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MOR001 A4 flyer FA.indd 1 17/10/2017 2:50:32 PM 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 5

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MONDAY 18 TH DECEMBER 2017 In accordance with clause 9 of the Limited’s Constitution, formal notice is hereby given that the 41st Annual General Meeting of the Geelong Football Club Limited (“the Club”) will be held in the President’s Room, Brownlow Stand, GMHBA Stadium, , Geelong on Monday 18th December 2017 at 7pm (AEDT) (“the Meeting”). CONTENTS The business to be dealt with at the Meeting shall be: 1. The receipt and consideration of: - Minutes of 2016 Annual General Meeting 06 PRESIDENT & CEO - 2017 Financial Report - 2017 Directors’ Report and Auditor’s Report 08 SENIOR COACH 2. Presentation of the 2017 RJ Hickey Award for outstanding service to Australian football. 10 2017 YEAR IN PHOTOS 3. Any other general business as the Chairman directs in accordance with the Constitution of the Club 12 FAREWELL MACKIE FINANCIAL REPORT 13 FAREWELL LONERGAN The 2017 Financial Report is available on the Club’s website geelongcats.com.au from 27 November 2017.

15 DEPARTURES A hard copy can be requested by contacting the Club on (03) 5225 2300 or [email protected]. 18 ARRIVALS Members who request a hard copy will continue to receive all subsequent Financial Reports in this form until the Club is advised otherwise. 20 ‘CARJI’ GREEVES MEDAL We trust you will find the 2017 Financial Report to be clear, informative and easy to access. Should you have any 22 ‘CARJI’ RED CARPET queries, please contact the company secretary.

24 VFL MEN APPOINTING A PROXY In accordance with the Constitution of the Club, a member is 26 VFL WOMEN entitled to appoint a proxy (proxy need not be a member of the Club). The appointment of a proxy shall be in writing and must be lodged at the Office of the Club to the attention of the 29 AFLW Company Secretary not later than 7pm (AEDT) on Saturday 16 December 2017. 30 COMMUNITY You can obtain a proxy form via a link on the Club’s website geelongcats.com.au or by contacting the Club on (03) 5225 32 GEELONG CATS FOUNDATION 2300 or [email protected]

34 CHARLES BROWNLOW STAND 26 CORPORATE SPONSORS Sue Clark Company Secretary

EDITORS CONTACT THE CLUB SPONSORS Stacey Oates, Kevin Diggerson Phone: (03) 5225 2300 Fax: (03) 5221 8462 ART DIRECTOR Address: PO BOX 461 GEELONG, VIC 3220 Jessica Nuzum Website: geelongcats.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Colin Carter, Brian Cook, Eva George, Stacey Oates, MEMBERSHIP & RESERVED Chris Scott, Jessica Smith SEAT ENQUIRIES Phone: 1300 462 287 PHOTO CREDITS Fax: (03) 5223 1895 AFL Photos, Arj Giese Email: [email protected] Website: membership.geelongcats.com.au 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 7

Off the field, we are making great programs. Our Deakin Cats Community GMHBA, Momentum Energy, Simonds, CARTER & COOK strides as well. Centre has been an astonishing Cotton On and . We success with over 80,000 people and thank all of our sponsors again for their Our new $90 million Charles Brownlow 130 different organisations engaged in great support. Stand was opened and now we have programs inside the facility in its first football facilities that are the best four years of operation! We thank the families of our players in the competition. The match-day and staff for their support. They put spectator facilities are great and give We brought the ‘Our Ambition’ up with a lot. Most of their weekends our revenues a big boost. campaign to a head - this was our are messed up. They can’t head for the adventurous dream to raise $15 million sun in our winter. Thank you again for The new facility contains our Sunrise from our own supporters to eventually your support. Centre that will assist people with pay off all of our debt and to fund our temporary disabilities to return to more stage four contribution to the new And then there is all of our staff and COLIN CARTER BRIAN COOK satisfying lives. facility at GMHBA Stadium. directors. There has been a lot of hard PRESIDENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE work restructuring and reorganising We reached a record membership of Well, we have now passed the target our business over the past few years over 56,500. And our target for next and so far have raised $16, 230,000! and we are grateful for their efforts. year is 60,000. Inevitably, at the end of every season, And we thank all of you, our wonderful We’ve been awarded a licence in the there is change and we thank those supporters, for your support. As we AFL Women’s competition in 2019. who have served us so well as players, saw again during this season, the huge There was huge competition for these coaches and staff who are moving to body of supporters is so important to spots and it is a great credit to our new challenges. our club. Thank you again! people that we were successful. We have been asked many The AFL’s rules – with the player draft Football clubs can be emotional places On the playing side we thank and One thought. We lost a Preliminary times how we assessed the 2017 and the – are designed and it is easy to get knocked off track. Our women’s team that competed this congratulate Tom Lonergan, Andrew Final in a year in which we thought we season. We were all disappointed to share success and to stop teams If we don’t recognise the quality of year in the VFL was a great success. Mackie, Tom Ruggles, , had earned a good chance of going all about that Preliminary Final staying around the top of the ladder. our achievement, we risk putting our Their performance was a big factor in Steve Motlop and Darcy Lang for their the way. But sport is full of setbacks loss and footy is a ridiculously The AFL is attempting to ensure every people under false pressure and that’s our successful AFLW bid. Well done to efforts with our club. Their exploits are like this and the question is how we tough business where out of 18 club wins one Premiership every 18 how footy clubs make dumb decisions. everyone involved with this team, who detailed later in this publication, and will respond. competitors only one is seen to be years. represented the club so well in its first each made their mark during their time successful! We often look to other clubs and season. with us. We want you to know that we have We are competing against the codes to learn lessons about how complete confidence in our people Our bottom line is that we view this handicapper. And seen from this best to do things. And the New We are pleased that the AFL has We would also like to congratulate two and our organisation. Be assured that year – 2017 – as a very good year for perspective, our players and our England Patriots are one of the NFL’s provided us with nine home games of our executives in Steve Hocking and we will leave no stone unturned in our our club both on and off the field. football department have done an most successful teams and we were at GMHBA Stadium in 2018. Our Justin Reeves on their appointments. desire to take that further step in 2018. Maybe not a great year, because we extraordinary job. recently looking at their performance profitability is still not quite where it Steve is the General Manager of We have the handicapper in our sights! did not achieve the ultimate success, over the past 15 years or so. needs to be and getting those extra Football at the AFL, while Justin has but a very good year. Our team in this year’s finals only home games at our stadium is really taken up the CEO role at the Hawks. included six players from our 2011 In the early 2000s, the Patriots won important to our business. And while on the subject of personnel We congratulate Richmond on their Premiership team. We’ve made the three Super Bowls in a four year changes, we congratulate Simon Lloyd Premiership win – an amazing feat finals in 10 of the last 11 years and period. Over the following 9 years, We have a new landlord at the stadium on his appointment as head of our given that they finished 13th last year. made eight Preliminary Finals in that they won an astonishing 76% of their – the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust – and football department. We wish you well, But remember last year’s Premiers time. This year, we introduced eight games and made their finals 8 times, we look forward to working with the Simon. didn’t even make the finals and so debutants to our team. but didn’t win another Super Bowl. But Trust on making our stadium even what happened this year underlines they knew that they were successful, more successful. We also welcome Gary Ablett back to COLIN CARTER | PRESIDENT the incredibly even nature of our What we’ve been trying to do is rebuilding and making good decisions. the club after seven years with Gold competition. The difference between make the top four and challenge for Then, in the tenth year, they did We now have our alternate training Coast. Gary is excited to be back and winning and losing is a very, very small immediate success while at the same claim another Super Bowl title – and facility at Deakin University’s campus we are equally thrilled to have him one. And there is a very good reason time regenerating our playing list to shortly thereafter another one as at Waurn Ponds that provides training return. for this - the AFL competition, like the ensure medium to long term success. well. The lesson here is patience and facilities for all three of our teams. Cup and the Sydney to This is very difficult to achieve given recognising that rebuilding takes time To our sponsors – and particularly to Hobart Yacht Race, is now a handicap the rules of the competition, but we’ve in competitions where the draft and We are proud of our community Ford, our major sponsor, along with event. done it. salary cap are the competition’s rules. BRIAN COOK | CHIEF EXECUTIVE 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 9

