‘We love everyone’: A peak behind the curtain of Cats cheer squad’s prelim prep

The Geelong Cats cheer squad is sticking to a winning formula ahead of the cutthroat preliminary final, and they’re taking you behind the scenes.

Deep in the bowels of Kardinia Park, the squad is getting ready.

It’s a Thursday night, and it’s a weekly ritual for this tight group.

They’re getting ready for a big game, a preliminary final at the MCG against Brisbane on Saturday.

There is an underlying feeling of excitement, but they’re keeping a lid on it, they’ve been here before. They know how to handle this kind of pressure, they’re sticking to the formula.

But the players aren’t here, nor are the coaching staff, this is a meeting of the real lifeblood of the Cats.

Being part of the Geelong cheer squad is a big responsibility, and for Sam Magro, it is like being in a family.

Cats cheer squad member Sam Magro.

“We’ve got a pretty good crew, a lot of regulars,” Ms Magro said.

“It’s like a whole community, we love everyone.”

An AFL club’s cheer squad does many things, from waving pompoms and chanting on game day, to holding social functions.

But there’s one tradition they hold dear, above all else; the making of their weekly banner.

Ms Magro is integral to this three hour process.

“I lay down the foundations of the banner, cut out the letters, place them then stick it all together,” she said.

Cats banner making.

“I’ll probably cut some wind holes in it, very important at the G.”

The squad meet weekly in the Gartland Heritage Centre deep underneath the Players Stand to prepare the banner for the weekend.

There are about 30 people running around doing various tasks, some in socks walking over the banner, others are chatting, a group are showing off their new custom cowboy hats they’ve made in anticipation.

They’ve got more help than usual, according to Ms Magro.

It is deep into September after all.

The process is back dropped by good memories, footy records and player cards from premiership years gone by, and portraits of Brownlow medallists.

Before the team arrive at the home of footy on Saturday, Ms Magro and the rest of the squad will already be there, she calls it the “calm before the storm.”

Then the banner goes up, the squad take their seats behind the goals, Ms Magro picks up her pompom and the ball is bounced.

A lot of time is invested to be a part of this community, but Ms Magro said it doesn’t feel like a sacrifice.

“Everywhere you go this club is a community,” she said.

“My daughter sits, we wander around and do the banner, and I know that people are looking after her.

“We all bring different snacks and share, we also do things outside of the footy, it’s really welcoming, it’s beautiful.”

The message on Saturday’s banner is a closely guarded secret, but we’re assured it’s a cracker.

Originally published as ‘We love everyone’: A peak behind the curtain of Cats cheer squad’s prelim prep