Geelong played in finals in every year between 1962 and 1969. In 1863, Geelong travelled to Melbourne to contest the Caledonian Challenge Cup. The Geelong Football Club is in mourning the passing of past president Frank Costa. A notable recruit for Geelong came in the form of Matthew Scarlett, son of former player, John. Following the conclusion of the 1959 season, Hickey retired as coach and was succeeded by Bob Davis, a dual premiership player from the club's successful 1951 and 1952 period. [14], Geelong's administrative headquarters is its home stadium, GMHBA Stadium or also known as Kardinia Park. [1] The club continued to excel over the following twenty years in the VFA, and established itself as one of the dominant clubs in the association by winning a total of seven premierships up to the birth of the (Victorian Football League) (VFL) in 1897.[14]. [18][19][20] Geelong have been known as the 'Cats' ever since. 1995 saw the club improve. A Black Cat badge made in 1923. In late 1921, the VFA granted the Geelong & District Junior Football Association permission to establish a new senior club to be admitted to the Association. In 1990, the league was expanded to a national level and became known as the Australian Football League (AFL). [8] A reprint of what were believed in 1923 to have been the Geelong's eleven 1859 rules appeared in the Geelong Advertiser courtesy of Fred Blackham from an old folded card. The ball, while in Play, may under no circumstances be thrown The move paid handsome dividends, as Ablett reached the second fastest century in VFL/AFL history. The Geelong Football Club fielded a reserves team in both of these competitions, allowing players who were not selected for the senior team to play for Geelong in the lower grade. [65], Geelong again participated in the finals series across the next two seasons, reaching the preliminary finals in 2013 and the semi-finals in 2014. Geelong also recruited Brad Ottens from Richmond during the 2004 trade period;[35] this trade would later prove significant with Ottens playing a key role in the club's coming premiership success. Tallies of 10 goal against North Melbourne, and 12 against his favourite victim, Richmond, in winning sides. The stadium is currently undergoing construction, which has reduced the stadium's capacity to around 26,000. History of the Geelong Football Club - Wikipedia As Ablett walked back to take his kick, the siren went, and Ablett kicked the winning goal, propelling Geelong to its third Grand Final in seven years. The resultant loss caused the cats to exit by losing both finals. Jack Hawkins - NSW Australian Football History Society Inc All the latest news, video, results and information Geelong Football Club. [5][10], Many of the club's official records before 1920 have disappeared. Geelong went on to play for most of its existence in the premier competitions, the first competition, the Caledonian Society Cup, a foundation club of both the Victorian Football Association (VFA) in 1877 and the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 1897.,[6] VFL and continues in the elite Australian Football League (AFL). PRESIDENT CAPTAIN COACH: LEADING GOALKICKER: BEST & FAIREST; 1859: A Mason: Hocking announced as new Chief Executive - Geelong Football Club Clarence Football Club - Pat Hartnett With 25seconds left and a boundary throw-in, the ball came to ground and Martyn cleared, only for the ball to be marked by Leigh Colbert. [46] This was the beginning of a winning-streak where the club won 15 games in succession before losing to the second-placed Port Adelaide in round 21. the sole Judges of infringements. In 1993 the Geelong once again underachieved as Malcolm Blight experimented with more defensive tactics. Contact: Damien on 0418 171 955 or damien.dillon@gcc.tas.gov.au. Bob Gartland Did you know Geelong weren't called the Cats until 1923? A giant figure in Victoria's second-biggest city, Mr Costa and his brother Adrian took over the family fruit and vegetable business in 1958, growing Costa Group into a billion-dollar company. ^ Denotes the ladder was split into two conferences. Thompson's first season as senior coach in 2000 was somewhat successful; Geelong finished the regular season in fifth position and qualified for the finals series for the first time since 1997, losing to Hawthorn in an elimination final. Historian Graeme Atkinson considers it likely that Geelong's rules were drawn up prior to the establishment of both Geelong and Melbourne Football Club's and that club's rules being drafted on 17 May 1859. It is sung to the tune of "Toreador" from Carmen. Tenure Geelong Football Club Limited Director for nine years, and President for seven years Experience Colin joined the Board of Directors in July 2008 after previously serving from 1987 until 1993. It adopted the Laws of Australian Football in the early 1860s after a series of compromises with the Melbourne Football Club. The Geelong Past Players & Officials Club are always keen to track down former team-mates. He joined the Geelong board in the . The two clubs fostered a strong early rivalry. Billy Brownless stood out with a fantastic mark in the second quarter, as well as four goals. Tenure Geelong Football Club Limited Director appointed 15 June 2007, and Vice President for five years Experience Bob has been a Director of the Geelong Cats since 2007, Vice President since 2014, chair of the Geelong Cats Honouring the Past Management Committee, a Foundation Member of the Geelong Cats Forever Bequest Club, Chair of the Geelong [96], The Cats finished fourth on the ladder at the end of the COVID effected 2020 regular season and, despite losing to Port Adelaide by 16 points in the qualifying final, they would finally end their losing run in preliminary finals and book their first grand final place in nine years after defeating Collingwood and Brisbane by 68 and 40 points in the semi final and prelim respectively. 