CHRIS SCOTT

We should look back on the 2017 and that we will be doing everything to better person to have led our football season with a sense of pride in stay ahead of the pack. department. Simon Lloyd has moved a successful campaign that had into the General Manager of Football a disappointing ending. It goes The game continues to evolve at role and having had Simon here for the without saying that when you a rapid rate, both on and off the past two years, we know he will do a are competing in the finals and field. It is a challenge to stay ahead great job. do not win the Premiership it is of the other clubs, and it is a credit With the new player movement rules, disappointing. But overall we felt to our coaching staff, players and free agency and trade period has that the team achieved a great administration at our club that we have become more active than ever. We deal in 2017. been able to do this for many years. have welcomed Gary Ablett back to As is the case at the end of every the club and we know that Gary is To win consistently in the most even season, a of people that have excited to be back and looking forward AFL season in recent memory and to contributed enormously to our club to again wearing the hoops. again reach the preliminary final was a have moved on. Some, like Andrew good accomplishment, and while the Mackie and Tom Lonergan have made In closing, on behalf of everyone in end was frustrating, the positives of contributions to our club and team the football department, I would like the season far outweighed the sting of that will always be remembered. Their to thank the board, management and the loss. legacy is one that all current and future staff at the club. We are fortunate as players can look at as what it means a club that the team receives such We were able to introduce and to be a Geelong player. Others have universal support and backing to integrate 10 new players into the team not been here for as long or had the achieve success. This was extended this year. This is consistent with our same on-field impact as Andrew and in 2017 to our new women’s team continued approach of revitalising our Tom, but they have made their mark at and we congratulate all of those that playing list, and many of those players our club. This group includes the likes helped make that team such a success played in critical games through the of Steven Motlop, Darcy Lang, Josh in its first year, and we look forward to season. We believe that this continued Cowan and Tom Ruggles who have joining the AFLW in 2019. investment in new players will all made our club better during their continue and we see these players as time here. We thank them all and wish The football staff, coaches and being critical to our long-term success. them well in their future endeavours. players also deserve thanks for their They will always be welcome back at efforts this year. And of course, our One thing that we are acutely aware our club. supporters and members that back of is how even the competition is. The us in week in and week out. Without 2018 season is not about us making a While for the most part, officials that support we would be nothing. slight improvement to take the extra remain in the background, it is The passion and support we saw, step from the preliminary final. The important to recognise the impact and especially late in the season, was reality is that like every club, we move importance that our former General incredible. Many people commented back to square one when the season Manager of Football Steve Hocking that the atmosphere at home at those comes around. We all start on equal had on our club. Steve has moved games was the best they had seen footing, and there is no doubt that next onto the AFL as the league’s General here for many years. It was inspiring season will again be one where 13 or Manager of Football, and there is no and we look forward to more of the 14 clubs believe they have a chance to doubt he will do a great job in that same through the nine games at make the finals and progress deep into role. GMHBA Stadium next year. September. Steve has spent more than half of We are one of those clubs. We will his life with our club, as both a player enter the season with confidence, but who logged 199 games and as a key with our eyes open that there are no administrator. We are demonstrably guarantees. What we can guarantee is better for having had Steve play such our preparation and desire to succeed a key role at our club for so long, and will be as it has been with our club, as a coach I couldn’t have asked for a CHRIS SCOTT | SENIOR COACH

