The AFL introduced free agency at the end of the 2012 season, giving players another vehicle where they can transfer from one club to another.
Under the rules that were agreed between the AFL and AFL Players Association (AFLPA) in February 2010, Restricted and Unrestricted Free Agents may consider offers from rival Clubs during the post-season free agency period, following the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
Under the AFL Player Rules, an Unrestricted Free Agent may automatically move to the Club of their choice.
Since its inception in 2012, Geelong has brought in six players through free agency including two integral parts of the 2022 Premiership team.
Take a look back at the Cats signings ahead of the 2024 Free Agency period, which is set to commence on Friday morning.
2012: Jared Rivers - Unrestricted Free Agent
Geelong's first ever free agency signing in the inaugural year was key defender, Jared Rivers who signed as an unrestricted free agent.
Rivers spent 10 seasons with Melbourne and played 150 games, before making the decision to join the Cats at the end of the 2012 season.
From 2013 through to 2015 the defender played 44 games in the Hoops, playing in five Finals matches and becoming an important part in Geelong's defensive unit.
Rivers announced his retirement in 2015, finishing on 194 total games in a terrific career.
2014: Sam Blease - Delisted Free Agent
The Cats second free agency signing was another Ex-Melbourne player, with Sam Blease joining Geelong at the end of 2014.
Blease had spent four years with the Demons playing 33 games, crossing over to the Cats ahead of the 2015 season.
Unfortunately a head knock saw Blease retire in August 2015, managing just one game for Geelong in that year.
2015: Scott Selwood - Restricted Free Agent
After a successful stint with West Coast, Scott Selwood joined brother Joel at Kardinia Park ahead of the 2016 season.
Selwood had spent eight years with the Eagles playing 135 games, bringing a successful resume that included a Best and Fairest win in 2012.
At the end of 2015 Selwood joined the Cats, going on to play four seasons and 34 games in the Hoops including six Finals matches.
Injuries unfortunately curtailed his career, finishing up his playing days and turning to coaching at the end of 2019.
2018: Luke Dahlhaus - Unrestricted Free Agent
Luke Dahlhaus' arrival at Geelong came with great anticipation, after featuring in 154 games and a Premiership (2016) with the Western Bulldogs.
A courageous small forward, Dahlhaus joined the Cats at the end of 2018 and became an important piece in Geelong's line-up.
From 2019 through to 2022 the forward played 71 games for Geelong, featuring in eight Finals and booting 31 goals along the way.
Dahlhaus retired at the end of the 2022 season, finishing up with 225 total games and a Premiership.
2020: Isaac Smith - Unrestricted Free Agent
Arguably one of the most successful free agent signings in AFL history, Isaac Smith joined Geelong at the end of the 2020 season.
Smith had spent 10 seasons and played 210 games with Hawthorn, featuring in three premierships before switching the brown and gold for the Hoops.
Across the next three seasons Smith played 70 games, most notably featuring in Geelong's 2022 Premiership and winning the Norm Smith Medal after an incredible display on Grand Final day.
Smith retired at the end of 2023 finishing on 280 games, a four time premiership player and a Norm Smith Medallist.
2021: Tyson Stengle - Delisted Free Agent
The incredible story of Tyson Stengle has been well documented, spending short stints with Richmond and Adelaide before joining Geelong at the end of 2021.
His first year with the Cats was simply extraordinary, earning an All-Australian selection and becoming a Premiership player in 2022.
Stengle's ability to hit the scoreboard has been impressive, kicking goals in 58 of his 69 games for Geelong to the end of the 2024 season.
After signing a long term contract extension this year, Stengle will remain with the Cats until at least the 2029 season.