2009. Graham Farmer succeeded Fred Wooller as captain in 1965, leading the club until the end of 1967. A week later it seemed Geelong had no hope of beating Carlton, who had finished 2nd after the home and away season, given that their three best midfielders; Garry Hocking, Paul Couch and Mark Bairstow were not playing through injury. case of the ball being forced between the goal posts in a scrimmage a goal shall be awarded Geelong and the stray Cats - The Age Remembering the past gives power to the present. [71], After finishing tenth on the ladder in 2015, Geelong failed to qualify for the finals series; it was the first time the club had not played in the finals since the 2006 season. [91] The Cats were excellent in the first half of the season, winning 11 of their first 12 matches. Under Devine, the club grew accustomed to the league-wide introduction of the salary cap and AFL Draft, recruiting Barry Stoneham, Garry Hocking, Mark Bairstow and Billy Brownless. The club contested its first interclub match against Melbourne at Argyle Square in 1860, which finished as a scoreless draw. On the eve of the season, Gary Ablett retired for odd reasons. For many footballers who were seldom more than semi-professional sportsmen, match payments supplemented Great Depression-hit wages. [42] In September 2017, the club was announced as one of two clubs, along with North Melbourne, to receive a license to join the competition in 2019. AFL 2023: Alastair Lynch's blueprint for Tasmania team It was alleged that saboteurs attempted to destroy one of the special trains carrying Geelong supporters to the match in South Melbourne. Geelong also field teams in other competitions; a reserves men's team in the Victorian Football League (VFL), a senior women's team in the AFL Women's (AFLW) and a reserves women's team in the VFL Women's (VFLW) competitions. Frustratingly for supporters of the Club, 1963 was the last time that Geelong enjoyed premiership success until 2007. [32], Geelong returned to the finals in 2004, progressing through to the preliminary finals where they lost to Brisbane by nine points. The historic beginnings of the Geelong Football Club - YouTube In 1952, Geelong easily defeated Lou Richards' Collingwood team. [89][90], The 2019 season saw Geelong finish on top of the AFL ladder for the first time since 2008. Any player who played in the first or second eighteen could join, and the committee could appoint life members. He therefore was unable to play in the grand final. VII. Geelong did not participate in the 1916, 1942 and 1943 VFL seasons due to the World Wars (indicated in grey), Known as the Victorian Football League from 18971989; no grand finals were held in 1897 and 1924, Known as the Victorian Football Association (VFA) from 18771996, The 2020 season was cancelled, and the 2021 grand final was cancelled without a premiership being awarded, due to the. The club qualified for the AFLW finals series for the first time since Geelong's inaugural season in the competition in 2019. In ease of deliberate infringement of any of the above Rules by either side the Captain of the opposite side may claim that any one of his party Geelong managed to defeat the reigning premiers, Hawthorn, in the two clubs' second meeting of the season in Round 17. Consistent with the close finish of 1989, Hawthorn won the match by two points. During his time however, Hafey helped recruit several players to the club, including Gary Ablett, Paul Couch, and Greg Williams. The club's high scoring game plan led them into their first Grand Final since 1967, however they were defeated by Hawthorn by just six points (in what was regarded as one of the greatest grand finals of all time). He then has a free kick: no player from the opposite side being allowed to come inside the spot marked Over the next two weeks, Geelong met Hawthorn and the West Coast Eagles, both losses for the club. Geelong won a memorable preliminary final by five points on their way to their first flag in 44 years. Frustratingly, Geelong narrowly missed the finals on percentage, despite arguably being the form team at the end of the year. It was not until late in the season when Geelong reverted to its all-out attacking style of play. Figure refers to the club's overall finishing position in the home-and-away season. [2], VFL and continues in the elite Australian Football League (AFL). Pushing with the hands or body is allowed when any Player is in rapid motion, or in possession of the Ball, except in the case provided for in rule VI Taylor appointed Vice President - Geelong Several experienced players urged Blight to revert to Geelong's customary geisha style of play. The match was notable with Geelong successfully completing a comeback from a 28-point deficit early in the final quarter to record a victory when an after-the-siren kick Jimmy Bartel scored a point and resulted in a win. Geelong met North Melbourne in the Preliminary Final in a match which proved even more nailbiting than their