12 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 13

ANDREW MACKIE TOM LONERGAN

Andrew Mackie was seen as a been more than a footy club to me. It list, with only (332), Ian Tom Lonergan’s story is one well time as an AFL player. Lonergan went I appreciate it. You have been there draft bolter when the Cats made has been something that has groomed Nankervis (325), (305), known to all Geelong supporters. on to finish with 209 games, was twice through it all and I greatly appreciate him the seventh selection in the all of us into who we are today. (300), Going back with the flight of the named in the All-Australian squad and everything you have done. (292), Peter Riccardi (288) and Matthew 2002 national draft. Some 15 ball in just his seventh AFL game, a Premiership Medal from the 2011 “To Mum and Dad and my two brothers, Scarlett (284) ahead of him. Grand Final, a game that he played a “To my wife Kim and our son Bobby. years later, Mackie retired from Lonergan was cannoned into and Jeremy and Simon. I have been lucky key role by shutting down . Thank you. As footballers we can be the game as a triple Premiership nearly lost his life. Some 11 years to have such family support and to Mackie was a nominee for the All- He also won the Norm Goss Medal as selfish at times. I’m really looking player with 280 games under his have parents that instilled great values Australian squad three times, and after that injury, he retires as a best on ground in the 2007 VFL Grand forward to starting the next phase. You belt, along with an All-Australian into us from an early age. I’m forever earned selection in the All-Australian Premiership player with over 200 Final, where he kicked six goals. are my voice of reason and Bobby is a indebted to you. team in 2013. He played 26 finals blazer and the respect of his team games to his credit. champ – he’s already learnt to spoil!” (second most in club history), and was mates and opponents. “I’ve made some great friendships over “And to my beautiful wife Georgia and a member of the 2007, 2009 and 2011 Originally selected with pick 23 in the these years and had so many great Lonergan spent time as both a key our three beautiful kids who mean Premiership teams. Mackie has played “This is a happy and joyous time, a time 2002 draft, Lonergan had to wait until relationships from the experiences we the world to me. We have grown up in 207 wins for the Cats, ranking only forward and key defender, and his to celebrate what we have all been able midway through his third season to shared,” Lonergan said. battles with Hawk and Swan full to achieve as a club together over the together and been together for so behind Enright (220 wins) and Bartel debut at the highest level. He booted many years. To have Georgia along this (213 wins). Mackie finished third in the forward Buddy Franklin will live long in past 15 years,” Mackie said. two goals on debut against North “I will miss the feeling of walking side the memory. journey has been amazing. She has Cats best & fairest in 2013 and was Melbourne in 2005 and proved he by side with my team mates into a “We are the lucky ones, living out our supported me and allowed me to chase also a member of the Cats NAB Cup could play at either end of the ground. packed stadium. I have loved playing A respected and popular clubman, childhood dreams every day. I’ve been my dream. I love you very much.” winning teams in 2006 and 2009. for the club and with such a special Lonergan was lauded by his coach and lucky enough to play with some of the While to many the injury that cost him champions of the club and the game. Mackie debuted in round 3 of the After starting as a forward, Mackie group of people. teammates alike. 2004 season, facing the Swans at the staked out a reputation as an attacking his kidney was the defining moment of his career, the truth is that moment “I owe a lot to the footy club. It has SCG. He finished his career in eighth defender, and registered 100 goals “To my Mum and Dad, who have done place on the club’s all-time games over his career in many ways became the start of his so many kilometres through the years.

TRIBUTES TO ANDREW MACKIE TRIBUTES TO TOM LONERGAN

"We all aspire in some ways to be like 'Mack' on and off the “Tom Lonergan, watching him go back with the flight of the field, he's going to be a significant loss. He is just such a ball again…he continually puts his body on the line for his good football person … and just a champion guy.” mates. He’s been a warrior for us, and again, the players and – Chris Scott staff members at our club love him.” – Chris Scott “You were always in the front seat of the roller coaster, providing the ear that listened, the shoulder to lean on “You were everything a Geelong player should be. Reliable, through the tears and the laughter. Your skinny arms and tough, competitive. You gave everything you had to your unflappable smile together with your football nouse and teammates. A superb defender and a loyal friend.” superb skills made you one of the main reasons why I loved – coming to the club. You’ll always be remembered as a champion and I love you mate.” “Your courage inspired your teammates. Time and time again – Harry Taylor you selflessly went back to impact the contest and lift your teammates. You took on the best and beat them.” “You are truly someone that cares about everyone. In battle, – Corey Enright you have your teammates backs.” – “A true competitor and a very courageous player. You have been a major part of our success playing on the best “You had the unique ability to be in the right place at the right forwards. You are someone I really look up to.” time. Whether it be an intercept mark or a handball receive – Mitch Duncan to kick a goal from 55 out, you could always been relied upon.” “Your dedication to the team and its values makes you the – Corey Enright very best of team mates. You did it all with courage and you inspire me every day. You are a superstar.” “Football was fun whenever you were around. A great – Harry Taylor character who leaves the game a triple Premiership player. But most importantly, a great friend.” – Matthew Scarlett 14 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 15

DEPARTURES

STEVEN MOTLOP

The club farewelled Steven Motlop Motlop for his efforts of 135 after opting not to match Port games in the navy and white ’s offer to the restricted hoops. free agent. “Steven was a very good Motlop was originally selected contributor for us in his nine years with pick 39 in the 2008 national at the club,” Lloyd said. draft. He debuted in round 2, 2010 against Hawthorn, and went on to “He helped us reach the finals kick 175 goals. Motlop was runner seven times and was a creative up in the Cats 2015 best & fairest and dynamic player who was and was selected in the 40-player invested in our program. All Australian squad in 2013. “We thank him for his service to Geelong’s General Manager of Geelong and wish him well in his Football Simon Lloyd thanked new journey with the Power.”

