Captain to AFL bigwig; ‘world of pain’ 2.30am nightclub memory — Where are ‘07 Cats now?

It was a glorious day for Geelong 44 long years in the making. But Power fans would still be trying to suppress it.

The Cats finally saluted in the 2007 grand final in a record 119-point demolition of Port Adelaide to end a long-standing drought after a particular tough decade in the 1990s for Geelong fans.

That included four grand final losses from 1989 to 1995 in an era led by the likes of Gary Ablett Snr, Garry Hocking Billy Brownlow that would’ve left some scars on fans and the Geelong community alike.

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But not on this day in 2007 in what remains one of, if not the, greatest memories for (once) long-suffering fans.

Which is a bizarre to consider now with how dominant the Cats have been in the modern era, with a chance on Saturday to be the most successful AFL club this century.

And every 2007 premiership Cats player contacted by foxfooty.com.au this week have backed Geelong to take down Brisbane in the 2025 AFL Grand Final and be the first club to reach five premierships this century.

A few are still in the Cats camp trying to drive Chris Scott’s team to more silverware.

The turnaround begun under Mark Thompson in the mid 2000s including a preliminary final loss to the juggernaut Lions in 2004 and a heartbreaking — but famous — 2005 semi-final loss at the hands of Nick Davis and the Swans.

The Cats missed finals in 2006 and started 2007 at a shaky 2-3 ... but lost just one game for the rest of that premiership season en route to their first minor premiership since 1992.

It included a 15-game winning streak in the birth of a powerhouse at the previously titled Skilled Stadium and emergence of a star-studded team with names like Gary Ablett Jr., Jimmy Bartel, Matthew Scarlett and a young Joel Selwood.

Ironically, the only team the Cats lost to on the run home was Port Adelaide. But the result on the last Saturday in September couldn’t have been more different in a genuine bloodbath.

Geelong bursted out of the blocks with 5.7 in the first quarter and added another 6.6 in the second term. By three-quarter time the Cats were up by 90 points ...

Eighteen years on, several of those Cats players recalled that they didn’t just want to win the game, but really make a ruthless statement. And so the lead ballooned out to 119 points — the biggest ever win in grand final history.

So what are the 2007 premiership Cats up to now? And what are some of their predictions for Saturday? After all, it’s the group that really started this exceptional run at a club widely seen as the league’s benchmark.

Starting with the coach and captain, then working up in jumper number order ...

MARK THOMPSON (coach)

Reflections on the 2007 Grand Final: “It was probably the best day of my life, really. Probably shouldn’t say that, probably should say when I got married and had kids. But it certainly was a major event in a person’s life and a major event for the club. It had been 44 years since we won one and had five opportunities and lost them all. There was a lot of pressure there to win, so glad we did. Pre-game I couldn’t help but think what would happen if we lose, it kept coming into my mind. But I said: ‘We’re not going to lose, we’re the best team in the competition’. I’m sure that went through the players’ heads too. Once we got off to that good start it seemed the pressure went off us and we started to play football the way we planned to play and it worked out beautifully. At three-quarter time I told the boys they’d been outstanding and we’re going to win the game, but it’d be a shame if after such a great game and being in front this far, if we slip back and let them kick six goals or something. Because that wouldn’t give the fans or yourself that joy to really celebrate. That’s the best moment in your career, when you’re in a grand final and get to the point you know you’re going to win the game. That’s when you can celebrate and it feels like the world is perfect.”

Now: “Making tables and a bit of furniture and art. Also helping my boys, they’re both electricians. One works for my old business and my brother and the other works for fire sprinkler systems.”

Favourite current player: “Probably the full forward — Jeremy Cameron. He’s been a fantastic addition to the club, given them a real focus and the ability to keep kicking goals, once Tommy Hawkins went out. He just makes something out of nothing sometimes, he’s a very smart player.”

Tip: “Geelong. Playing at the MCG, where they love playing, I know Brisbane play well there too. I just see a fire in Geelong at the moment, the team spirit looks superior to Brisbane’s I think. They really look like they’re enjoying playing with each other and there’s an element of excitement about it all. I think they’re a good chance.”

Norm Smith Medal: “Patrick Dangerfield. Two weeks in a row as best on ground. You’ve got to say him. If he plays a good game and they win, he’ll get the medal.”

