AFL 2022 list analysis: Every Geelong player rated, plus their contract status beyond 2022
Geelong told Jack Bowes it wanted him to fit straight into its premiership defence. But, with so many other inclusions, will he even be in the mix for Round 1?
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After being written off as too old, Geelong made its doubters eat their words as the Cats dominantly claimed the premiership.
And fresh off the flag win the Cats have had an outstanding trade period as they continue to show why they are one of the best run clubs around.
The retirement of inspirational captain Joel Selwood will hurt but the Cats look set to be in decent shape to defend their crown in 2023.
Here’s how the Cats list is looking as Chris Scott’s side prepares for a flag defence.
1. RHYS STANLEY
Age: 31 | Games: 183 | Status: Signed to 2023
For all the question marks around Stanley as a ruckman he has a premiership to his name.
But his spot will be one to watch in 2023 with other big men such as Jon Ceglar pushing for his spot.
2. ZACH TUOHY
Age: 32 | Games: 250 | Status: Signed to 2023
The brilliant Irishman signed a one-year extension recently as he chases Jim Stynes’ record for the most games played in the AFL by someone from Ireland.
Expect a call on whether he goes on another year to be made late on in 2023.
5. JEREMY CAMERON
Age: 29 | Games: 210 | Status: Signed to 2025
The Cats paid a lot to bring Cameron to Geelong from GWS but he has been worth every penny and draft pick.
He is up there in the conversation for the best player in the competition and is a big part in one of the most potent forward lines in the game.
6. TOBY CONWAY
Age: 19 | Games: None | Status: Signed to 2025
Hasn’t tasted AFL action yet but this should change sooner rather than later. Should be the Cats future ruckman.
7. ISAAC SMITH
Age: 33 | Games: 258 | Status: Signed to 2023
Ages like a fine wine as he won the Norm Smith in his fourth premiership win.
Signed a new one-year deal at Geelong, and will be another to expect a decision late next year as to whether he continues his career.
8. JAKE KOLODJASHNIJ
Age: 27 | Games: 155 | Status: Signed to 2024
The Tasmanian has become a dependable defender for the Cats, evident by them bringing him back for the preliminary final against Brisbane after he was injured against Collingwood.
Can go somewhat under the radar but is an important player for the Cats.
9. MAX HOLMES
Age: 20 | Games: 30 | Status: Signed to 2024
The hardluck story of the grand final after he was a late withdrawal following a hamstring injury in the preliminary final.
But Holmes has been huge for the Cats this year with his role on the wing big in Geelong’s new game style.
10. MITCH KNEVITT
Age: 19 | Games: 2 | Status: Signed to 2023
Played two games for the Cats this year after he was selected with Pick 25 in the 2021 Draft.
A 193cm midfielder, Knevitt is an interesting prospect for the Cats.
11. COOPER WHYTE
Age: 19 | Games: None | Status: Signed to 2023
The local lad hasn’t played a game for Geelong yet. Can play in both the midfield and forward lines with a nice left foot.
15. JONATHON CEGLAR
Age: 31 | Games: 104 | Status: Signed to 2023
Only managed the three games in 2022 after coming to the Cats from Hawthorn.
But was in line for a shock finals call-up, which shows that some more opportunities could be in store in 2023.
16. SAM DE KONING
Age: 21 | Games: 24 | Status: Signed to 2023
Had a sensational year, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young defenders in the competition. Will be in line for a big contract next year.
17. ESAVA RATUGOLEA
Age: 24 | Games: 59 | Status: Signed to 2023
Tried and failed to get a move to Port Adelaide during the trade period. Barely played at AFL level in 2022 but the Cats are excited about what he showed as an intercept defender in the back-half of the VFL.
He will be one to watch in 2023 for multiple reasons.
18. TYSON STENGLE
Age: 24 | Games: 41 | Status: Signed to 2023
One of the most remarkable stories going around in the AFL in the moment after he salvaged his career following his issues at the Crows.
Has proved to be an inspired pick-up by the Cats, with an All-Australian in his first season at Geelong.
20. JAMES WILLIS
Age: 19 | Games: None | Status: Signed to 2023
The South Australian had to deal with a long term injury in his first season at the Cats, making his VFL debut in July.
A contested ball winner who loves the physical side of things, Willis will be looking to put his best foot forward in pre-season.
22. MITCH DUNCAN
Age: 31 | Games: 258 | Status: Signed to 2024
After only appearing 13 times in 2021 Duncan was able to get on the park far more often for the Cats.
He provides the Cats with plenty of class with the ball in hand.
23. GARY ROHAN
Age: 31 | Games: 177 | Status: Out of contract
Still without a contract for 2023 but you’d expect a new deal will be finalised soon.
