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.
Best 23
FB: Tom Stewart, Sam De Koning, Jake Kolodjashnij
HB: Lawson Humphries, Jack Henry, Zach Guthrie
C: Gryan Miers, Bailey Smith, Oliver Dempsey
HF: Oliver Henry Jeremy Cameron, Patrick Dangerfield
FF: Tyson Stengle, Shannon Neale, Brad Close
FO: Rhys Stanley, Max Holmes, Tanner Bruhn
I/C: Tom Atkins, Jack Bowes, Mark Blicavs, Shaun Mannagh
SUB: Mitch Duncan
Others to consider: Oisin Mullin, Jack Martin, Cameron Guthrie, Mark O'Connor, Jhye Clark
