The ever-presents in the top echelon of the AFL ladder, Geelong have once again quietened doubters this season to flex their muscles as one of the sides to beat in 2022.
Despite a shaky start to the season, the Cats have won their last eight on the bounce and have claimed the top spot heading into the final five rounds of the season.
Regardless of their much-talked-about list age, Chris Scott's side has implemented faster ball movement in 2022 and looks set for another top-four finish.
The Cats look set to be players once again this off-season, with plenty of stars being linked to GMHBA Stadium in recent weeks as they chase ready-made talent to extend their premiership window.
While not featuring on this list, the Cats have also been linked to stars such as Angus Brayshaw, Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper as potential recruits.
However, in no particular order, here are five players that Geelong could chase at the season's end.
TRADE TARGETS: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE
1. James Worpel
A name that has been recently linked to the Cats is Hawthorn midfield bull James Worpel.
Since winning the Hawks' best and fairest in 2019 in what was just his second season, Worpel has struggled to recapture that form that made him one of the most promising youngsters in the league.
A former Geelong Falcon, Worpel could look for a change of scenery and make his way down the highway to the Cattery where he could find midfield minutes with many Cats players entering the final chapters of their careers.
Worpel has played 79 games for the Hawks, including 11 this season and appears on the outer at Waverley Park.
He's ready-made, still young at 23, and might not cost much to lure him back to Geelong in what could be a shrewd pick-up for the Cats.
At his best, he's a contested bull who wins the footy and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty.
With inside midfielders like Selwood and Dangerfield nearing the end of their careers, an opportunity to learn from them and become a mainstay in the Geelong midfield could appeal to Worpel next season.
