Happy New Year!
Now to start thinking about what lies ahead.
The 2017 promises to be an absolute beauty, and below are some of the games that already have us frothing at the mouth ...
1. Round 1: Fremantle v Geelong, Domain Stadium, Sunday twilight
Freo has been tipped to be among the big improvers next year, so there will be plenty riding on this game. And the Cats might well come up against Shane Kersten, who joined the Dockers during the recent trade period.
2. Round 4: Hawthorn v Geelong, MCG, Monday afternoon
There is no greater modern rivalry than the Cats versus the Hawks. The first of their two meetings in 2017 is sure to have some extra spice given what happened in the 2016 qualifying final, when Isaac Smith missed a shot after the siren and Geelong won by two points.
3. Round 5: St Kilda v Geelong, Etihad Stadium, Sunday afternoon
The 2016 game between the Cats and the Saints was an extraordinary contest, and with St Kilda expected to improve further next year, another great game is on the cards.
4. Round 8: Essendon v Geelong, MCG, Saturday night
The MCG precinct will come alive for the second annual Powercor Country Program match, which celebrates the contribution of regional Australia to our great game. With the Bombers back at full strength, the on-field action should be first-class.
5. Round 9: Geelong v Western Bulldogs, Simonds Stadium, Friday night
What better way to celebrate the opening of the new Charles Brownlow Stand than by welcoming the reigning premiers to the Cattery on a Friday night.
6. Round 10: Geelong Port Adelaide, Simonds Stadium, Thursday night
The Cats host the Power in the second of three consecutive blockbuster games in Geelong. The most recent game between these sides was a spiteful affair. Expect more fireworks this time around.
7. Round 18: Adelaide v Geelong, Adelaide Oval, Friday night
Patrick Dangerfield will take on the Crows on their home turf for the second time. There won’t be as much hoopla as the first time he faced his former club, but expect Danger to get plenty of attention.
8. Round 20, Geelong v Sydney Swans, Simonds Stadium, Friday night
The Cats will have to wait most of the season for the chance to avenge their preliminary final loss to the Swans. These two clubs have forged a great rivalry in recent times, and if both clubs perform to expectations, this clash is likely to have major ramifications for the finals.
9. Round 21, Geelong v Richmond, Simonds Stadium, Saturday afternoon
The Tigers return to the Cattery for the first time since 2012. If the Tiges are having a decent season, Simonds Stadium will be bursting at the seams.
10. Round 23, Geelong v Greater Western Sydney, Simonds Stadium, TBA
As has been commonplace in recent years, the Cats have been handed a home game in the final round of the season. Given the Giants are presently the premiership favourites, this could be a hugely important contest. If Joel Selwood plays every game in the lead-up, it will be his 250th appearance for the Cats.
