As the AFL landscape shifts and the 2026 season comes into view, the Geelong Cats face a period of significant transition and strategic planning. The club, renowned for its sustained success, is navigating a series of pivotal decisions that will define its future. Here are the 26 essential talking points every Cats supporter should be tracking in the lead-up to 2026.
The Veteran Core and List Management Strategy
One of the most pressing narratives surrounds the club's legendary veterans. Tom Hawkins, the powerhouse forward, is out of contract at the end of 2025. While he has expressed a desire to continue playing, the club must weigh his on-field impact against the need for long-term planning in the key forward post.
Similarly, the future of champion midfielder Patrick Dangerfield is a topic of discussion, with his current deal also concluding after the 2025 campaign. The management of these iconic figures, balancing respect for their contributions with list regeneration, is a delicate task for the football department.
Other experienced players like Mitch Duncan and Tom Stewart remain crucial pillars, but their roles may evolve as younger talent is integrated. The club's philosophy of blending youth with experience will be tested as this core group ages.
Coaching Continuity and the Scott Era
At the helm, coach Chris Scott is firmly entrenched, having recently signed a contract extension that ties him to the club until at least the end of 2026. This provides remarkable stability and allows for long-term strategic execution. Scott's ability to reinvent the team's game plan and manage player transitions will be under the microscope.
The focus now turns to his support staff. The potential for assistant coaches to be poached by rival clubs is an annual reality. Maintaining continuity and excellence in the coaching panel is vital for implementing Scott's vision and developing the next generation of Cats players.
Building for the Future: Youth and Recruitment
Geelong's recruitment strategy, often centred on acquiring established talent, faces a new phase. The development of recent draftees and younger players on the list becomes paramount. Fans will be watching the progress of players like Toby Conway in the ruck and Mitch Knevitt in the midfield to see if they can become regular senior contributors.
The club's success in the 2024 AFL Draft, where they held a valuable first-round pick, will be a key factor. Integrating this new talent swiftly and effectively into a system designed for success is a critical challenge. Furthermore, the club's approach to the trade and free agency periods leading into 2026 will signal its strategic direction—whether it continues to top up or commits more deeply to a youth-focused rebuild.
Contract Security and Trade Rumours
Beyond the veterans, several important players are entering contract years or have deals ending soon. The security of these players and their commitment to the club's future will be a constant source of speculation. Managing this contract landscape to avoid distraction and ensure list cohesion is a key off-field objective.
As always, Geelong will be linked to various trade targets. The club's capacity to attract talent to Kardinia Park, whether from other AFL clubs or via the draft, remains a cornerstone of its model. Any major moves will be dissected for how they align with the 2026 vision.
In conclusion, the road to the 2026 AFL season for the Geelong Cats is paved with both certainty and compelling questions. With Chris Scott's leadership secured, the overarching narrative will be the evolution of the playing list. How the club honours its champions while boldly investing in the future will determine whether it can remain in premiership contention. For Cats fans, these 26 points provide the framework for understanding the club's journey over the next two critical years.
