Geelong list analysis: Every Cat rated and when they are next out of contract
Geelong went all-in for a flag when it added Jeremy Cameron, Isaac Smith and Shaun Higgins in the off-season. Who delivered? See the full list ratings.
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Are they still in a premiership window or about to fall off a huge cliff?
Either way, it’s a dangerous list management game for Geelong over the next month as the club decides whether to cut hard or roll the dice once more.
Jay Clark breaks down the Cats’ list.
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1. Rhys Stanley
Age: 30 Games: 163 Status: Out of contract
He is a bit of a whipping boy at times, but to be fair the ruckman has been quite good for the Cats other than a couple of poor ones earlier in the season against Melbourne’s Max Gawn (in Round 4) and Swan Tom Hickey (in Round 7). Wants a two-year deal but Cats would prefer a one-year term. The return of Esava Ratugolea helps him carry the ruck load.
2. Zach Tuohy
Age: 31 Games 226 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
Contracted for one more season after playing some handy cameos in a variety of roles this year. The former Blue provides some run, a penetrating kick and a hard edge, and could play a role for the Cats again next year if they push, as expected, for another shot at the flag. His versatility to play almost any spot on the ground helps his cause but he will have to be up for another big summer.
3. Brandan Parfitt
Age: 23 Games: 95 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
The tough young midfielder’s performances this season show why the Cats were desperate not to lose him to Greater Western Sydney in the Jeremy Cameron deal last year. He is the Cats’ top tackler, has no worries winning his own footy, kicks a goal every second game on average and helps provide some balance in the engine room for superstar ballwinner Patrick Dangerfield.
4. Shaun Higgins
Age: 33 Games: 255 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
Veteran hasn’t had the impact he would have liked in his first season at the Cattery, prompting questions about whether he will fulfil the second season of his two-year deal in 2022. Surprisingly, Higgins’ ball use suffered this season and he has been used as the medi-sub amid some injury hiccups which hampered him early in the season in particular. North Melbourne would be happy with the pick No. 30 it received for the veteran last year.
5. Jeremy Cameron
Age: 28 Games: 186 Status: Contracted until the end of 2025
When he has played, Cameron has been dynamite, snagging 37 goals from his 14 senior games. From that perspective, Cameron’s partnership has justified the three early picks the Cats gave up for him, remembering Geelong got two second-round choices back in the deal. But his three separate hamstring injuries cost him a pre-season and any real training consistency throughout the year. On almost $1 million a year.
6. Jordan Clark
Age: 20 Games: 32 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
Has met with Fremantle officials who have continued to watch the speedster closely as it weighs up a play for him in the trade period. The West Australian has again been a fringe player at Geelong in his third season, averaging 14 possessions across the eight games he has played (was the sub in three others). The Cats believe there will be more opportunity for him next season but the recruitment of Shaun Higgins and Isaac Smith made it tougher for him to break in this year. Big chance he’s in purple next year but the Dockers will be reluctant to give up a first-round pick.
7. Isaac Smith
Age: 32 Games: 234 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
The former Hawk had an excellent year and was touted as an All-Australian contender by AFL champion Wayne Carey. After turning down a better off from the Demons, Smith has provided typical gut run on the wing and a sharp left foot for the Cats, kicking 14 goals for the season. Been extremely durable too, missing only one game for the season. Smart pick-up.
8. Jake Kolodjashnij
Age: 26 Games: 132 Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Meat and potatoes mid-sized defender was brushed off by Dustin Martin in that famous goal which helped swing the 2020 Grand Final Richmond’s way, but is picked every week as part of one of the best defences in the competition. Provides flexibility in that he can play tall and small and finally kicked the first goal of his career in the shock Round 21 loss to GWS Giants. Reliable foot soldier.
9. Max Holmes
Age: 19 Games: 12 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
Easy to see why the Cats were so keen to jump on Holmes in last year’s draft, swapping selections with Richmond to nab the hard-running wingman at pick No.20. The man who won the national under-18 junior title has leapfrogged Jordan Clark, playing 11 games in his first season. Might not have played a lot of top-line junior footy but the running machine has a bright future following an earlier than expected Easter Monday debut. Has come from clouds.
10. Ben Jarvis
Age: 21 Games: 1 Status: Delisted
Delisted last week by the Cats. The 190cm swingman made his debut in 2020 but wasn’t given the same chance this season. Cats are strong at both ends of the ground.
11. Josh Jenkins
Age: 32 Games: 149 Status: Delisted
Delisted last week. Played two games in two years at the Cats essentially as an insurance policy for Tom Hawkins but the former Crow was stuck on 149 games.
12. Cooper Stephens
Age: 20 Games: 0 Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
The inside midfielder who was taken with the club’s first pick in the 2019 national draft had this year wiped out by ankle surgery. Yet to make his debut but the Cats are happy to play the long game with the highly professional young ballwinner.
