THE IMMENSE contribution to football made by former Geelong player and long-serving vice-president Gareth Andrews was recognised at the Cats' recent annual general meeting.
Andrews, who played 136 games for the club between 1965 and '74 and was on the board for more than a decade, was handed the RJ Hickey Award, which recognises outstanding service to the game.
"It was really nice to get the award tonight," the 66-year-old said after receiving the honour. "He was always a hero of this footy club, Reg Hickey, and I'm really pleased."
Andrews was signed by the Cats after an outstanding junior career with Geelong College.
Although boasting a kicking style that he himself describes as "awkward", he made an instant impression at Kardinia Park, topping the club's goalkicking in his first season.
During the next decade, Andrews made a name for himself as a centre half-forward, forming a formidable duo with champion full-forward Doug Wade.
Andrews was part of the Geelong team that lost the classic 1967 Grand Final to Richmond by just nine points. A bit under seven years later, he joined the Tigers after falling out with Cats coach Polly Farmer.
In a situation that is unfathomable today, Andrews lined up for Geelong against North Melbourne in round six of the 1974 season, then joined the Tigers during the following week and lined up against the Kangaroos once again in round seven.
In each game he played at centre half-back on North star Arnold Briedis.
"And I beat him both times," Andrews said with a chuckle.
Andrews played in the back pocket in Richmond's 1974 premiership team.
He returned to Geelong in an official capacity when he joined the club's board in 1998. He served in that role from then until this year's annual general meeting.
His period as vice-president included the Cats' 2007, '09 and '11 premierships.
Being part of those almost made up for the fact he never achieved his childhood dream of playing in a flag for Geelong.
Looking towards next season, Andrews will remain involved at Geelong.
"The footy club has got me sitting on a couple of committees," he said. "But I suppose I'll be trying to get a life beyond footy, which I've never seemed to be able to quite do.
"But I love the game and it's been an important part of my life."
Andrew is confident that Geelong can again challenge for the premiership in 2014.
"I have a feeling that the Cats can be right up there again," he said. "I think the top teams are not as good as they could be, because of three or four years of high draft picks going to the clubs up north, Greater Western Sydney and the Gold Coast Suns.
"So I don't think the teams up the top are as good as they could be, especially when it comes to the depth of players.
"So Geelong has got a young team now, and it would need everything to go right to win the flag, but I think it could.
"If we get everything right, and Tommy Hawkins is fit again, I think we'll be right up there."
Andrews honoured by Cats
Outgoing vice-president Gareth Andrews has been honoured by the club