Recently retired Geelong star Tom Hawkins believes his former club has a strong chance to reach the pinnacle of AFL success yet again, despite onboarding the next generation of Cats into the side.
Geelong's latest premiership run came when two Cats with storied careers still held a firm spot in the best 22, with outgoing skipper Joel Selwood and 2024 retiree Hawkins playing a key part in Geelong's consistent success.
Two and a half years later, Geelong's team selection is ever-changing, with young prospects Max Holmes and Shannon Neale climbing the ranks, and surprise success stories Shaun Mannagh and Lawson Humphries becoming synonymous with the unorthodox list management style at Kardinia Park.
Geelong have continued to welcome off-season recruits as they did when Hawkins and Selwood held a spot in the team, with Jeremy Cameron and Tyson Stengle as two notable premiership teammates. Most recently, Bailey Smith and Jack Martin have moved down the highway as the Cats continue to top up their list.
Despite the club's continual list turnover, Geelong remains a fierce contender for the flag after overcoming a premiership hangover in 2023 to finish 10 points shy of a grand final berth in 2024.
It's hence why Hawkins is "bullish" on his former side's chances this year. Attending Tuesday night's practice match, the 36-year-old liked what he saw despite an experimental approach from the Cats' coaching staff.
"I think (last night was) pretty positive. Geelong always try a few different things, like even in the coaching box, (assistant coach) Steven King... looked like he had the reins," Hawkins said on Wednesday.
"(Chris) 'Scotty' and his team always throw a few different things, try things in the pre-season comp.
"I thought they looked really sharp in the second quarter. The ball movement through the middle part of the ground and then also on the outside through the wings looked really sharp.
"A couple of players, Gryan Miers, Jack Henry was really good. I'm looking forward to watching the guys down in the forward line and watching them develop as long as they continue to.
"I'm pretty bullish on the Cats' chances. I would love to have seen Bailey (Smith) out for the first time in the flesh, but he'll get his opportunity."
The transition from experience to youth has been seamless since the 2022 premiership, and with an influx of both young and mature-aged talent, the Cats are primed for another title tilt in 2025.
Hawkins believes that the quality of players who have stepped into roles of outgoing veterans has been crucial to Geelong maintaining its successful culture.
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"I think that was the most pleasing thing for the Cats last year, was the development that came from underneath," Hawkins said.
"You saw Max Holmes take his game to a new level, Gryan Miers, Ollie Dempsey won the Rising Star.
"I think that's really exciting. Sometimes I look at Geelong from the outside and look at their youth and experience, and they play a vital part. I still think Tom Stewart, Patrick Dangerfield and clearly Jeremy Cameron are the Cats' most important players.
"They're going to need to stay healthy and have big years, but I'm excited to watch Bailey come in, Jack Martin may get an opportunity throughout the early part of the season as well.
"I, as a Geelong supporter now sitting on the other side of things, I'm always bullish on what they can do, and the way, the style they're playing, the pace they're playing in attack - certainly from the centre bounce forward is exciting and I think it's a great brand of footy."
Geelong will head to the Gabba in a week to take part in the first home and away match of the season against the Lions, who left the Cats heartbroken in the preliminary final last year.
