Geelong's 2024 season may have ended in heartbreak, but there is plenty to look forward to for the club, which continues to defy the rebuild critics.
There are not many areas pundits can fault the Cats in their quest for Chris Scott's third premiership, dismantling Port Adelaide before falling just shy of a rampaging Brisbane outfit in the penultimate week of the season.
Scott's bookends are largely the reasons for the club's successful campaign, keeping the opposition to measly totals while finding unique and crafty ways to score through the use of dangerous half-forwards, a trend of the game that is sweeping the competition by storm.
However, the glaring issue that may be cause for concern is the midfield group, which, at times throughout the year, bent to rivals' demands.
The ageing Patrick Dangerfield missed large chunks of the season, while Cameron Guthrie failed to make an impact in 2024.
The youth of Max Holmes, Tanner Bruhn, Jack Bowes and Jhye Clark showed glimpses of the future but still lacked star factor.
Enter Bailey Smith.
Alone, Smith can help provide balance to the midfield mix and show life after Dangerfield, allowing the Brownlow medallist to play a less demanding role in 2025.
The Western Bulldogs will likely ask for a top-10 selection, which the Cats will counter, given their first pick comes at 15.
In regards to their list, 14 players are currently without contracts for next year, with Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy departing Kardinia Park through retirement.
Lawson Humphries and Oisin Mullin volunteer themselves as Tuohy replacements, while Shannon Neale and Connor O'Sullivan have big Hawkins shoes to fill.
Mitch Duncan, Gary Rohan, Rhys Stanley, Jed Bews and Jake Kolodjashnij are expected to get new deals, while Brandan Parfitt is likely to explore his options.
Tough calls could be made on Emerson Jeka, James Willis, Mitch Hardie, Oscar Murdoch, Phoenix Foster and Ted Clohesy, with not one making strong claims in Scott's side.
As for the on-field, there is a level of confidence in the Cats to evolve with the times, especially given the brain power in the coach's box.
Scott's contingent around him has served him well for the majority of his tenure, and there's no doubt that their game style will stack up again in 2025.
Neale is pressing as the next key forward to carry the club into the future, but there's no doubt Jeremy Cameron needs assistance, especially given his free reign to roam up the ground.
Sam De Koning wasn't used in the preliminary final, and his versatility is already explored, but he could be a viable option in the front half.
Despite many tipsters believing the Cats overachieved in 2024, their list possesses quality talent among all lines.
And with Scott at the helm, the elusive flag could reveal itself once again.
