The Geelong Cats have been the kings of the trade period for some time now, seemingly in the conversation for every out-of-contract star. The club has secured the rights to several big fish up for grabs in the last decade, most notably Patrick Dangerfield, Jeremy Cameron and Bailey Smith.
While the list build at Geelong has been a strong one, there are still areas of concern that need to be addressed. The ruck situation at Kardinia Park has long been scrutinised, and it remains the weakest element of their roster.
With several key figures in the twilight years of their stellar careers in the likes of Mitch Duncan, Dangerfield and Mark Blicavs, the Cats' stocks across the ground will need some retooling. While the development of young stars such as Shannon Neale and Ollie Dempsey will help this cause, it's not a be-all-end-all solution.
So, here are five trade and free agency targets for Geelong to consider this year.
1James Worpel
According to reports back in April, James Worpel has all but agreed to playing for Geelong next season, and while there's no confirmation from either party yet, Worpel would be a perfect fit into the Cats' midfield mix.
Geelong's midfield has gone from strength to strength in 2025, bolstered with the addition of Bailey Smith. His run and gun playstyle has meshed brilliantly with the speedy Max Holmes, with the duo's ability to win the football inside the contest and then move it along the wings shaping Geelong into a premiership contender.
The Cats have been exposed at different points this season by stronger midfield groups, however. Against Carlton in Round 7, the Cats were obliterated at the stoppage (-7 in stoppage clearances) and in both clashes against Brisbane, with Dangerfield was forced to play increased minutes in the centre square to provide an edge for Geelong that Smith and Holmes lack physically.
Bringing in Worpel presents a perfect opportunity to bridge that gap and, presuming Dangerfield elects to play another season, allows the captain to remain as the threatening forward 50 presence he has become this season. Worpel averages over 10 contested possessions and three stoppage clearances per game this season, but has reached the heights of over four stoppage clearances per game in years past, highlighting his capability of being the inside bull Geelong would thrive on having.
The lure to Geelong is certainly there for Worpel too, who grew up in a nearby town and has connections to many Cats players, most notably Gryan Miers. With Matthew Rowell opting to remain on the Gold Coast for the foreseeable future, Worpel can patch one of the few weaknesses on this Geelong team.