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.
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.
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.
Geelong have little to worry about inside forward 50, ranking third for points for in 2024 and boasting a seriously stacked line-up.
Led by star player Jeremy Cameron, Scott has at his disposal an All-Australian small forward, a Rising Star winner and two of the best two-way runners in the competition.
From being discarded by two clubs to the penthouse in Geelong, Tyson Stengle's story continues to prove that dreams can come true.
Oliver Dempsey trumped all-comers with an extraordinary 2024 campaign that resulted in being crowned the competition's best young player.
Gryan Miers and Brad Close provide a hefty one-two punch in between the arcs, helping out on defence and usually, the ones delivering the ball inside 50 to good effect, of which Shaun Mannagh is learning beautifully.
Oliver Henry's versatility makes him a nightmare to match up on while Shannon Neale is developing nicely into a focal point of the forward line.
Add the mysterious Jack Martin, who crossed from Carlton with a long history of injuries, but when fit and firing, is one of the more exciting players in the front half.
And with the inclusion of Bailey Smith, captain Patrick Dangerfield should be seen more inside 50.
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