JOSH COWAN

Josh Cowan’s time at Geelong has He displayed his talent in nine AFL come to an end after the club did games in 2016 including two finals not offer the 26-year-old a contract but managed only two AFL games for the 2018 season. this season.

Over his eight seasons with the Geelong’s general manager of Cats, Cowan played 16 senior football Simon Lloyd thanked games and kicked five goals. Cowan for his services to the club.

Hailing from Daylesford, Cowan “Josh’s great character and was recruited from North resilience held him in high regard with pick 56 in the 2009 national with his teammates and coaches draft. over his eight years at Geelong,” Lloyd said. Cowan made his debut for the club in round 10, 2011 “Josh has and will continue to be before hamstring and achilles greatly respected by everyone at injuries restricted his football the club and we wish him all the opportunities. best for his future endeavours.”

GMB 0134 AFL print_GA_210x297_FA.indd 1 3/11/2017 12:25 pm 16 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

DEPARTURES

DARCY LANG

Darcy Lang departed Geelong “We respect Darcy’s decision to after a trade was agreed to with follow greater opportunities at the the in Carlton Football Club and we wish October. him every success,” Geelong’s General Manager of Football Geelong attained Carlton’s pick 58 Simon Lloyd said. in 2017 and fourth round pick in 2018 in exchange for Lang and a “Darcy has been a fantastic fourth round pick in 2018. contributor to our football club over his time here. He was a Lang, a product of Colac was respected member of the club and selected at pick 16 in the 2013 a popular teammate.” national draft. The 21-year-old played 44 games for the Cats over four seasons.

TOM RUGGLES

After two seasons with the club, A local product that earned his defender Tom Ruggles was not way onto the list through strong offered a contract for season performances as a VFL listed 2018. player, Ruggles was originally selected at pick 44 in the 2015 Ruggles debuted in round 3, 2016 rookie draft. against the and went on to play 18 games in his “We would like to thank Tom maiden season, including the for his efforts over the past qualifying final win over Hawthorn. two years,” Geelong’s General Manager of Football Simon Lloyd Ruggles played only four times at said. AFL level in 2017, the last of which came in the round 4 win over the “He has been a hard worker and Hawks. Over his two seasons popular member of our team.” Ruggles played 22 games, with the Cats winning 19 of those encounters.

OFFICIAL PRINT PARTNER OF 18 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 19

ARRIVALS

GARY ABLETT

Geelong added one player during “I am looking forward to getting into it “We will be doing everything we the trade period, welcoming Gary and hopefully winning plenty of games possibly can to get to that last Ablett back to GMHBA Stadium. and having a crack at the Premiership. Saturday in September and have a crack.” Ablett will return to play his tenth “I’m looking forward to meeting the season for Geelong, after nine years guys, learning their strengths and Geelong’s General Manager of Football at the Cats from 2002 until 2010. He weaknesses and helping develop them Simon Lloyd welcomed Ablett back to played 192 games and helped lead the wherever I can. the Cats. Cats to Premierships in 2007 and 2009. “There is no doubt this group down “We are very pleased to have Gary He won the 2009 here, speaking to some of the boys, return to the club and the Geelong and was twice a Medal they are very driven and making two community,” Lloyd said. winner. Ablett won another Brownlow Preliminary finals has been tough for at Gold Coast in 2013 and has the group. “Gary is still playing exceptional earned eight All-Australian selections football, and we believe he improves throughout his glittering career. Ablett “The club’s made a Preliminary final for our team. He obviously has a long won his fourth Suns best & fairest in the past two or three years, so they association with the club and to 2017. aren’t a long way off. I feel I can offer have Gary back, playing so well is an a lot to the list with my experience and exciting day for everyone involved with “This is the club that I grew up my football ability as well. I’m looking the club.” supporting. I spent nine years of my forward to coming back and fitting in football career here and I’m just super wherever the coach thinks that I can Ablett has played 302 games and excited about coming back,” Ablett help out. kicked 386 goals over a 16-season said. career with both the Cats and Suns. 20 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 21

‘CARJI’ GREEVES MEDAL

Geelong midfielder Patrick averaging 29.1 disposals per game. Dangerfield claimed his second His previous best ‘Carji’ Greeves Medal TOP 10 consecutive ‘Carji’ Greeves Medal finish came in 2014 when he finished at the club’s best & fairest night. third. 1 240 Dangerfield becomes just the 12th player in Geelong history to claim Tuohy enjoyed a brilliant first season 2 Mitch Duncan 225.5 back-to-back awards. at GMHBA Stadium. Acquired from Carlton in a trade, Tuohy showed the 3 219.5 Dangerfield polled 240 votes to win ability to both attack and defend from from Mitch Duncan (225.5) and Zach the backline. 4 213.5 2017 WINNER Tuohy (219.5). Skipper Joel Selwood came in fourth with 213.5 and first year Selwood and Dangerfield were neck 5 Tom Stewart 195 Cat Tom Stewart was fifth with 195. and neck through much of the season 6 194 before Dangerfield pulled away late in Dangerfield led Geelong in disposals the campaign. 7 190 (718), inside 50s (127), clearances (172) and contested possession (430). Previous back-to-back winners include 8 188 He also booted a career best 45 goals. Selwood, , , He had 14 games with at least 30 David Clarke, , Bruce 9 187 PATRICK DANGERFIELD possessions and kicked multiple goals Nankervis, Graeme ‘Polly’ Farmer, 13 times. Tommy Quinn, George ‘Jocka’ Todd, 10 Harry Taylor 186.5 Duncan enjoyed his finest season, and Henry ‘Tracker’ Young. 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 23 ‘CARJI’ GREEVES MEDAL

AWARD WINNERS

TOM HARLEY AWARD (BEST CLUBMAN):

Scott Selwood was voted the best clubman by his coaches and teammates, taking out the 2017 Award.