Was quiet in the grand final but kicked five goals in the qualifying and preliminary finals, after his lack of performances in finals continued come under focus.
24. JED BEWS
Age 28 | Games: 151 | Status: Signed to 2024
Has become an extremely important player for the Cats. Extremely reliable in defence, Bews is a player the Cats love.
25. FLYNN KROEGER
Age: 19 | Games: None | Status: Signed to 2023
The Cats will give Kroeger plenty of time to develop. A strong and speedy midfielder, Kroeger can also play off halfback. Had a meteoric rise in his draft year.
26. TOM HAWKINS
Age: 34 | Games: 327 | Status: Signed to 2023
Shows no signs of slowing down, with an amazing year to help the Cats to the flag.
This was even more incredible given that Hawkins struggled with a foot injury for the final two months of the season, and has undergone surgery on it.
He is in danger of missing the start of the season.
27. SAM MENEGOLA
Age: 30 | Games: 116 | Status: Signed to 2023
Only played the seven games for the Cats in 2022. Will be one to watch in 2023, especially if he can’t get back in the team.
28. OLIVER DEMPSEY
Age: 19 | Games: 2 | Status: Signed to 2023
The former basketballer was able to make his debut for the Cats in 2022. A young key forward, Geelong will be hoping he continues to develop in 2023.
29. CAMERON GUTHRIE
Age: 30 | Games: 230 | Status: Signed to 2025
Can one of the best midfielders if not the best of the reigning premiers be underrated?
Because that’s what it feels like with Guthrie.
A ball-winning machine, Guthrie will have an even bigger role in the Cats midfield next year with Joel Selwood retiring.
30. TOM ATKINS
Age: 27 | Games: 82 | Status: Signed to 2025
His move into the midfield was a masterstroke by Scott and his coaching staff.
He recently signed a contract extension fresh off his career-best year.
32. GRYAN MIERS
Age: 23 | Games: 83 | Status: Signed to 2023
A small forward who is vital to the prolific Cats attack. Will sign a new deal in 2023, the question will be for how long and for how much?
33. SHANNON NEALE
Age: 20 | Games: 2 | Status: Signed to 2023
Another young key developing key forward, Neale played two games for the Cats in 2022.
The Cats will be looking for him to continue his development in 2023.
35. PATRICK DANGERFIELD
Age: 32 | Games: 303 | Status: Signed to 2024
Now has the premiership he has truly craved. Something to watch will be how the Cats use the star, as a midfielder or as a forward?
37. SAM SIMPSON
Age: 24 | Games: 19 | Status: Out of contract
Didn’t play any games this year after battling concussion symptoms earlier on in the season.
Still without a contract his career at the Cattery looks to be in doubt.
38. JACK HENRY
Age: 24 | Games: 107 | Status: Signed to 2024
Had another stellar year as an intercept marker in the Cats backline. Will be a regular of Geelong’s defence for years to come.
39. ZACH GUTHRIE
Age: 24 | Games: 54 | Status: Signed to 2024
After being in and out of the side in recent years Guthrie became a key member of the Cats defensive unit in 2022. He provides plenty of run and carry and can also produce intercept marks.
42. MARK O’CONNOR
Age: 25 | Games: 87 | Status: Signed to 2024
Played 22 games for the Cats in 2022 but was fighting for his spot all season. Expect this to continue again in 2023 but O’Connor can be a valuable contributor for the Cats next season.
44. TOM STEWART
Age: 29 Games: 126 Status: Signed to 2024
Slightly hurt his reputation after his suspension for an ugly hit on Richmond’s Dion Prestia but what a player Stewart has been for the Cats.
Taken with pick 40 in the 2016 draft, he looks set to be a good chance at being the next captain of the Cats, which would further enhance his incredible story.
45. BRAD CLOSE
Age: 24 | Games: 55 | Status: Signed to 2023
Another incredible piece of recruiting by the Cats, taking the former Glenelg product in the 2019 rookie draft.
Has become an influential small forward for the Cats.
TANNER BRUHN
Age: 20 | Games: 30 | Status: Signed to 2025
The Geelong Falcons product has returned home after two years at GWS.
Will add to the Cats midfield stocks but can also play other positions in a boost for Geelong.
JACK BOWES
Age: 24 | Games: 83 | Status: Signed to 2026
The former top 10 pick and pick 7 in this year’s draft came Geelong’s way in an incredible deal for the Cats after Gold Coast looked to salary dump Bowes’ contract.
Only played five games for the Suns this year, but showed strong form in the VFL.
OLIVER HENRY
Age: 20 | Games: 25 | Status: Signed to 2024
Got a move from Collingwood to play alongside brother Jack. A forward at the Pies, Henry could be deployed in the backline or even on a wing for the Cats next season.
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