14. Joel Selwood
Age: 33 Games: 334 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
The champion midfielder inked an extension to play into next season after a very strong first half of the season. He passed Corey Enright as the club’s games record holder and will go down as one of the most influential figures and greatest players in the game’s history. Captain courageous will get a statue somewhere in Cat land.
15. Nathan Kreuger
Age: 22 Games: 2 Status: Out of contract
Emerging swingman has attracted interest as he is stuck behind Tom Hawkins, Esava Ratugolea and Jeremy Cameron in Geelong’s attacking pecking order. St Kilda is circling the 196cm tall and Collingwood asked the question last year and have been chasing another prime marking target since Tom Lynch picked Richmond over the Magpies and Hawks. Kreuger broke through for two late season games against North Melbourne and GWS Giants and, while he is still developing, he has shown signs he can play at both ends.
16. Sam De Koning
Age: 20 Games: 1 Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
The 202cm defender has exciting upside, much like his brother Tom who is an emerging ruckman at Carlton. Sam De Koning made his AFL debut this year and has already been locked away for two more years. The Cats are excited by his athletic ability, in particular, as a mobile key defender. The man taken with pick No. 19 two years ago seems like a perfect long-term replacement for versatile star tall Mark Blicavs.
17. Esava Ratugolea
Age: 23 Games: 55 Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Another Cat who knocked back GWS Giants a year ago. The powerful big man adds a different dimension to Geelong’s forward line with his high-flying aerial work and handy efforts in the ruck. Cats would have been relieved to lock him away for another two years mid-season. Great pick-up with pick No. 43 in the 2016 national draft.
18. Charlie Constable
Age: 22 Games: 12 Status: Out of contract
Needs to reinvigorate his career at a new club which can offer him senior opportunities. Inside midfielders aren’t in demand at the moment but at 22 years old Constable shouldn’t be written off yet. Cats may offer modest extension, but his best move is surely to start afresh elsewhere.
19. Quinton Narkle
Age: 23 Games: 33 Status: Out of contract
Put off a decision on his future until season’s end as he weighs up tempting offers to leave. Has been in and out of the team at a time when he is keen for his career to takeoff, not dissimilar to Richmond’s Shai Bolton. Suspect a decent payday awaits the livewire who was taken pick No.60 out of Perth in Western Australia. Cats are confident he stays and becomes a regular in the side next year.
20. Oscar Brownless
Age: 21 Games: 0 Status: Out of contract
Has focused on his inside game amid some excellent performances in the VFL. Has a huge tank and can rack up lots of the ball. Still developing. Cats weighing him up.
21. Nick Stevens
Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
First year defender from western Victoria spent the year developing and will be given more time.
22. Mitch Duncan
Age: 30 Games: 236 Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Lost a big chunk of the season to a posterior cruciate ligament injury but had 33 disposals in his return match on the eve of the finals. Star midfielder who might not have got the plaudits he has deserved but signed a long-term deal to ensure he plays out his career at Geelong. Western Australian clubs have long tried to bring him home without luck.
23. Gary Rohan
Age: 30 Games: 165 Status: Out of contract
Will sign a contract extension in low-key fashion to stay at the Cats following more talk about his quiet finals performances. Can Geelong trust him on the big stage? Not according to former captain Cameron Ling. Rohan has been electric at times this year and a constant threat throughout the bulk of the regular season alongside Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron. His highlights reel is as good as the best players in the competition according to coach Chris Scott. Kicked a beauty from the boundary to pip the Western Bulldogs after the siren.
24. Jed Bews
Age: 27 Games: 128 Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Unheralded small defender has become an important player as a mainstay of the back line over the past five years. After a string of modest contracts, Bews signed a decent three-year extension this year to give father-son product some longer-term security.
25. Lachie Henderson
Age: 31 Games: 206 Status: Out of contract
Thinking about a decision on his future this week after a disappointing finals exit. Could go again, but he looms as one the Cats could be prepared to let go to help inject more youth in the side. What a remarkable turnaround for the defender. The former Blue’s career looked over two years ago but he has climbed off the canvas to become an important and reliable backman. Has indicated he is keen to play on next year but those conversations were put to the side.
26. Tom Hawkins
Age: 33 Games: 302 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
Has had another exceptional season after signing a two-year extension in late 2020. Has delivered enormously on that show of faith from Geelong with another All-Australian guernsey this year. Booted 61 goals from 24 games but it is his creativity, selflessness and ability to set up others that has shone just as much in 2021. Could play on beyond 2022 if he wants to, in this form.
27. Sam Menegola
Age: 29: Games: 109 Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Secured a nice deal at the end of last season when he narrowly missed out on an All-Australian jumper. He has had another consistent year averaging 23 possessions on a wing and half forward flank. There doesn’t seem much temptation to return home to Western Australia despite some speculation about a move to Fremantle last year.
28. Darcy Fort
Age: 28 Games: 8 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
Didn’t get a look-in this year and his prospects may appear limited next season if Rhys Stanley and Esava Ratugolea remain fully fit. Fort may appeal to rivals looking for another ruckman such as Western Bulldogs, but he is tied to the Cats for one more season. Can be dominant in the VFL.