2. TOM HARLEY (captain)

Reflections on the 2007 Grand Final: “The overwhelming memory is the reaction from the Geelong fans and community. It was a heavy crown there for a while — 44 years from 1963 to 2007. That season really gained momentum after a bit of a sluggish start. You couldn’t escape the expectation of the town and supporter base. The day itself was almost a perfect game of football when you look back at it. To win a grand final against the second-ranked team in the competition by 119 points probably speaks to the dominant performance on the day. It was huge relief and unbelievable and unbridled joy. That real sense of achievement for the community. Because of the perceived burden with Geelong and grand finals, I was one of the senior players driving relentlessly high standards. I remember gathering at three-quarter time when we were up by 90 points and the first thing Mark Thompson said was: ‘Congratulations, you’re premiership players’. Then he went on to say he’s seen teams well ahead in grand finals just take their foot off the gas a little bit and not close the game out as well as possible. He just really urged us to win the last quarter and we did that. I do remember the last couple of minutes and a couple of my great mates and teammates Matthew Scarlett and Darren Milburn did chip the ball around a bit. ‘Scarlo’ kicked the ball to me just as the siren went and it landed in my arms and we went over to each other and gave each other a big hug. It wasn’t until the very end, although we were 22 goals up, you got to enjoy it out on the field, which was extraordinary.”

Now: “I’m the outgoing CEO of the Sydney Swans. Immediately post the 2009 premiership I moved to Sydney to be with my wife and I’ve been up here ever since. For the past 11 years I’ve been working with the Sydney Swans — seven of those as the CEO — which has been an unbelievable privilege. A great football club full of great people. In the next couple of weeks I’m moving into a new role as the AFL COO, which is another privileged position where I can look at the game from a different angle and contribute to the future of the game from a broad skillset. Really looking forward to doing that and I don’t say this lightly, I’m unbelievably privileged to play a leadership role in the game I love.”

Favourite current player: “The current team for the first time in a long time is absent of any players I played with. Tom Hawkins was the last, so I can’t lean on that, I’ve got some great friends in the coaches box. I’ve admired the way Tom Stewart has played his football and it’s a shame he’s not playing on Saturday. A Geelong local from South Barwon scouted by Matthew Scarlett, as I understand, and a five-time All-Australian. If I had to pick one, I’d pick him.”

Tip: “Geelong by 10 points. I think it’s going to be an amazing game, they’re the two best teams in the competition. We saw in the qualifying final the Cats really get on top and play exceptionally well. They’re well placed to win on Saturday in a tight one.”

Norm Smith Medal: “Patrick Dangerfield. If Geelong wins in a tight one, there’s every chance he’s had a fair say on the game.”

1. STEVEN KING

The Cats assistant has recently been named the new coach of Melbourne for 2026. But King won’t officially start at the Demons until after the grand final as he tries to help Geelong win another flag in his final act for the club he once captained. Has also held assistant coaching positions at St Kilda, Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast — where he became caretaker coach after Stuart Dew’s axing in 2023.

3. JIMMY BARTEL

Largely seen across Fairfax’s media platforms with one of the sharpest footy brains in the business. No great surprise he’s being pursued by Port Adelaide for the club’s head of football vacancy after being a member of GWS’ board for several years. The Australian Football Hall of Famer and triple premiership Cat was one of the key drivers of the success of the 2007 season including winning the Brownlow Medal and making his first All-Australian team. One of just three AFL players to have won a Brownlow Medal, Norm Smith Medal and played over 300 games.

4. ANDREW MACKIE

Geelong’s executive general manager and Chris Scott’s right-hand man trying to steer the club to more success on Saturday. Mackie has been involved at the Cats across three decades since being drafted in 2002, with the triple premiership player transitioning into list management after he retired in 2017 before working his way up to his current role.

4. BRAD OTTENS

Reflections on the 2007 Grand Final: “It’s a bloody surprise it’s 18 years, bit of a shock when you add it all up. It was an amazing year after a shocking start and really bad 2006. Things turned around after every game we won and there was more expectation piled on. There was an amazing buzz around the place and huge feeling of expectation, though it wasn’t anything anyone spoke about. Obviously the way we won was so convincing and it was just such an amazing day. The overwhelming emotion was relief after the game and it was like: ‘Thank Christ we managed to do it’. Because there were so many people expecting us to win and there had been so much build and the losing grand finals through the ‘80s and ‘90s. Sitting on the bus, the relief and completely exhausted. That feeling I’ll never forget, it was obviously huge pride and elation, but huge relief we were able to get the job done. I remember at three-quarter time ‘Bomber’ had his bit to say and ‘Scarlo’ (Matthew Scarlett) said: ‘What’s the record winning margin? Let’s beat that’. Strangely, ‘Scarlo’ had a way of motivating people in different ways and my ears pricked up. I thought: ‘I don’t want to just win, let’s break the record here’. I remember taking the time to look at the crowd at the crowd a few times, we were very lucky to be able to experience a winning grand final in that way. It was pretty special.”

