AFL Media has assessed where our list is placed on the back of an eighth-placed finish in 2018.
List changes: The Cats have delisted six players – Stewart Crameri, Aaron Black, Timm House, Ryan Gardner, Cory Gregson and Matthew Hayball.
DEFENDERS
Key defenders: Mark Blicavs, Lachie Henderson, Jack Henry, Harry Taylor
General defenders: Jed Bews, Zach Guthrie, Mark O'Connor, Tom Stewart, Zach Tuohy, Jake Kolodjashnij
Summary: The emergence of Henry and Blicavs has dug them out of a hole. With Taylor expected to retire at the end of next season, key defenders will be on the shopping list this off-season. More dash off half-back to assist Tuohy is also essential.
MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders: Gary Ablett, Charlie Constable, Jordan Cunico, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Cameron Guthrie, George Horlin-Smith, Tim Kelly, Jordan Murdoch, Joel Selwood, Scott Selwood, Jackson Thurlow
Ruckmen: Ryan Abbott, Zac Smith, Rhys Stanley
Summary: Outside of Constable, all of the Cats' genuine midfielders will be 23 or older next season. Time to bring in young top-end talent. The Cats were stretched in the ruck division late in the year with Stanley injured and Smith battling for form.
FORWARDS
Midfielder/forwards: Sam Menegola, Quinton Narkle, Brandan Parfitt, Sam Simpson
General forwards: Nakia Cockatoo, Lachie Fogarty, Jamaine Jones, Lincoln McCarthy, Daniel Menzel, Gryan Miers, James Parsons
Key forwards: Wylie Buzza, Tom Hawkins, Esava Ratugolea.
Summary: The elimination final exposed Geelong's need for another key forward alongside Hawkins, with plenty of hopes riding on Ratugolea next year. With Cory Gregson delisted and the futures of Menzel and McCarthy pending, the Cats could be left thin for small forward options.
CONCLUSION
Holding pick 11 before compensations, it's a chance to go to the draft. The most pressing need falls between a quality forward/ruck or a top-end midfielder with Tim Kelly tipped to leave this year or next. With Harry Taylor nearing the end, and Lachie Henderson set to turn 29 by round one next year, key back depth is another requirement. - Mitch Cleary
