The Geelong Cats have recognised their 160th birthday by unveiling a plaque at the site of the first meeting that formed the club.

On 18 July 1859, interested parties gathered at the Victoria hotel to form the Geelong Football Club. The site, at the corner of Moorabool and Malop Streets is now home to local radio broadcaster, K-rock.

The club is the second oldest elite sporting club in the world, and has gone on to enjoy great success both on and off the field.

Sixteen premierships across the VFA and VFL/AFL competitions, some of the greatest players the game has known, an exciting brand of football, significant community contributions, the longest serving sponsorship in world sport history with Ford and the launch of the club’s women’s team are some of the highlights of the club’s 160 years.

Geelong Vice-President Bob Gartland and Mayor Bruce Harwood unveil the plaque.


“This is a significant and historic milestone in our club’s history,” Cats CEO Brian Cook said.

“I doubt that those gathered at the Victoria hotel could have envisioned what the club would grow to, and what a huge impact the club would have on the city and region. The club has enjoyed success on the field of play and impacted in our community.

“The club has been a unifying force locally, and now has wider reach both nationally and internationally. Everybody that has contributed should be proud that the Geelong Football Club continues to thrive and succeed in an ever changing world.”