With a faultless run in 2022 it is hard to imagine a conversation that involves Geelong searching for players to poach to help build a list greater than the one it already proudly boasts.
But, with the storied ageing list, we look at holes in the ground in need of filling.
During the Cats' off-season, they targeted former GWS draftee Tanner Bruhn, with the young rising star striking a deal, in return for a first-round selection.
Experienced campaigner Joel Selwood announced his retirement leaving a void in both the captaincy role and in the engine room itself, where he became a stalwart over a long period of time.
In this fantasy world, we throw contract talks and salary cap issues out the window, in naming four players that would slot into their current list, whilst drawing a verdict on only one as a solution.
List Needs
With the aforementioned ageing list still worn as a badge of honour amongst the Cats faithful, it raises a point worth noting, with needs surrounding a younger crop of talent at Kardinia Park.
The ruck stocks of Mark Blicavs and Rhys Stanley have been used sparingly for the majority of Chris Scott's tenure, with the pair forming a formidable partnership with their midfield group.
Weight however needs to be added in the depth department, with backup options in short supply, it calls for an eye to be run over the potential bolstering of their tall-timbered counterparts.
Key forward Tom Hawkins has shown his rucking prowess within the 50-metre arc, adopting the shove-out method and controlling many of the forward half stoppages within his vicinity.
Further afield, a glaring issue arises when scanning an eye across their defensive six setup, with a lack of run and carry ball users a problem hurting their rebound 50 game, with explosive power needed.
Zach Touhy is one that wears many hats in the Cats lineup, one of which includes the half-back position, but with the 33-year-old nearing the end, list management staff can circle that spot.
Hawkins is another in the same boat as Touhy playing on in the latter half of his career, with a depth key forward on the cards to fill the big shoes of the star 34-year-old when the time is right.
Here are the four players we think would be the perfect additions for Geelong.
3. Mitch Lewis
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Mitch Lewis enjoyed a breakout 2022 campaign, notching up a career-high 37 goals, blowing his next best out of the water following a handful of years of threatening to put his name up in lights.
With his ceiling greater than arguably any key forward rising through the ranks, the 24-year-old is still only scratching the surface of the levels the footy public knows he is more than capable of reaching.
Room in the forward half at the Cats will be opened up with retirements down the track, so Lewis will have to bide his time but will relish the opportunity of more efficient and cleaner entries inside 50.