The Tom Harley Award is presented to the player who demonstrates outstanding care for his teammates, invests time and interest in all levels of the playing group and who champions the club and team values whilst working towards the greater good of the Geelong Cats.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION: SCOTT SELWOOD

Scott Selwood won the 2017 Community Champion award.

A dedicated and enthusiastic ambassador for the Barwon Health Foundation since 2016, Scott’s commitment to the Foundation has gone from strength to strength through his work on ward walks, media opportunities and fundraising events.

Scott’s overall commitment to the club’s Cats in the Community program has been outstanding through his work in the Cats Care, Footy Cats, Read the Play and Healthy Heroes programs.

Scott is a true leader and exemplifies what it means to be a community champion.

BEST YOUNG PLAYER: TOM STEWART

Tom Stewart played 21 games in his debut season, averaging 15 possessions while earning a permanent spot among the back six. Stewart provided run from the backline and was able to curb the influence of his direct opponents in an impressive first season.

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VFL

The VFL Cats had a positive 2017 sets us up for next year hopefully,” season, blooding a number of VFL coach Shane O’Bree said. VFL B&F TOP 10 young players from both the AFL 1 James Tsitas and VFL lists. The inexperienced When O’Bree looks back at season 2017, he reflects on what the AFL-listed Cats ended the year in 10th players were able to contribute and the 2 position, registering eight wins confidence instilled as season 2018 and 10 losses, with players beckons. 3 Jake Edwards gaining valuable experience as they stepped into a high level of “They were really exciting. Sam 4 Daniel Caprion competition. Simpson, , Jack Henry, . 5 Ryan Gardner The Cats line up was constantly changing through a large part of the “The first two I mentioned managed to 6 Sam McLachlan year, but coach Shane O’Bree said play AFL games, but the last two grew there were positives to come from it. in confidence as the year went on and 7 Ryan Abbott believed they were good enough to “We played a lot of first year AFL play at VFL level,” O’Bree said. 8 boys with a lot of first year VFL- James Gow listed boys that we had sitting on our “At the moment, it’s a bit of ‘what could 9 Jamaine Jones development list to grow and in the have been’. But at the same time, we’re end we had to play them, get games reviewing and reflecting what we need 10 into them and fast track them. I think to do to our program to make it better.” Timm House they benefitted from that and it really

VFL BEST & FAIREST

James Tsitas capped off a consistent season by claiming the 2017 Geelong VFL Best & Fairest Award.

The 22-year-old tallied 322 votes to finish marginally ahead of first year player Ben Reid (309 votes) and VFL stalwart Jake Edwards (287). Following in the footsteps of Tom Ruggles (2015 winner) and (2016), Tsitas became the third straight VFL listed player to take out the award.

Tsitas was a handy constant, playing the first 15 games of the season, finding himself amongst the Cats’ best players 10 times.

“James Tsitas had an amazing year. A defender last year, he backed up playing as a midfielder. We want all our VFL boys to be flexible so they can stay in the team. He had a good year,” James Tsitas in action O’Bree said.

With thanks to Bank the official sponsor of the Cats VFL side VFLW

The Cats VFLW team exceeded season, so lots went right.” expectations in a historical There is no doubt that the players coming together so quickly as a team surprised inaugural season. The campaign the competition. began with close to 150 potential players attending the club’s talent “We went into the season hoping to ID day, with a list of 40 players win as many games as we lost, so we selected to represent the club. exceeded our expectations in that regard.

The Cats narrowly missed the finals, “The style of play we were able to put out exceeding expectation in the first year on the field got better and better every of play. A quarter of the list comprised week, so that was another real positive,” athletes switching to football for the Hood said. first time, and they teamed with a group of enthusiastic and committed players Led by captain Bec Goring and co-vice to form a team that was difficult to play captains Lily Mithen and Maddie Boyd, a VFLW BEST & FAIREST against. number of other team members including Alisha Habib and Krista Woodroffe put their hand up to provide leadership roles Lily Mithen took out the inaugural A first up win over the Hawks at GMHBA Geelong Cats VFLW Best & Fairest Stadium was the catalyst for the season, throughout the season. award for season 2017. with the squad ultimately winning eight of 14 games. Local Geelong netballer Renee Garing’s midfield work was ever-present as was Mithen finished on 294 votes ahead of VFLW coach saw the year as that of Cassie Blakeway. Cassie Blakeway (287 votes) in second a great success for not only the players, and (280) in third. coaches and support staff involved but Geelong Supercat Anna Teague’s form in the club as a whole. the backline was impressive, considering After junior football with Newtown and she had no previous AFL experience to “Overall I’d say it’s been a massive the North Geelong Magpies, Mithen success. The players have had a great speak of while former North Geelong Magpie Jamie Woollett took her game to played 12 games for the Cats this deal of fun and have picked up some elite season. training habits,” Hood said. another level after working tirelessly on her fitness and conditioning. “They’ve been exposed to an AFL The 19-year-old midfielder’s terrific environment. We were a really competitive “We want to be a strong VFLW team next season was also capped off with team on the field, and still managed to season and then hopefully be a strong selection in the VFLW Team of the get 36 players through our team over the AFLW team the year after,” Hood said. Year.

