One of the incredible stories from the 2024 season was the emergence of Ollie Dempsey, but the young Cat believes he still has plenty of work to do heading into 2025.
Playing all 25 games last year, Dempsey finished the season with a plethora of awards including the AFL's Rising Star, his first selection in the AFLPA's 22under22 team and Geelong's Best Young Player Award.
Spending time both on the wing and across half forward, Dempsey averaged 17 disposals per game while also kicking 22 goals, dishing off another 24 goal assists to round out a stellar campaign.
Despite his breakout year, Dempsey said he still has plenty of things to work on to ensure he continues his development into 2025.
"I just want to continue with all the stuff I work on, developing my strengths but also being aware of my weaknesses as well," Dempsey told Cats Media.
"Mainly I am focusing on my contest work and I want to keep working on that, trying to put on a bit of size. Then just to continue my running and those other aspects.
"It is good to be back, the boys are flying out there so it is always good to be back with everyone."
Geelong's first game of the season will come a little earlier in 2025, with the Cats set to take on Brisbane in the opening game of the year on March 6th.
With a shorter run into the regular season, pre-season and the Christmas break become crucial for Geelong to ensure they are prepared when the first game rolls around.
Dempsey touched on his plans over the break and how he intends to continue progressing heading into the Opening Round.
"It definitely is important (the Christmas break), we play early in March so it is not too far away," Dempseys said.
"I will be down at Sorrento with some of the boys, we will be getting a lot of sessions in and basically just continuing what we are doing now.
"We are doing this so we are ready to hit the ground running come January."
Geelong also have 10 games at GMHBA Stadium in 2025, the venue was a happy stomping ground for Dempsey last year as he secured a Rising Star nomination (Round One) and his first career Brownlow votes (Round 12) at home.
The Cats young gun touched on how exciting it is to have an extra game at GMHBA Stadium next year, as Geelong look to turn it into a fortress in 2025.
"It is always the best playing down at home, at GMHBA Stadium," Dempsey said.
"I love it, it is like having an extra player on the field with the crowd behind us.
"It is huge for us with the support we get, so it is a massive advantage and hopefully we get a few more wins this year."
