Josh Hunt, with the ‘lovely left foot kick’ from Mildura, went from the Bendigo Pioneers straight to the Geelong Football Club in 2000.

Despite being faced with many hurdles, Hunt has played a key part in turning Geelong into one of the best teams in the competition over the past decade.

The hardy backman grew up supporting the Cats and adored every element of football, along with every other ball sport he could get his fists on.

Hunt debuted in 2001 but it wasn’t until 2004 the Cats realised that they had struck gold with their year 2000 draft-pick, as injury had kept him sidelined during his first few years at the club. This was the year that provided Hunt with the opportunity to execute his brilliance on the big stage, which secured his spot in the club’s best 22. Despite the Cats devastating loss in the Preliminary Final against Brisbane Lions, it was the 2004 season that gave Hunt the experience and knowledge to help the club move forward. He finished off the season with 24 games including three finals, where he averaged 13 disposals a game at the young age of 22.

Through a swirl of illness, including appendicitis in 2005, severe dehydration in 2007 (which had him hospitalised after the Cats 5-point win over the Pies in the Preliminary Final), a hampered ACL at the beginning of 2009 (which knocked him out of the Grand Final), and Glandular Fever early this year, Hunt has still been able to achieve an array of memorable moments during his 198-game career. Hunt’s most momentous milestones will have his name embroidered into Geelong’s history books and will live on forever at the club, honouring his key role in Geelong’s 2007 and 2011 Premierships.

Not only has Hunt thrilled the Geelong fans and spectators with his long powerful left foot kick and game changing tactics, he has also left a huge impression on his fellow teammates.

“He’s one of my best mates down here, he’s a great man, obviously a great footballer and a big bloke and with that left foot of his he’s an asset when the ball is in his hands.” Paul Chapman told Cats TV.

Cats midfielder, James Kelly, believes his teammate has never received the kudos that he deserves from the outer AFL community.  

“His importance in our team is really underrated, he’s got that perfect balance at shutting down a dangerous forward as well as getting on the rebound and using his magnificent kick.” James Kelly explained.

“No one in the AFL can kick the ball like he can, whether it’s long or short, he’s the sort of player that can really hold a spot down in the backline, as well as helping us out rebounding the ball.”

Tom Lonergan will also miss Josh Hunt’s presence in the Cats defence force.

“He’s a perfectionist when it comes to game day, he’s got up to three pairs of boots and he’s pretty superstitious with how he prepares for a game of footy,” Lonergan said.

Hunt has been a wonderful player for the Geelong Cats and he’ll always be remembered as the formidable backman with the powerful left foot.