In a nutshell
The gap between the Cats' best and worst was too large and no one could predict with any certainty when they would show their best. A favourable draw helped, but they did manage to beat all top-eight opponents except for the Sydney Swans.
What we said in the pre-season
Tipped the Cats to finish third and for Patrick Dangerfield to win the Brownlow, which was about my only accurate predictions for the season. There were always doubts about whether the Cats were the real deal and the finals again raised that very question.
What worked
Recruiting Patrick Dangerfield was an unqualified success and, in partnership with Joel Selwood, he turned around contested ball and clearance numbers. Lachie Henderson was good down back until the Cats decided he was needed up forward and the return of Daniel Menzel and Lincoln McCarthy from injury was a great achievement.
What failed
Geelong appeared reluctant to send players back to the VFL when their form suggested it would do them good. It led to inconsistent performances from several individuals who subsequently failed to fire in the finals. Too often the Cats did not get enough reward for inside 50s and the group didn't appear to have total buy-in at times.
Overall rating
B+. Any team that rises from 10th to third deserves a massive tick, but too much was left to too few too often for the Cats to win the flag.
The coach
Did a good job to gel a group with so many new faces. Only criticism is that Chris Scott showed too much faith in some individuals without reward. He comes out of contract at the end of 2017, but the Cats are keen to extend his contract early next year.
The leaders
Joel Selwood was as inspirational as ever, putting together an amazing year after missing most of the pre-season. He led the team alongside Dangerfield with aplomb. Corey Enright was classy and calm in defence but the forward line appeared to lack on-field leadership.
MVP
Patrick Dangerfield: The recruit put together one of the best individual seasons seen, adding the Brownlow Medal to his record haul of individual accolades. His influence on the team was profound.
Surprise packet
Lincoln McCarthy: After missing 2015 with a foot injury, he returned and showed why the Cats were so keen to get him right. The tough, hard tackling forward averaged a goal a game over 19 matches.
Get excited
Daniel Menzel: He was disappointed to not play a significant part in finals but 18 games and 33 goals was a brilliant comeback from four knee reconstructions. Another pre-season and better understanding as to what his body can handle and look out in 2017.
Disappointment
Mitch Duncan: Copped a big hit from Shane Mumford in round two and failed to fire from that point on. Such a classy player, he appeared a logical beneficiary of the Cats' improved midfield but could not capitalise.
Best win
Round 11: Geelong 14.14 (98) def Greater Western Sydney 14.4 (88) at Simonds Stadium
Out of form and facing a tough stretch the Cats dug in against the Giants, overcoming a quarter-time deficit and several lead changes to grind out a tough win that set their season back on track.
Low point
The loss to Collingwood in round nine appeared an aberration but when Carlton took Geelong apart the following week, the Cats' problems were real. Chris Scott handled the situation well, assessing the progress and making adjustments.
The big questions
- Is the over-reliance on 'Dangerwood' a problem?
- How do they transition the veterans in defence to start a new era?
- How many ruckmen does Geelong need?
Season in a song
Just The Two Of Us, by Bill Withers
Premiership window
What we say: Have the tools to challenge for a flag.
Who's done?
Retirements: No one has officially called time yet but retirements are expected.
Delistings: To come
Unsigned free agents: Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright, Tom Lonergan
How should they approach trade and draft period?
It's time for the Cats to bring in some talented youth but without a first round draft pick they will need to trade. Steven Motlop is one option although he is contracted, while Shane Kersten and Nathan Vardy could generate some value if traded.
Early call for 2017
The Cats should be a top-eight team but need to connect their lines better to make the most of their ability to generate inside 50s.