match with Footscray 2 weeks prior. Carter has been a key driver within the football industry over the past 35 years. Geelong were victorious, defeating St Kilda by 12 points. The Geelong Advertiser appears to indicate that Geelong had Saturday football teams regularly "hacked shins" in March 1859. The roller-coaster season saw coach Gary Ayres quit to take the job at Adelaide, which ironically was available after Malcolm Blight quit, almost identical to when Ayres took over Geelong in 1995. [48] As a marquee player, Ablett signed a five-year contract worth an estimated $1.6 million (AUD) a season, which was significantly more than Geelong could afford to offer. [1] Initially playing under its own rules, some of which, notably, were permanently introduced into Australian Football. In 1941, the club was forced to relocate from its Corio Oval base due to the oval being required for military training during World War II. I. Season 1991 started ominously. Geelong's traditional guernsey colours are white with navy blue hoops. In the 1989 Grand Final, Geelong played the man, resulting in major injuries for several Hawks players, Mark Yeates knocking out Dermott Brereton at the opening bounce; Hawthorn controlled the game, leading by approximately 40 points for most of the match; in the last quarter, Geelong almost managed to come from behind to win, but fell short by six points. Former Geelong Cats president Frank Costa dies age 83 Many of the club's official records before 1920 have disappeared. Used for most of the club's home matches in the AFL all home matches in other competitions. 2023 Geelong Football Club season - Wikipedia Frank Costa, former Geelong Cats president and philanthropist, dies 2022 Geelong Football Club season - Wikipedia Unlike these clubs, Geelong recruited poorly and/or could not afford to recruit quality footballers. "They include having co-founded and run for 15 years Geelong's original YMCA little league football competition, working on the YMCA board for a decade including two years as president . Garry Hocking would once again win the Best and Fairest award, and miss out on the Brownlow Medal by a vote in the process. In 1930, Collingwood defeated Geelong in the grand final making it four flags in-a-row for the Pies. The Norm Smith Medal was awarded to Paul Chapman, after gathering 26 possessions and scoring three goals, including the goal which effectively won the match for Geelong. XI. [97]. During the 1989 season, Geelong were the only club to win matches by 100 points for three weeks in succession. The Best and Fairest was won by Paul Couch, who narrowly missed out on winning his second Brownlow Medal. Blight agreed and Geelong began to play like champions again. A goal must be kicked fairly between the posts without touching either of them or any portion of the person of one of the opposite side in Geelong would later deny Collingwood three successive premierships in 1937, winning a famous grand final by 32 points. The Cats have been the VFL/AFL premiers ten times, with four in the AFL era (since 1990) in 2007, 2009, 2011, and most recently, 2022, to be the most successful club over that period (sharing that title with Hawthorn). The Geelong Football Club Past Players Association (GFCPPA) was established in 1933, two years after Geelong had won its second VFL Premiership in 1931. The club met fifth placed Footscray in the first week of the finals. VI. The Cats would meet eventual premier, North Melbourne in the first week of the finals, which saw North win by over 10 goals. Tony Lockett kicked his nine goals for St Kilda by three-quarter time. The club's sole loss occurred in Round 9 with an 86-point deficit against Collingwood. Geelong then travelled to Adelaide to play the Crows (who ironically finished lower on the ladder than Geelong but still got to host the game) and lost the match by eight points, after field umpire Grant Vernon failed to pay a courageous Leigh Colbert mark late in the game while Geelong were narrowly hanging on to a lead. [73] Dangerfield's recruitment, in particular, had been the subject of much media speculation throughout the season, as it was confirmed that he wished to return to his home state of Victoria. Against the Brisbane Bears at Carrara the club kicked a VFL/AFL record score of 37 goals 17 behinds (239 points). Coach Mark Thompson was widely perceived to be at risk. [33] Post season, Geelong signed Nathan Ablett under the fatherson rule,[34] just as the club had done with older brother Gary in 2001. Geelong play most of their home games at Kardinia Park (known for sponsorship reasons as GMHBA Stadium) and play the remainder at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. [64] In the reserves however, Geelong won its third VFL premiership, defeating Port Melbourne by 33 points in the 2012 VFL Grand Final. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Long-time Geelong president and philanthropist Frank Costa, the only person to have been named a legend of the AFL club without ever playing for the Cats, has died after a year-long battle. [7], The Geelong Football Club was formally established at a meeting held in the Victoria Hotel on 18 July 1859.