While Geelong isn't expected to enter the 2026 AFL Draft until night two, there's no discounting the Cats from walking away from this year's count with a haul they'll be happy with.
Now known as a club able to uncover a few diamonds in the rough, Geelong will again be at their most active in the later stages of November's intake, having exited the recent trade period without a first-round selection for 2026.
Draft hand: 36, 57, 62, 75, 93, 111
The Cats won't be on the clock until midway through the second round - at this stage - after a busy trade period saw them part with Pick 14.
It'll be hard to see how the Cats can advance their way up the draft board, having also parted with their 2027 first-round pick, meaning they'll be playing the waiting game to start this year's count.
Geelong is only expected to make three selections at the draft, and with no notable club-tied prospects, they will be eyeing some more bargain buys in the later stages of the national intake.
List needs
Future Key Forward: There's a clear need for Geelong to bolster its tall forward stocks, with Jeremy Cameron closing in on the end of his decorated career. Shannon Neale is the obvious successor to be the Cats' next spearhead - if he isn't already - but who follows him in the pecking order is less of a certainty. Jay Polkinghorne has shown promise, but only stops the tape at 190cm, with Geelong likely after a new-age key forward who stands closer to the two-metre mark.
Tall Backman: The Cats are already home to arguably the most promising young key defender in the competition in Connor O'Sullivan. But the pieces that surround him are mostly in the twilight stages of their careers, with Zach Guthrie (29 next year), Jack Henry (29) and Tom Stewart (34) not viewed as long-term options, while Sam De Koning's future at Kardinia Park is somewhat murky. A young, tall defender the Cats can have waiting in the wings - much like the path O'Sullivan and De Koning followed - would be ideal in Geelong's list build.
Front-Half Speed: Geelong has shown a desire to add speed to its squad, with their earliest two selections at last year's draft - Harley Barker and Hunter Holmes - both notable outside runners. The Cats' forward options, while strong, don't have the same gear to match, with Tyson Stengle's exit, Brad Close's form, and Gryan Miers' injury concerns each playing a part in Chris Scott's ground-level efficiency in the front half taking a hit in 2026. Who steps up next? Jesse Mellor is one of promise after a dominant year in the VFL, and Ollie Wiltshire should be a best 23 player next year despite Toby Greene's arrival, but more depth and competition for spots should be a priority.
Potential targets
Harvey Spawton-Guy: The versatile Western Australian is perhaps the most versatile prospect on offer in this year's draft class, having the ability to hold his own in attack, defence, or as a pinch-hitting ruckman. Despite starring form as a key forward for WA and West Perth, the 196cm talent is preferred by some as a defensive option given his elite field kicking and read of a flighted ball. Either way, Spawton-Guy could become Geelong's next Mr Fix-It, potentially following in the footsteps of veteran Mark Blicavs.
Xavier Ladbrook: The Gippslander is another key position prospect who has shown his strengths at either end of the field; however, unlike Spawton-Guy, Ladbrook looks best-suited in the backline. The rangy, 200cm teenager came home with a wet sail in Gippsland's run to the Talent League premiership, flexing his intercepting and agility on the last line to remind onlookers of his best.
Jacob McNicol: An electrifying midfield-forward hybrid out of South Australia, McNicol could be a bargain recruit for an AFL club, should they get the most out of his potential. His livewire presence and hunt for the ball separate him from the main pack, while McNicol was able to show off his athletic traits at the South Australian state combine - finishing first in the agility test and second in the 20-metre sprint. Likely starting his AFL career in the front half, McNicol could be a good fit for one of Geelong's later picks.
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