VFLW B&F TOP 10

1 Lily Mithen 6 Elise Coventry

2 Cassie Blakeway 7 Hannah Burchell

3 Anna Teague 8

4 Renee Garing 9 Lara Williams

5 Maddie Boyd 10 Krista Woodroffe 28 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 29

AFLW Choose the side that The Geelong Cats will join the AFLW competition for the puts you to work with 2019 season after the league announced its expansion decision late this year. real-world champions The Cats successfully fielded a team in region growing at a huge rate, while and , who the VFLW this year, winning eight times our club has been improved by having a were key members of the Cats VFLW At Deakin University, you’ll be given opportunities in 14 games to just miss the finals. great group of players wear the hoops. team in 2017 couldn’t have been to gain invaluable real-world experience working “To now be able to move into the happier with this AFL’s decision. alongside elite level athletes through our premium Geelong Cats CEO Brian Cook said this AFLW in 2019 is the next step for us, partnerships, such as with the Geelong Cats. is a significant event in the club’s 158- and one that we are ready to take. "It has been a nervous wait,” Higgins year history. We will offer inspiration to aspiring said. It’s this experience, combined with access to players throughout the region, and our “This is an exciting and proud supporters and members will embrace “That was our main goal, to get a team state-of-the-art facilities and a future-focused opportunity for our club,” Cook said. this team. in the AFLW competition. We're just so curriculum, that has ensured our ranking as stoked for that to happen." the #1 sport science school in the world for “We have been a strong supporter of “Our players have first class facilities and Ivey added her thanks to those behind AFLW and we are thrilled to be joining there will be greater pathways into off the scenes that put the Cats bid and * the second year running . the league in 2019. field roles for coaches, administrators program together. and specialists. Find out more “Over the past year we have introduced "I'm just really happy for everyone who a women’s team into the VFL. This “The club has begun preparing for has been behind the application and deakin.edu.au/deakin-sport decision was one of the best we have its entry in 2019 and look forward to really excited for the Geelong public *ShanghaiRankings Global Ranking of Sport Science made, with female participation in the growing the game.” to finally have a team to support in the Schools and Departments 2017 AFLW,” Ivey said.

“It's an amazing feeling."

Geelong will join North Melbourne as the newest teams come 2019, joining original clubs Adelaide, Brisbane, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, GWS, Melbourne and the .

St Kilda, Richmond, West Coast and Gold Coast will join the AFLW in 2020, bringing the total to 14 clubs.

The Cats will again field a team in the 2018 VFLW competition. Maddie Boyd Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science Co-Vice Captain, Geelong Cats VFLW Team

Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B

1729.24-Cats-Annual-Report-Ad-A4-v1-as.indd 1 19/10/2017 10:03 am 30 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 31 COMMUNITY

The Geelong Cats is proud of its 10 flagship community programs

BIOCATS A total of 66 programs were delivered to over 1600 students engaging them in science, maths, technology, health and the way it shapes the game of football. Our annual Koori BioCATS session delivered to over 40 students from nine different schools across the Western Districts, Geelong and Bendigo regions.

CYBER CATS Over 400 students have taken part in Cyber Cats; a full day activity based program at the Deakin Cats Community Centre that empowers year 7’s to educate and support their peers regarding online bullying and general safety. On completion of the program 86% of students said they around physical activity, healthy eating, and interactive games to educate DEAKIN CATS CATS CARE hydration and screen time. 3,279 messages about mental illness, Proudly brought to you by: will be more careful when accepting a COMMUNITY CENTRE The Target Seating Bay gave various surveys were completed by students remove stigma about mental health friend request on-line after attending 2017 saw another milestone achieved community groups who may not and staff post program which resulted and increase help seeing behaviour. Cyber Cats. with over 80,000 visitors through our otherwise have the opportunity to in an increase in knowledge in all four Geelong Cats players attended Read doors since inception to participate attend a game of AFL football. focus areas of the program. the Play sessions in local clubs to JUST THINK in programs to achieve health Karingal Backlinks and the Cats We are thrilled to be a finalist in the Vic highlight their commitment to this Partnering with Barwon Child Youth and wellbeing outcomes for the partnered to develop Cats Match, a Health Awards under the ‘Promoting important health message. and Family, over 400 students took community. The hub for delivery of program which saw 23 young people Healthy Eating’ category. part in the Just Think schools program BioCATS, Just Think, Cyber Cats, and focus on employability skills along with with the key message to consider not FOOTY CATS Wada Nyooroo and home to the Past health and wellbeing sessions, with drinking alcohol until at least 18 years WELCOME TO GEELONG Footy Cats had a continued focus on Players and Officials Association also all 23 graduating from the program of age. In round 14 of the 2017 season, Over 100 residents from Afghan, key game development opportunities houses the clubs memorabilia in the and over half the participants gaining Our Stadium was a sea of orange Syrian, Iraqi, Karen and Karenni within the AFL with the Geelong Cats Gartland Heritage Centre. employment upon completion. as 29,000 supporters helped raise communities were given the supporting numerous activations Monthly ward walks were conducted awareness about the impact of alcohol opportunity to participate in a football around junior girl’s football as well WADA NYOOROO at the Barwon Health University clinic at our annual Welcome to as Next Generation Academies. The on society whilst helping celebrate the Meaning “Come to Paint” in Hospital on the children’s ward and the Geelong event. This program supports annual Auskick Super clinic was a tenth year of the Just Think campaign. Wathaurong language, Wada Nyooroo Andrew Love Cancer Day Centre. and encourages Geelong’s newest highlight with over 1000 Auskick This message was replicated across is a cultural connection program for Over 100 wishes were conducted Australians to enjoy our game and participants taking part and local the three local leagues in Geelong and young Aboriginal people from the through the Cats Wishes program, this provides an opportunity to connect Auskick Centres and Junior Clubs the Bellarine Peninsula. Mitch Duncan, Barwon region. This five week program included match day, inner sanctum and with other Australians through all around the region receiving Zac Smith and enabled 17 young Aboriginal people to closed training experiences, messages awareness of AFL and belonging to a player visits. Community Camp was lent their time to the program and explore and celebrate their connection of well wishes from the playing group club. conducted around Geelong and in campaign as ambassadors. to culture with the focus of the and tickets to Victorian and interstate where the players program being story telling through art games. visited schools, local clubs, hospitals HEALTHY HEROES READ THE PLAY work on wooden bollards. The launch and spent a day out at Diversitat, Healthy Heroes, presented by Geelong The Geelong Cats and Kempe Read of the Djilang Indigenous Garden in a not-for-profit community service Cats and GMHBA, visited over 4,200 the Play have been in partnership for July 2017, displays these magnificent organisation who supports culturally year 3-4 students across 46 schools. 11 years, with becoming bollards. These young Aboriginal GEELONG & DISTRICT and linguistically diverse communities. FOOTBALL LEAGUE Delivered by Geelong Cats players Read the Play ambassador for 2017. artists held their Bollards to proudly Country Day also saw players visit and staff, the school-based program Targeting junior levels of sporting form the guard of honour in the Sir school across the Hampden and encourages positive behaviour change clubs, the Read the Play program Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round. Western Districts. through increasing student knowledge engages young people using fun 32 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 33

