Tom Atkins says the Cats will take the opportunity to reset and freshen up for next season after their finals hopes were dashed following the loss to St.Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

The equation was a simple one for Geelong in the final weeks of the season: win the last two and play finals for the 16th time in the last 17 seasons, but it wasn’t to be. 

Atkins, speaking in the rooms after the game said it was a ‘weird’ feeling to be out of the running. 

“We're probably in shock a little bit," he said.

“It's been a while since we've missed finals but you can't doubt the boy's effort, we tried our best the whole year, but we just couldn't get things going. 

04:21

Atkins Post Game | Round 23

Tom Atkins speaks to the media after Round 23's loss to the Saints, after only the second time in 17 seasons Geelong won't be eligible for finals. Proudly Presented by Ford.

“They played well, they played the ground well, and they had some players that go on top, but we're just turning to the off-season now, turning to a reset, a bit of a freshen up.”

Atkins himself had another typically hard-nosed game, leading the team in Total Clearances (5) and tackles (9), along with 23 touches and a goal. 

But it was his younger teammates that he said are the silver lining in an otherwise tough season. 

“At the moment it's pretty disappointing, but there are a lot of good signs this year. We had guys step up through injury and I think it's exciting for the future of the club,” he said.

“I have to keep reminding myself how young these guys are. Max (Holmes) has played 50 games and he's not even 21 yet. 

35:33

Legends Of Kardinia Park | Episode 4 Peter Riccardi

Geelong great Peter Riccardi speaks to Cameron Ling about his life and career at the club. To watch the rest of this series, including episodes from Paul Chapman, Premiership Captain Fred Wooller and Mick Turner, head to the Hoops Exclusive portal...

“Tanner (Bruhn), I think he just turned 21 and it's his 50th is next week, so it's just so impressive, the mature heads they've got on their shoulders and they'll only be better for the year, they've had some great exposure and we get another pre-season under our belts, all training together, things are looking up for next year.”

With just the one game left Saturday night against the visiting Bulldogs, Atkins said he expects the team to play uninhibited. 

“I reckon we throw caution to the wind,” he said.

“Try and get things going our way, play some guys that haven't had a look in, but we've got nothing to lose. I've never played in a game like this, I've never played where there is nothing at stake, so it'll be a strange one but we'll try and get a bit out of it."

Geelong faces the Western Bulldogs at 7.25pm at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.