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Frequently Asked Questions About the Geelong Cats

When was the Geelong Football Club established, and what makes it historically significant?

The Geelong Football Club was officially established on July 18, 1859, during a meeting held at the Victoria Hotel. This makes Geelong the second oldest continuously existing club at an elite level of any code in the world, following only the Melbourne Football Club. The club's historical importance extends far beyond mere age, however. Thomas Wentworth Wills, a co-founder of Australian football, directly recommended Geelong's formation, linking the club to the sport's very origins. 

More significantly, Geelong was instrumental in developing fundamental rules that still govern the game today. The famous "running bounce" rule emerged from Geelong's innovative approach in the early 1860s. During a heated 1862 match against Melbourne, Geelong officials insisted the game was "not meant to be played like rugby" when Melbourne players carried the ball too far without bouncing. This led to Geelong enforcing their bouncing rule, which became standardised across Victoria in 1866.

How did the Geelong Cats get their team name, and what were they called before?

Before becoming the beloved "Cats," Geelong had two earlier nicknames that reflected their geographical identity. Initially, they were known as the "Seagulls," inspired by Geelong's coastal location. The dark blue and white striped uniform represented the blue waters of Corio Bay and the white seagulls inhabiting the area. Later, in 1878, coinciding with their move to Corio Oval, they became the "Pivotonians," which is a reference to Geelong's strategic importance as a pivotal point for shipping and railway routes in the region.

The transformation to "Cats" came from a more whimsical origin in 1923. After a disappointing start to the season with several losses, a local cartoonist humorously suggested that Geelong needed a black cat for good luck. The suggestion resonated with fans and the club, leading to the adoption of the "Cats" nickname that has endured for over a century. This evolution from literal geographical identities to a symbolic, media-influenced name demonstrates how club culture can evolve while maintaining its essential character.

How many premierships have the Geelong Cats won?

The Geelong Cats boast an impressive record of ten VFL/AFL premierships, won in 1925, 1931, 1937, 1951, 1952, 1963, 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2022. Additionally, they secured seven VFA premierships between 1878 and 1886, establishing an early "golden era" of dominance.

In the modern AFL era since 1990, Geelong has been remarkably successful with four premierships, making them the second most successful club during this period. The most memorable of these was the 2007 victory, which broke a 44-year drought with a record-breaking 119-point win over Port Adelaide, the largest Grand Final winning margin in history. This drought made the 2007 triumph particularly cathartic for supporters who had waited nearly half a century for premiership glory.

What is significant about GMHBA Stadium?

GMHBA Stadium, traditionally known as Kardinia Park, is the official home ground of the Geelong Cats. With a capacity of 40,000 spectators and 37,700 fixed seats, it stands as one of only three stadiums used for AFL home and away matches in Victoria and is unique as the only AFL ground in Victoria with a single team tenant.

The stadium has undergone numerous transformations throughout its history, operating under various commercial names including Shell Stadium, Baytec Stadium, Skilled Stadium, and Simonds Stadium before becoming GMHBA Stadium in 2018. The most recent major redevelopment was completed in March 2024, increasing capacity from 36,000 to 40,000 and featuring a new two-tier grandstand named after club legend Joel Selwood. This ongoing investment reflects the club's commitment to providing a world-class home ground experience while maintaining its intimate, fortress-like atmosphere.

Who are the greatest players in Geelong Cats history?

Geelong has produced an extraordinary array of football legends, headlined by Gary Ablett Sr., affectionately known as "God." Voted the greatest Geelong footballer of all time by past and present players in 2006, Ablett Sr. remains the club's all-time leading goalkicker with 1,021 goals. His high-flying spectacular marks and prolific goal-scoring made him an Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee and AFL Team of the Century selection.

Seven Geelong players have won the prestigious Brownlow Medal: Edward Greeves (1924), Bernie Smith (1951), Alistair Lord (1962), Paul Couch (1989), Jimmy Bartel (2007), Gary Ablett Jr. (2009), and Patrick Dangerfield (2016). The club's modern success has been built around generational talents, including Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins, Jeremy Cameron, and Matthew Scarlett, all of whom have contributed to multiple premierships.

Who are Geelong's main rivals?

Geelong maintains intense rivalries with both Hawthorn and Collingwood, defined by memorable Grand Final encounters and psychological warfare. The Hawthorn rivalry centres on two iconic Grand Finals: the brutal 1989 contest won by Hawthorn by six points (where Gary Ablett Sr. kicked nine goals in a losing side), and the surprising 2008 defeat that sparked the famous "Kennett Curse."

The Collingwood rivalry has produced multiple Grand Final meetings, with Geelong holding significant success against the Magpies in recent decades. The club also maintains historical rivalries with Richmond and Melbourne, with power dynamics shifting dramatically over different eras. These rivalries are more than just competitive contests; they're cultural phenomena that shape fan identity and create enduring narratives that transcend individual seasons.

How do I get Geelong Cats tickets?

The Geelong Cats’ games are always very in-demand, and you have luckily landed on one of the best spots to make sure you get a seat! Scroll to the top of this page to see all of the available Geelong Cats' tickets for all upcoming games, at the very best prices, backed with a 100% guarantee from Queen of Tickets. If you are a Cats fan, bookmark this page and never miss a game again – it's that simple!