Dad mode, farm work, and big trips: What have the Geelong Cats boys been up to this off season?
With the men’s season done and dusted, how have the boys been enjoying their time off?
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Geelong fans are still reeling from the season that was, the season that could’ve been.
The Cats boys arguably out performed expectations this year, much to the delight of the city.
So following on from a heart breaking preliminary final loss against the eventual premiers, it’s only fair the boys are getting some rest and relaxation.
Here’s what a few of the players have been up to.
WORK AT STANLEYS FARM
It’s been a busy off season at Rhys Stanley’s farm.
Stanley has posted numerous pictures and videos of various workings, receiving help from fellow players, including Patrick Dangerfield.
But arguably no more work on the farm was more important than the reported meeting with Clayton Oliver.
Dangerfield is one of the Cats to have gone full dad mode this off season, posting photos with his kids reeling in fish and enjoying the outdoors.
Now-retired Tom Hawkins has entered a similar role, even going as far as becoming an under 7’s soccer coach.
NON-STOP FOOTY
You can take the footy from the boys, but you can’t keep some of those boys away from the footy.
All-Australian small forward Tyson Stengle linked up with mentor Eddie Betts to play in an all stars game over in South Australia for the state’s Aboriginal Football and Netball Carnival.
The carnival was held on Barngarla Country in Port Lincoln.
According to a report by ABC Eyre Peninsula, Stengle “snapped a number of trademark goals through the weekend, delighting the crowd.”
New recruit Shaun Mannagh headed back to his roots, cheering his Werribee Tigers on to a premiership the day after the Cats were knocked out.
Mannagh handed out the Norm Goss medal for best afield, which he won in a losing side last year, to ex-teammate Jack Henderson.
OVERSEAS TRIPS
A number of players have decided to get on a plane for their off-season break.
America seems to always be a pretty popular destination for footballers, particularly big gridiron fans.
Tanner Bruhn posted a pic at an LA Rams game with fellow AFL players Matt Guelfi, Jack Ginnivan and Jye Caldwell, while Jake Kolodjashnij posed up with ex-Cat James Parsons in New Orleans.
Newly engaged small forward Brad Close decided Europe was the move over the States, enjoying some colourful cocktails with his fiance.
The “wholesome Henry’s,” as dubbed by Tom Stewart, enjoyed a trip to Japan.
Mark Blicavs also decided to head overseas.
Opting for the boat over the plane, Blicavs boarded the Spirit bound for Tasmania.
OUR NEWEST CAT
The most talked about eight-pack in Geelong, Bailey Smith touched down at the Cattery last week.
We got out first look at Bazlenka in the hoops, and fans are rightfully pumped about it.
So pumped is Baz about being down here, he posted another pic of Kardinia Park on Friday.
He clearly didn’t flick the memo out to his new teammates however, two-time premier Mitch Duncan posting a photo on the ground asking “where are you?” and tagging the ex-Dogs star.
Speaking of flags, Smith sent an ominous warning to the comp last month, posting a photo to Instagram at the MCG on Grand Final day with good mate and Pies player Nick Daicos with the caption “be out there one day.”
Rising Star Ollie Dempsey’s responded “next year brother.”
Smith also had tongues wagging with a now deleted workout video that we wouldn’t be able to show you here even if we had it.
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Originally published as Dad mode, farm work, and big trips: What have the Geelong Cats boys been up to this off season?
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