GEELONG CATS FOUNDATION

OUR AMBITION

At the Geelong Cats, you 2017 saw the culmination of our first This year also saw the launch of our will often hear us talk of ‘Our major philanthropic campaign ‘Our first philanthropic membership the Ambition’. This brings together Ambition’ that aimed to deliver the ‘Geelong Cats Women’s Football all our fundraising efforts in one best facilities of any club in the AFL Pioneer’ reflective of the Geelong Cats coordinated program. In essence; and make the club debt free for the commitment to women in sport. The it forms the philanthropic heart to first time in 50 years. The club is proud response has been overwhelming. partner with our great club. to announce that together with the We have 672 Pioneer members which support of sponsors, staff, players, generated $27,860.00 to be applied to Our Ambition program formed three members and supporters we raised the development of Women’s Football. core pillars, each providing different just over $16.2 million from 1,075 This will assist as we grow towards opportunities for our supporters to donors and saw the opening of the the AFLW competition in 2019. engage. new state of the art Charles Brownlow Stand. As we look towards the future, our plans are that one of three pillars will OUR PAST HERITAGE form the focus of that particular year Ensuring our history is honoured and fundraising and philanthropic effort. celebrated Therefore in 2018 our focus will be on Community. The Cats currently have 10 flagship programs that aim to build OUR PRESENT C OMMUNITY a better and healthier community Being a leader and giving back to our with a special focus on youth. These community programs have been independently acknowledged as world leading, and the club wants to continue to invest OUR FUTURE FOOTBALL and grow these renowned programs PROUDLY GEELONG Providing the best facilities, the best that serve the community so well. talent – staff, coaches and players

2017 IMPACT Program Focus Area Participants Healthy Heroes Health, Nutrition & Physical Education 4,210 BioCATS Physical Health & STEM Enquiry 1,731 Cyber Cats Cyber Safety 720 Just Think Alcohol Risks & Wellbeing* 696 Close The Gap Aboriginal Cultural Connection* 17 Read The Play Mental Wellbeing 4,100 Footy Cats Physical Activity & Community Connection 6,450 Deakin Cats Community Centre Being Healthy & Active 15,000 Welcome To Geelong Social Inclusion New Arrivals 150 Cats Care Community, Equity & Connection 15,000 Total 49,442 34 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 35

CHARLES BROWNLOW STAND

The Geelong Cats officially “It’s taken 16-17 years and it’s been a Government, $6m from the City of unveiled the completed stage real task.“But when your dreams come Greater Geelong, $4m from the AFL 4 redevelopment, the Charles true, or a vision becomes a reality, it is and $6m from the Geelong Cats. Brownlow Stand, at this year’s very comforting in the soul.” The Charles Brownlow name holds round 9 clash with the Western a special part in the club’s heritage, Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium on a The Charles Brownlow Stand boasts Brownlow’s contribution to the Friday night. 6500 seats and increases the total club, the city and the game was capacity of GMHBA Stadium to over outstanding. Earlier that week, in what was 36,000. The Brownlow Stand also a historic day for the Geelong provides the ability to host a diversity A total of seven past and present community, the region and the club, of events of national and international players have taken home the medal Geelong Cats CEO Brian Cook, significance. – ‘Carji’ Greeves (1924), Minister for Sport, Major Events & (1951), (1962), Tourism John Eren, Chairman of the The state-of-the-art redevelopment (1989), Jimmy Bartel (2007), Gary Kardinia Park Stadium Trust Steve includes, improved media facilities, a Ablett (2009) and Patrick Dangerfield Bracks and Member for Geelong new 1000-seat function centre, The (2016). Christine Couzens officially unxveiled Cats Shop merchandise store, Charles the completed Charles Brownlow & Co Café, an enhanced football Brownlow Medallists Alistair Lord Stand. department and the Sunrise Centre, and Patrick Dangerfield attended the a community facility that will aim to stand’s official opening and were “We started with this vision in 2001, a rehabilitate people to return to the joined by Carji Greeves’ daughter masterplan … and over the four stages workforce following serious injury. June Ford, Bernie Smith’s son Jeff & we’ve spent $200 million in total family, and the late Paul Couch’s wife amongst all of the stakeholders,” Brian A game-changer for the club, the Geraldine, son Joseph and daughter Cook said. $91m redevelopment includes Molly. $75m investment from the State 36 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 37 THANKS FOR BEING PART OF 2017

