On the back of Lebron and Bronny James becoming the first ever father and son pair to play together in the NBA, we take a look back at some of Geelong’s best father-son combinations.

The Cats have had a rich history with father-son selections, producing some of the greatest players in the Club’s history.

Take a look at Geelong’s top four family combinations over the journey. 

Gary Ablett Senior & Gary Ablett Junior

The Ablett family has produced two of the greatest players that this game has ever seen, with Gary Senior and Gary Junior both dominating the AFL over a number of years.

Ablett Sr is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular players in history, kicking over 1000 goals and winning three Coleman Medals across his 248 game career.

The elder Ablett made four All Australian teams, the AFL Team of Century and was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame amongst a plethora of other accolades.

Entering the league there was plenty of hype around the younger Ablett and Gary Junior certainly did not disappoint, a two time premiership player and two time Brownlow medallist in his 357 game career.

There was also eight All-Australian selections, numerous best and fairest’s and AFLPA awards along the journey, equating to another incredible Ablett AFL career.

Jack Hawkins & Tom Hawkins

Another incredible family that will live on in Geelong folklore for generations to come, Jack and Tom Hawkins both left a lasting impact at Kardinia Park.

Jumping Jack was well renowned for his incredible vertical leap, taking countless high flying marks across 182 games in the Hoops.

Jacks starred in the Cats backline and represented Victoria at various stages, now inducted into the Geelong Football Club Hall of Fame.

Tom will go down in history as one of the Cats greatest ever players, finishing his career this year as the Club’s games record holder while also booting the third most goals of any Geelong player.

The Tomahawk holds an incredible resume which includes three premierships, five All-Australian selections and a Coleman Medal across 359 appearances.

John Scarlett & Matthew Scarlett

The Scarlett family has produced two of Geelong’s greatest defenders, with John and Matthew both starring at full back in the Hoops.

John played 212 AFL games between 1967 and 1978, well renowned for his dashing runs up the ground and elite field kicking. 

Now an inductee into the Geelong Football Club Hall of Fame, John paved the way for attacking full backs. 

No full back better embodied that attacking mantra than Matthew Scarlett, widely regarded as one of the top defenders in AFL history. 

The younger Scarlett was a three time premiership player with the Cats, making six All Australian teams and is now a member of the AFL Hall of Fame. 

Andrew Bews & Jed Bews

The Bews family legacy continues to grow in the modern era, with Jed still an integral part of the Cats squad heading into 2025. 

Andrew captained Geelong, featured in Grand Finals, represented Victoria and made an All Australian team across a stellar stint with the Cats. 

Jed has been a brilliant lockdown defender for a number of years, most notably playing an important role in 2022 to help Geelong win a premiership.