Richard Marles: Why Geelong is Australia’s most important sports club

What other social phenomenon can bind a city the way the Cats bind Geelong? I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

Street celebrations in Ryrie Street after Geelong Cats won the 2022 premiership. Picture: Alan Barber

In the months leading up to the 2007 federal election I spent days on end doorknocking homes in my seat of Corio.

During those same months, Geelong was preparing to play for its first premiership in 44 years.

In the week of the AFL grand final as I went door to door, it was hard to miss the overwhelming support on display for the mighty Cats.

It’s safe to say two in every three homes had banners or decorations up, proudly donning the blue and white for all to see. I’d never seen anything quite like it.

Richard Marles decked out his office in blue and white in the lead-up to the grand final.

To witness our community come together in a way only we could was a truly spectacular experience.

What other social phenomenon can bind a town the way the Cats bind Geelong?

Geelong was once dubbed “Sleepy Hollow”. “Sleepy Hollow” died on that day in 2007 and 15 years later, Geelong is as alive as ever.

The Geelong Cats really are the most important sporting club in our country. For our city, the depth and density of support for our footy club is greater than anywhere else.

On Sunday, fans turned out in their thousands at Kardinia Park. Among the crowd, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a complete stranger also meant standing next to one of your best friends.

The Cats celebrate winning the 2022 grand final on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

In Geelong, celebrations erupted in Ryrie St. Picture: Alan Barber

Win or lose, the Geelong Football Club writes the story of our town and on the weekend it was the happiest place on earth.

The happiness I’ve held on to every day since the grand final has been spoiled only once, as I sat in my parliamentary office on Wednesday and saw breaking news banners pointing to a Joel Selwood press conference. I knew what it meant.

After leading the Cats to their fourth premiership during his career – his first as captain – Joel’s mark on Geelong sits among the all-time greatest. He has, and will continue to serve as an inspiration to generations of fans.

Joel Selwood announces retirement at GMHBA stadium along with wife Brit, Coach Chris Scott. Picture: Jason Edwards

When announcing his retirement, Joel spoke of his family, saying “whatever I say, it won’t do them justice.” For me, that’s what footy is all about.

On Saturday, as Joel celebrated a win only few knew would be his last, I shed tears of joy. When the full-time whistle blew; When he plucked Sam Moorfoot, the team’s longstanding water boy, out of the crowd to join the players on the field; and when I witnessed crowds of people take to Geelong’s streets in celebration.

Joel personified it, but the legacy of camaraderie and community will be carried on for years to come.

Life really is better with the Geelong Football Club in it.

Richard Marles is a Geelong tragic … and deputy PM