The perpetually impressive Geelong did everything right in 2024 but faltered at the penultimate weekend, denying the club a chance at premiership glory.
The Cats have been the perfect blueprint for regenerating their list on the go, and with the messiah Chris Scott at the helm, the team down the highway continues to get their mix right on and off the field.
The inclusion of Bailey Smith will add some much-needed firepower through the midfield, whilst also placing a lesser reliance on their ageing stars in Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan and Cam Guthrie.
And with a strong back six coupled with a dangerous forward line, there's no indication that Geelong won't be contending once again.
Ahead of the new season, we've assessed Geelong's 2025 squad and selected a best 23-man side, breaking down their depth charts on all three lines of the field.
Our Best 23 for 2025 series will include players unavailable for the start of the season, except for those expected to miss most or all of the season through injury or suspension.
Defenders
When you've got Tom Stewart in your line-up, you're doing more than okay.
The five-time All-Australian leads the Cats' rearguard and is a key component of how they play.
Scott has developed a defensive system that revolves around Stewart, allowing him to peel off his man or stay loose to intercept the ball and turn defence into attack.
The accompanying cast of Jake Kolodjashnij, Zach Guthrie and Jack Henry all play selfless roles to allow their game plan to come to the fore, while the emergence of Lawson Humphries has provided more flexibility for veterans Cam Guthrie and Mitch Duncan to move further up the field.
Sam De Koning's knee injury hindered his output in 2024 but at full fitness, will slot straight into the back six, locking down a key post.
But there's no doubt that Scott will be prepared to chuck multiple players across the half-back line, including speedster Max Holmes.
Utility Mark Blicavs has also been used as a defensive option while Mark O'Connor and Oisin Mullin pose as depth choices but have proven themselves at the elite level.
