season, right now we look healthier, have more depth, a more balanced list, and a young core improving.

Even our worst position ruck is better as SDK showed he was serviceable and Conway had a solid cameo.

There is obviously the same risk ars normal with injuries etc but I see no reason why we aren’t better than last season.

 

[Cataholic]

After I correctly called Carlton and St Kilda as sliders in 2024, I give you the gift of this year’s:

HAWFORN

Please let it be so.

Please.

 

[CHAWKTS]

This may have been posted already. But I thought this was very interesting independent view

2025 AFL Season Previews: Geelong

Scott's Cat is a thought experiment where the cat is winning and rebuilding at the same time.

www.onepercenters.net.au

 

[catters05]

If Holmes hammy stays good…. Flag. Cameron needs a blinder though.

Please be a flag for all the continued tears and conspiracy theories.