The new year has arrived and it is an exciting year that lies ahead, as the Cats prepare themselves for a massive 2025 campaign.
With a number of riveting matchups scheduled, new recruits pulling on the Hoops for the first time and a plenty of milestones within reach, there is no better time to be a part of the Geelong Football Club.
The Cats will continue to ramp up preparations into the new year, with their first match simulation scheduled for the 17th of February.
With the calendar officially flipped over to 2025, we take a look at the top five things to look forward to this year.
1. 10 Games at GMHBA Stadium
Geelong are set to host 10 games at GMHBA Stadium in 2025, the first time that has occurred since the 1996 AFL season.
The first clash at the venue is set for Round One, with the Cats to host Fremantle in a Saturday afternoon showdown.
One of the biggest matchups slated at Kardinia Park this year comes in Round 15, with Geelong set to host Brisbane in a Friday night blockbuster.
Other teams set to play at GMHBA Stadium in 2025 include Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs, Essendon and Port Adelaide.
2. Geelong's New Recruits
Through the 2024 trade and draft period, Geelong's list altered significantly with a total of 10 changes made heading into 2025.
Among the exciting acquisitions, the Cats secured young midfielder, Bailey Smith via trade and dynamic forward, Jack Martin as a free agent.
Geelong also brought in seven players through the national and rookie drafts, while acquiring Cillian Burke as a Category B Rookie from Ireland.
The plethora of new faces join the Cats emerging young core, as they look to make their Geelong debuts in 2025.
3. Dangerfield's 350th
Geelong's captain and champion player, Patrick Dangerfield can join an exclusive club in 2025 as he looks to reach his 350th AFL game.
Entering the 18th season of his glittering career, Dangerfield currently sit on 337 games needing just another 13 appearances to reach the milestone.
Analysing his time at the top level, the Cats skipper has played more than 13 games every year except for 2007, his debut season at the top level.
If Dangerfield can get to 350 games in 2025, he will become just the 25th player in V/AFL history to reach the milestone.
4. An Opening Round Blockbuster
Geelong will make their Opening Round debut in 2025, the second year of the AFL's new concept as the Cats kick off the season in the first game of the year.
It will be no small occasion in any sense, with Geelong set to take on the reigning premiers, Brisbane at the Gabba to commence 2025.
The clash will be an exciting rematch of the 2024 Preliminary Final, with the two sides squaring off in plenty of memorable clashes over the past few years.
Both teams will be looking to start their year on a positive note, setting up a blockbuster clash between two of the competition's top teams.
5. Jeremy Cameron's 700th Goal
He will need to put together another solid campaign, but Jeremy Cameron has a chance to reach 700 goals in his AFL career this year.
After a great season in 2024, Geelong's star forward finished on 648 goals leaving him 52 majors short of the next significant milestone.
Cameron has booted 65 goals (2022), 53 goals (2023) and 64 goals (2024) in his last three seasons meaning that based off recent form, the 700 goal milestone could be within reach.
If he can reach the number, Cameron would become just the 27th player in V/AFL history and the fourth Geelong player to kick 700 career goals.
