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.
Midfielders
In 2024, the midfield was one area of concern for Scott and his coaching group.
They targeted Bailey Smith as a must-have player to pair with fellow speedster Max Holmes for the next decade, while Tanner Bruhn and Jack Bowes provide the grunt and smarts around the contest.
Scott also needs to find a ruckman and has trialled multiple players in the position.
Rhys Stanley will likely get the first crack at the role but it would be a shock to no one if Mark Blicavs and Sam De Koning alternated through the there.
Geelong are hopeful that the health of Cam Guthrie improves, essentially adding a new player to the mix who has only been seen 10 times in two years.
Youngster Jhye Clark has featured prominently since being taken in the 2022 draft and proves to be a strong depth option that can be relied upon.
Mitch Knevitt is another one who will be strongly considered for more senior opportunities, utilising his bigger frame through the centre of the ground to release the power runners in the side.