2017 CORPORATE PARTNERS BROWNLESS- Rodpack SELK Ben Collins Morris Finance STONEHAM The Package People Collendina Caravan Park Ken Dickens Giang Nguyen CLUB Ford Walkers Sam Routley Barossa Plumbing Adcell Steve Liquor - Glenn & Steve Ian Cover Town & Country Pizza Dagmar Henshaw Journey Management Skelton Frank Herd John Sculley Scott Carmody Rexel Group Fuso James Morphy JoAnne Sill Simon Wragg MAJOR Admedroz Geelong Addy Louise Stanley Carol Sinclair Stephen McGowan Geelong Advertiser Duffs Jewellers Leigh Marriott Sue Stanhope Robert Costa Steeline Leigh Marriott Julie Krepp John Williams GOLD CATS SC Technology James Green Peter & Sally Steele Tom Danos Robert Costa CUB Scott Parker Gary Van Der Geest David Heron Rita Costa Thompson Kiss Electrical Mark Simonds Terry Van Der Geest Gerard Mullins Amanda Costa Sokol Designer Furniture Rod Layton Geoff & Gwen White Kerry Robinson Dan Simmonds AGM Fasteners Angus Christian Linda Woodyard Gary Van Der Geest Ed Coppe McKnights Electrical Brad Tresidder Terry Elliott Terry Van Der Geest Fran Henderson Barro Group Andy Bell Black Leopard Simon Farrell Peter Moulton Kennedy King Stan & Bev Bee Trish Brice Paul Toohey Barry Fagg Kelly’s Hotel Sean Blood Ryrie Office Machines Anthony Cowell Ray Frost ID Accounting and Wealth Scott Carmody Graeme Amoore Pam Hart Solutions Glen Butteriss CAPTAINS Matt Marsh Carol Kirby Boral Cement Geoff French CLUB Terry Elliott Kevin Lillie Ollis & Co House Restumping ELITE John Kannourakis Rory Costello Kylie Cowan Blood Motor Group James Troon John Guscic Peter Steele OPEN AIR Detail Door Hardware Robert Birch Ash Hardwick Scott Carmody BOXES Vaughan Kruger Mike Hirst David Flanders Barwon Foods PIVOTS Kirstie Jordon Nathan Murray Phil Marendaz Mt Moriac Hotel/Bryan David McDonald Shane Pearce Matt Nunn Caterina Loverso Hepburn Stuart Richardson Mark Osborne David Ramsay Matt O’Kane Gordon Ave Pools & Spas Trevor Richardson Darrell Fenton Matthew Reszka Charlie Repcak Ryrie Office Machines Bill Votsaris Bruce Mansfield Dean Roderick Jim Flower J. T Dixon Pty Ltd Paul Loughnan Robert Case Andrew Kors Viva Energy (Shell) Robert Sutherland WAGS Laurie & Judy Mills Alistair Hamblin Brian Singer John McHarry (WE ARE GEELONG Lynda Rowe SUPPORTERS) DRW Investments David Dunoon Frank Ianelli Brook Angove Begley Management Jim Flower Harvey Munday John Downer Tina Kiss Premier Plumbing Service Nathan Johnston PREMIER Merv Jennings Signs Nigel Robinson Andrew Tucker Craig Stow COACHES Hanlon Industries Finlay Massey Andy Mathers Chris Dalton CLUB Tutt Bryant Hire John Williams Malcolm Freake Meredith Dalton Craig Drummond Kerr’s Northside Hire Barb Wookey Erin Ritchie Roger & Helen Phipps Andrew Fenton Gull Airport Services Tom White Andrew Meehan Ted Baillieu John Higgins Austral Hotel (Colac) Phyllis Clarke Craig Skimming Andrew McCann Peter Wade Go Traffic Peter Burnett Doug Zappelli Francis Browne Lee Iafrate Geoff & Gwen White Trish Brice Adam Gordon John Green Phil Treyvaud McHarrys Carl Alexander Stephen Cassidy Margaret Amoore Graeme Amoore FOOTBALL Giang Nguyen HR Central Peter Murdoch Bill & Kathy Dimovski Bill Votsaris PLAYER Graeme Giddings EXECUTIVE Routley’s Albert Batty SPONSORS Sarah Watmuff SUITES Murray Leigh Les Birrell Graeme Amoore Peter Watmuff Cotton On Antonello Produce James Birrell Ligi Aver Peter Steele Riordan Grains Geelong Insurance Brokers Matt Birrell John Booker Sally Steele Geelong Travel & Giang City Quarter Gary Iacono Simon Couch Neil Marshall Nguyen Bruce Warren Builders Ben Caruso Herb & Nutan Gallina Peter Hannon ASSOCIATE Simonds Family Mike McKinstry Leigh Keen John Greene Ligi Aver Austin Wines Release Property Management Graham Boyd Stephen Handley John Lines Tinky Middlestons Scott Boyd Fran Henderson Andrew Clark VILLAWOOD PROPERTIES HOME TIMBER & HARDWARE RIORDAN GROUP PTY LTD Bonney Energy Melton Craft Alan Bye Daniel Hoevenaars Simon Costello DIAGEO MUSCLE MILK ACHILLES Morris Finance Sphinx Hotel Geoff Sharp Vicki & Ruby Hunt Tim Clark The Accountant Group Ben Stewart Caterina Loverso Robert Stewart DUFFS JEWELLERS GODWIN CHARLI VICTORIAN RESPONSIBLE Jetts Rex Gorell Saz & Brad Lucas GAMBLING FOUNDATION Supreme Forklift Services Brian Quarrell SC TECHNOLOGY GROUP ST JOHN OF GOD GEELONG HOSPITAL Shojun Bernie Leen & Sons Luke Porra Stephen McGowan YHI Neil & Elyse McInnes