29. Cameron Guthrie
Age: 29 Games: 205 Status: Contracted until the end of 2025
Has become a genuine star of the competition and recently signed a long-term deal to play out his career at Geelong. Hard-running, team-oriented and tough, Guthrie is the $20 Thursday night pub meal which always hits the spot. Rival clubs never really entertained a serious play for him as his heart was always in Geelong.
30. Tom Atkins
Age: 25 Games: 57 Status: Contracted until end of 2023
Hard nut has made a successful switch from small forward to small defender, playing 21 games. Chris Scott knows he can count on his uncompromising approach. Signed a two-year extension this year. Another local find via the Cats’ successful AFL program.
31. Francis Evans
Age: 20 Games: 2 Status: Out of contract
Livewire forward was a surprise pick in 2019 when he was drafted from an amateur league by master recruiter Stephen Wells. He played the first two games of his career this year and is striving for a new deal to keep him at the Cats beyond this year. Kicked two goals against Brisbane in Round 2 to show he can perform at the level.
32. Gryan Miers
Age: 22 Games: 61 Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Has become an integral part of the forward line over the past three seasons, with his clever roving and craftiness around goals always a threat in attack. Seems to have gone past Luke Dahlhaus. Geelong extended his contract early in recognition of Miers’ importance.
33. Shannon Neale
Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
Geelong made an investment in its ruck stocks when it took the 202cm South Fremantle product with pick No. 33 last year. Neale will be a long-term play for the Cats as he continues to build up his body.
35. Patrick Dangerfield
Age: 31 Games: 285 Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
One of the best players in the game deserves his near $1 million a season pay packet. Still dominating games from the midfield after spending a big part of last season in a forward role, in part, because of a groin problem. Been hit by injuries again including a late season finger fracture but he is at the tip of the Cats’ midfield spear. Still chasing an elusive premiership as hard as ever.
36. Paul Tsapatolis
Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
Gun basketballer turned down other AFL clubs and opportunities to play professional hoops in Greece to sign with the Cats. The burgeoning ruckman signed a two-year deal as a category B rookie.
37. Sam Simpson
Age: 23 Games: 19 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
Father-son product has looked good when he’s had opportunities in a variety of roles through the middle of the ground. Part of the next generation of Cats who will take the reins when Joel Selwood and Mitch Duncan and Co. hand over the baton.
38. Jack Henry
Age: 23 Games: 90 Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Was the biggest selection surprise of Round 1 when he wasn’t picked. Henry has been outstanding in defence this season and looks like he could develop into one of the best backmen in the competition. Brilliant in the air and has been used forward, too. Signed a new three-year deal this year.
39. Zach Guthrie
Age: 23 Games: 33 Status: Out of contract
No-frills defender has taken steps forward this year, playing double-digit games in a season for the first time in his career. Expect him to sign on for at least another season.
40. Luke Dahlhaus
Age: 29 Games: Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
Former Western Bulldogs’ premiership forward will enter the final year of his four-year contract next season if he’s still keen to continue his AFL career. He has faced plenty of scrutiny for his modest form in 2021 and was dropped for the semi-final win over GWS Giants. But the Cats like the role he has played for the team in the forward half this season and teammates have queued up to support him. Been a solid acquisition considering he cost the club nothing as a free agent.
41. Cameron Taheny
Age: 20 Games: Status: Delisted
Delisted last week. Explosive mid-sized forward didn’t get a look at it this year.
42. Mark O’Connor
Age: 24 Games: 65 Status: Contracted until the end of 2022
Irish speedster has become one of the first picked under Chris Scott for his run and drive off half back and team-first run-with roles through the middle. Very popular within the playing group. A recruiting success story.
43. Stefan Okunbor
Age: 23 Games: 0 Status: Out of contract
Project player from Ireland hasn’t been able to break through for a senior game. Category B rookie.
44. Tom Stewart
Age: 28 Games: 106 Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
One of the best defenders in the competition received a deserved pay rise when he signed a three-year extension in late 2020. Problem is, an unfortunate and serious foot injury on the eve of the finals was a huge blow to the Cats’ premiership hopes. Superb pick-up from South Barwon in the Geelong Football League.
45. Brad Close
Age: 23 Games: 30 Status: Out of contract
Pressure forward has been something of a revelation in his long sleeves this season, playing 21 games in attack. The Cats have kept him waiting on a new deal but he will deserve a reward for his tackling efforts and busyness in the front end. Taken with a rookie pick as a mature-ager out of the SANFL.
46. Mark Blicavs
Age: 30 Games: 203 Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Not many players in the competition are as flexible as Blicavs who has looked like one of the best defenders in the competition when he’s not plugging holes in the ruck, or switching out on to a wing. We know about his huge tank, and the athletics background, which make Blicavs one of the most successful sport-swapping recruiting moves of recent times. Signed a five-year deal in 2018 to lock him away long term. Had a quiet September.
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