Since winning the premiership in 2022, Geelong just hasn't been able to recapture that same dominance so far in 2023.
The Cats have been battling injury this year but have managed to find themselves back in a powerful position to contend for the flag once again. Chris Scott has formed a dangerous side since his time as coach, forging a path that has given his club theof being one of the toughest teams over the last decade.
Are there some players for Geelong that could continue to uphold the strength of the Cats?
In the seventh part of our trade target series, we take a look at potential players that could make the trip to Kardinia Park this off-season.
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Tom De Koning has been mentioned all year long about joining his brother at the Cats and it is no surprise he features here. The Blues tall has struggled to break into the Carlton lineup both from selection pressure and injury throughout this season. However, Carlton are likely to be very keen on retaining the young ruckman.
The fluctuating selection matter and his expiring contract has left the door open for Geelong and others to move for De Koning, with the Ctas potentially having him link up with brother Sam.
2022 was De Koning's best year at 16.3 hitouts per game and 10.35 disposals per game. His ability to hit out to advantage was also dangerous with 34.73% of his hitouts being to the advantage his of teammates. Whilst not scoring regularly, De Koning has shown good intent in taking marks both inside 50 and in transition from defence.
While not having the direct impact on the scoreboard required, De Koning still finds a way to assist in doing the damage with four score involvements per game. His clearance numbers have been better this season with three per game, becoming more aggressive in winning his ball back and allowing direct entry to the forward line, which could be dangerous, particularly when working with the likes of Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron.
It is likely his position in the team would be as the first-string ruckman as the successor after Rhy Stanley retires.
The former Geelong Falcon could ignore rumours of a potential move to the Brisbane Lions with a return home to Geelong.
The defender, whilst out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury, has plenty of time to consider his options on what his future looks like. Doedee could ultimately help the Geelong defence as they currently rank third highest in points conceded by a top-eight team.
Doedee's consistency for the Crows has built an excellent foundation for the young defender, expressing his skills with marking and creating good ball use off half-back. 2018 was Doedee's best year with 2021 following closely. 2018 saw Doedee take 5.2 marks and lay 2.8 tackles per game from his 21 appearances. His pressure acts around the ball also provided significant help in creating turnover with 11.3 per game. Both 2021 and 2022 were good, consistent years for Doedee, who was on a similar path in 2023.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
With their dangerous midfield and forward line, Geelong could use Doedee's excellent read of the ball to not only become a better defensive side but also use him to create new scoring opportunities where previously the midfielders and forwards would have to come up to assist. Doedee and Tom Stewart could become a dynamic duo with similar skills and play style with Stewart becoming one of the top defenders in the league since arriving in the league.
The Essendon ball-winner has been recently linked to Geelong which might just see the already powerful Geelong midfield group become even stronger.
Being born in the outskirts of Geelong in Winchelsea, a move down the highway back home could be comfortable for Parish to be nearer to his family.
Parish has been a wrecking ball for Essendon. This year he's averaging a whopping 32 disposals (career-high), 7.9 clearances, 3.75 tackles, and kicking goals twice so far but has been known to do more damage, kicking 12 in 2019 and 10 in 2021.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
2021 was a spectacular year for Parish, playing all games except for one in Round 13. That year he averaged 30.4 disposals and 7.6 clearances per game earning him fifth place in the Brownlow that year.
The combination of him and Patrick Dangerfield could see Geelong return to another Grand Final and possibly, another flag. With Parish seeming to be in the form of his life, can Geelong afford him?
Since Joining the Eagles from the Brisbane Lions Witherden has had a bit of a up-and-down time at West Coast, being in and out of the side due to injury and the ever-changing landscape that has rocked the Eagles in recent times.
But Witherden has found his place as a half-back and is now an important part of the Eagles' lineup. As a Geelong Falcons product, a return home after being on both coasts of Australia could be the key for Witherden to take another step forward in his career.
In 2023, his figures haven't been too far off career-best numbers with 19.8 disposals and 5.4 marks per game. One thing Witherden has been good at is his pressure per game with 10.6 acts this year, close to his best of 9.69 acts in 2019. This season has proven to be an efficient one for Witherden with 83.9% of his disposals landing in a teammate's hands, slightly down on 84.6% efficiency from last season.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
No suggestion has been raised yet of whether talks are happening between the Eagles and Witherden to stay, while no rival interest has been floated either as his contract nears its expiry.
Another Geelong junior that could be on the radar is Cameron Fleeton.
The 21-year-old medium defender could also be a great benefit to the Geelong defence. Despite only debuting in 2023, The GWS youngster could become a foundation player for the Cats, especially since he's young and could be moulded into the player Geelong wants him to become.
Fleeton did not play in 2021 and 2022 but has been involved in two games at the Giants so far in 2023. His best game came in Round 10 against St Kilda with 11 disposals, applying six pressure acts and three spoils. He's been a standout at VFL level for GWS season-long in 2023
While only a very small sample size, Geelong will have the opportunity to lure the young player back home for an opportunity to play more minutes and become an important part of shaping the club's future.