Geelong look set to return to the first round of the AFL Draft in 2025 following a quiet trade period and a grand final finish to the year.
While big-name signings have aided their continued contention at the top of the competition, the Cats' drafting ability this century has often been the envy of the competition.
Their later round selections have been just as fruitful as their first-round picks, as have their gambles on mature-aged prospects.
Here we assess what list needs the Cats could address with their draft hand at this year's count.
Draft Hand
Picks: 19, 40, 60, 78 (1034 Points)
Geelong still possess their entire draft hand for 2026, with their opening selection currently sitting just inside the top 20. That pick is a chance to shuffle back a few spots by the time the Cats are on the clock come night one of the draft, however if Gold Coast, Brisbane and Carlton all remain where they are, then it could advance its place in the queue.
Pick 40 will also float back and forth, but will most likely sit mid-second round, with that selection currently the last owned by the Cats which has points on the draft value index. Pick 60 could come into 54th overall or earlier to add to Geelong's points total of 1034.
Geelong do have access to NGA prospect Jesse Mellor, who could fetch a rival bid late into the piece.
List Needs
Dash From Defence: If there's one area for Geelong to place some attention on this draft window, it's their half-back stocks. The recruitment of Lawson Humphries just two years ago has seen the Kardinia Park club uncover a diamond in the rough, with the Western Australian already a household name with his dash and clean kicking. Another outlet option for Chris Scott's rearguard would be ideal, with Jack Martin used in that role this year as he returned from an injury-riddled run. Tom Stewart and Zach Guthrie do offer some exit, but are also required significantly on the defensive end, with an offensive-minded flanker the type of player the Cats could have their sights set on.
Key Forward Force: The Cats transitioned into the post-Tom Hawkins era with ease over the past 18 months, timing the development of Shannon Neale to perfection as one of the club's greatest ever drew curtains on his career. Similar planning for life after Jeremy Cameron might be in mind at the Cattery, with the reigning Coleman Medal winner turning 33 early into next season. A young key forward who would be afforded a couple of years under Cameron's mentorship before taking the reins might be what's considered at this year's draft.
Attacking Spark: Geelong's attacking unit has often fired with little resistance, having seen Patrick Dangerfield, Tyson Stengle and Ollie Dempsey add some spark to the front-half in the past couple of seasons. But with Dangerfield potentially entering his final year at the level, and Dempsey taking on a role higher up the field, a prospect who can add some sizzle and X-factor to their ranks might be a good list fit.
Potential Targets
Oskar Taylor: One of this year's biggest risers, Taylor has shot into first-round contention off the back of a stellar premiership-winning season with the Eastern Ranges. Pace, line-breaking and an ability to still be accountable on the defensive end have seen Taylor emerge as a likely pick on night one of this year's draft, and Geelong could be right in the mix to land him. There's a real possibility Taylor is off the board by the time the Cats are on the clock, making Taylor a dream selection should he be on his way to Kardinia Park.
| 15 RANK |  | Oskar Taylor Eastern Ranges Defender HEIGHT: 182cm | โถ+ |
Liam Hetherton: The Murray Bushrangers key forward could be one of the bargains of this year's draft class. Hetherton missed most of the year with a back injury after entering 2025 as a potential top 10 selection. His absence has seen his place among his fellow prospects drift back a touch, however the upside that comes with the athletic 197cm attacker remains the same. A player who could greatly benefit from working with Geelong's crop of key forwards, Hetherton is one who could be in the mix for the Cats' second selection.
| 44 RANK |  | Liam Hetherton Murray Bushrangers Forward HEIGHT: 197cm | โถ |
Jesse Mellor: Geelong's leading NGA prospect. Mellor has been likened to three-club premiership livewire Jake Stringer following his strong season with the Falcons and Vic Country. The crafty and powerful forward booted eight goals in his four appearances at the U18s National Championships, a stint that followed a six-goal outing in his Vic Country trial match. Mellor can quickly turn a game, offering some X-factor and burst in front of goal to set up. scores.
