Geelong has remained an AFL power through shrewd trading and acquiring free agents

THIS Friday night Geelong will play its eighth preliminary final in 11 years. But there’s been just as much work done off the field as on it to maintain the Cats’ success.

Patrick Dangerfield soars over the Swans. Picture: Alex Coppel.

ON Friday night Geelong will play its eighth preliminary final in 11 seasons.

While that statistic is testament to the talent on the Cats’ list, it also speaks volumes about the club’s list management.

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But how have the Cats managed to stay near the top of the tree when others have fallen?

Looking at the Geelong team of 2017, it’s clear that some shrewd acquisitions during the trade and free agency period have helped the Cats maintain their lofty status.

Success has meant list manager Stephen Wells has found it tough to get into the draft early in recent years — Joel Selwood and Andrew Mackie remain the club’s highest draft picks at selection 7.

While Geelong’s recent premiership sides of 2007, 2009 and 2011 were predominantly built on drafting and development (Brad Ottens being one notable exception), Wells and his recruiting team have had to get a little more crafty in more recent years.

Perhaps the Cats took a good hard look at the recent Hawthorn model, which saw Alastair Clarkson’s men romp to a threepeat with the likes of Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Shaun Burgoyne, James Frawley, Jack Gunston and Ben McEvoy playing pivotal roles.

Of the Geelong team that beat Sydney to advance to another preliminary final, seven players were once on rival AFL lists.

And with the Cats reportedly eyeing Gary Ablett, Devon Smith and Jake Stringer, the 2017 trade period might again be a busy one for Wells and his colleagues.

Zac Smith and Scott Selwood are both in their second year at Geelong. Picture: Getty Images

STAYING AT THE TOP

What the Cats have gained — and given up

2014

RHYS STANLEY

How he arrived: Trade. Cats gave St Kilda pick 21 (received from Brisbane Lions for trading Allen Christensen). Saints selected Hugh Goddard.

Verdict: Stanley hasn’t been a constant in the Cats’ side since he arrived, but has enjoyed his moments. Actually looked at his best playing in the ruck — a game against Port Adelaide before getting injured springs to mind — but his size and good hands were on display against Sydney. Unsure if he’ll stay in the 22 this week.

2015

PATRICK DANGERFIELD

How he arrived: Trade. Danger was a free agent but the Cats did a deal with the Crows, trading midfielder Dean Gore and picks 11 (Wayne Milera) and 33 (Mitch Hibberd).

Verdict: Pretty self-explanatory, this one. Was a star at the Crows but has become a champion of the game. Looking forward to facing his old side on Friday night.

LACHIE HENDERSON

How he arrived: Trade. Cats gave Carlton Cats’ 2016 first-round pick (16) — Jarrod Berry.

Verdict: A bit like a former Cats defender Jared Rivers who joined the blue and white hoops, Henderson is an unheralded performer in the back six. Rarely beaten and has found his niche on the halfback line.

Lachie Henderson mopped up superbly against the Swans. Picture: Getty Images

SCOTT SELWOOD

How he arrived: Restricted free agent.

Verdict: Took a while to get going as he overcame a serious ankle issue but has emerged to become a key component of the Geelong midfield. Can win the footy but is more valuable for his ability to lock down a dangerous opponent and apply ferocious tackling pressure. Looms as akey on Friday night with Rory Sloane or Matt Crouch likely in his sights.

ZAC SMITH

How he arrived: Trade. Cats gave Gold Coast Suns picks 41 (Matthew Flynn) and 45 (Aidyn Johnson).

Verdict: Smith’s mobility looked limited after suffering a knee injury at the Gold Coast Suns. But he’s now played 43 matches in two seasons to assert himself as the club’s no.1 ruckman. Was among the Cats’ best against the Swans, but this week faces a bigger challenge in the form of Crow Sam Jacobs.

and also...

SAM MENEGOLA

How he arrived: Draft. Menegola was selected with pick 66 in the 2016 national draft, but not before he’d spent time on two AFL lists. The big-bodied midfielder was taken as a rookie first by Hawthorn (2011) and then Fremantle (2012), before catching the Cats’ eye after starring for Subiaco in the WAFL in 2014.

Verdict: Getting better with age — he is now 25 — and is a regular in the 22. A penetrating kick who this season has also showed he can be more than handy when drifting forward.

Zach Tuohy celebrates Geelong’s semi-final win. Picture. Phil Hillyard

2016

ZACH TUOHY

How he arrived: Trade. Cats hand Carlton Billie Smedts, 2017 first-round selection and last year’s 4th-round pick (Cameron Polson). Geelong also received a second-round pick back from the Blues.

Verdict: Corey who? Seen as an ideal replacement for the irreplaceable Corey Enright, Tuohy has been a superb addition to the backline. Can play on small dangerous forwards but his greatest value has been his run and penetration from inside defensive 50.

Originally published as Geelong has remained an AFL power through shrewd trading and acquiring free agents