[1]. Also in 1993, Blight decided to play Gary Ablett at Full Forward permanently. The two sides played against each other in 6 finals between 1951 and 1955, including the 1952 Grand Final when Geelong easily beat Collingwood by 46 points. The club finished second on the ladder to Carlton. Geelong finished second to Essendon in its inaugural season after a round-robin finals system was used to determine the premier instead of the traditional Grand Final. The club's nickname was first used in 1923 after a run of losses prompted a local cartoonist to suggest that the club needed a black cat to bring it good luck. [citation needed], Geelong's season began strongly in 2009, with the club winning the 2009 NAB Cup and managing a successive run of victories for the opening 13 rounds of the season. The club was on a financial precipice, playing in a crumbling venue and had not tasted premiership success in 36 years. They have also won ten McClelland Trophies, the most of any AFL/VFL club.[1][3]. The club had a good home-and-away season to finish fourth. Responding to member anger, the Board ordered a comprehensive review of all aspects of the administration of the club and of the club's personnel. This match ended up being a sad farewell to Gary Ablett Jnr, who was playing his last game after hurting his twice previously-injured shoulder in the opening minutes of the match. Thank You Colin - Geelong Football Club [63] This unexpected loss resulted in some commentators stating that it was the end of Geelong's era of recent success. Particularly notable was the 2001 AFL Draft, where future premiership players Jimmy Bartel, James Kelly, Steve Johnson and Gary Ablett Jr. (under the fatherson rule) were all selected by Geelong. [99] Geelong has also participated in the VFL Women's competition since 2017.[100]. At the beginning of 1964, Geelong recruited John "Sammy" Newman as a ruckman from Geelong Grammar School. 2. The club earned a week break and returned for the third weeks clash against Richmond, and won by 89 points and so for the second consecutive season and for the fourth time in seven years, Geelong played for the premiership, this time against Carlton, who had only lost two games for the year. The first player to win the award was Geelong's Edward Greeves. [11] This rule was later standardised in Victoria in 1866. [45] Chapman's criticisms, which followed a similar assessment from coach Mark Thompson, led to a group discussion involving all of the club's playing and coaching staff, and produced frank assessments of both individuals and the club in general. [8] Rules allegedly used by the Geelong Football Club in 1859 were originally written down by hand. . The first meeting of the past players was held a week later on 17 August 1933, where a motion was moved for a Past Players Association to be formed. Key points: Cook replaces Cain Liddle, who left the position of chief executive last week The appointment will fuel speculation Alastair Clarkson may join the Blues as senior coach in the future [12], The team has worn various away guernseys since 1998, all featuring the club's logo and traditional colours.[13]. Colin stepped down in 1993 as a result of being appointed to the AFL Commission, a role he held until early 2008. Geelong once again played West Coast for the premiership. Geelong Past Players & Officials Club | Former Footballers The Cats have been the VFL/AFL premiers ten times, with four in the AFL era (since 1990). Tom Wills, one of the founders of Australian football, played exclusively for Geelong from 1865 until his retirement from football in 1874. In 1999 the club won five games straight to open the season. [36] A notable departure from Geelong was Ben Graham, the club captain from 2000 to 2002,[37] who quit playing Australian rules football to pursue a career as a punter with the New York Jets in the National Football League. Geelong finished the regular season in first position on the ladder, earning the club a second-consecutive McClelland Trophy, its ninth overall. Geelong Cats 160 years: How pub meeting kicked off our great club Geelong went on to play for most of its existence in the premier competitions, the first competition, the Caledonian Society Cup, a foundation club of both the Victorian Football Association (VFA) in 1877 and the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 1897. The Board opted for stability over the uncertainty of radical personnel change. The move followed the redevelopment of the old Doug Wade stand. During that time, the Geelong reserves team won thirteen premierships (1923, 1924, 1930, 1937, 1938, 1948, 1960, 1963, 1964, 1975, 1980, 1981, 1982), the most of any club. In the finals the club met 7th placed Footscray and won by 82 points. The author, Susan Kruss, has devoted a significant amount of time in pursuit of an accurate appraisal of events over the last 80 years of existence of the GPPOC. The club finished 12th, its lowest finish for over 40 years and its equally lowest ever. PDF 2018 Financial Statements They have also won ten McClelland Trophies, the most of any AFL/VFL club. Mark Thompson was appointed coach. Despite dominating in the VFA, Geelong found the premiership harder to win in the VFL. [citation needed], Geelong changed their name to the Geelong Cats in 2008 and continued to dominate with the club having a regular season record of 21 wins and one loss to become the best-performing team in the home-and-away season since Essendon in 2000. The ball may at any time be taken in hand, but not carried further than is necessary for a kick. III. The Constitution was finalised at a general meeting on 3 October 19333, and with that the Geelong Football Club Past Players Association was officially launched.