Now: “I’ve stayed involved at the Cats in a part-time role doing ruck coaching, which I’ve really enjoyed. I’m furniture maker these days and cabinet maker, a wood jointer by trade. Self employed with a small business. I spend a fair bit of time chasing my three kids around. Lucky enough to enjoy a good balance of lifestyle with kids and work.”

Favourite current player: “I love Tom Atkins, he’s my sort of footballer and I’ve got a soft spot for Tommy. He just gets in and does his thing, doesn’t talk too much. I was rapt to see him get the interview after the prelim, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him interviewed before! You hear everyone talk about all these other guys more high-profile, but he’s the heart and soul. He reminds me a lot of Maxy Rooke and ‘Rookey’ was one of my favourites to play alongside.”

Tip: “Geelong. I went along to the qualifying final and that result might be a bit misleading, Brisbane has bounced back so well in the last couple of weeks. But even the Cats having the extra week off could prove a bit of a difference. They’ve been so good throughout this finals series stopping teams at their best and just got too many good players and guys who have hit form at exactly the right time at the year. Brisbane is definitely going to take some beating, but I think the Cats will beat them in maybe a bit closer than last time they played.”

Norm Smith Medal: “Jeremy Cameron. I think ‘Jezza’ might get hold of someone and kick a bag. I might tip him.”

8. JOSH HUNT

Reflections on the 2007 Grand Final: “It’s a while back now! Getting a bit long in the tooth. To make finals and grand finals and win grand finals, you sometimes need a bit of luck. It seemed like a day where if the ball bounced a certain way, it went our way. Then obviously there’s a team with individual and collective brilliance, it was just our time and our turn. We’d been close in the previous years as a younger group that weren’t physically or mentally ready to take that next step. ‘06 was a bit of a wake-up call. To bounce back in that 2007 grand final and enjoy it — without sounding disrespectful or anything — you could enjoy it for the last quarter and a half. It just felt right that day that if things were going to happen, they were going to happen for us. It was great to be able to enjoy the day instead of having to chew half your fingernails up until the final siren like in other grand finals. Brad Ottens’ run-down tackle on Michael Pettigrew in the first quarter set the scene for us, it was Happy Gilmore reminiscent of him chasing down Shooter with the gold jacket! Little acts like that made you think: ‘OK, they’re giving this much. If I don’t give 110 per cent, I’m letting them down’. I didn’t play every game that year and was in the twos for a bit, so for me to be able to be there and fight through some form slumps and get it right, I was really happy personally. First time in 44 years to be able to win one after the guys in the ‘80s and early ‘90s couldn’t quite get there, there’s a lot of nerves and excitement. It all turns into a bit of a haze.”

Now: “I’m back to being a student up here on the Gold Coast. After I finished at the Giants at the end of 2014, I moved up here and had a year of playing and a bit of coaching at Southport in the NEAFL, as it was. Also got an opportunity as the head coach of the Lions academy for six years when they were finding their way back up the ladder and I was there for a little stint when ‘Fages’ (Chris Fagan) and everybody got there. I learned so much from those guys including Ben Hudson, Mitch Hahn, Zane Littlejohn, Paul Hendrickson, Murray Davis, who did things differently and I took bits out of that. I finished up with that when Covid hit and went back to finish the teaching degree. Maybe I can reignite that footy love and competitive nature into helping a school up here on the Gold Coast.”

Favourite current player: “I love watching the seemingly effortless talent of Jeremy Cameron. Obviously there’s a lot of work that goes into it. But how he’s able to operate, he’d be a nightmare to play on, because he moves so well, kicks a lot of goals and gets a lot of opportunities. I also love Tom Atkins and the way he’s developed year on year and the way he goes about things. People talk about him being a tackling machine and all that, but he’s so much more than that. He’s a barometer for them and allows the other guys do what they do. The one thing his teammate would love about him is there’s so much trust and respect. You just know when Tom is given a job, this is what he’s going to do and you know what you’re going to get 10 times out of 10.”

Tip: “Geelong. I think the AFL fans will be the big winner, it should be a belter game. If I look at it with my head and my heart, I still think the Cats can get up. The way they’ve come into finals, prepared and had an extra week off. Even though Tom Stewart is obviously a big loss. I just think the Cats have made their run at the right time and going well when the whips are cracking. But it’s tough to say that, because I do have a real soft spot for Brisbane and the players in that team and coaches as well. I just hope it’s a cracking game and I can sit back and try and be as impartial as I can and enjoy a game of footy without skin in the game. But I’m sure my heart will take over and the blue and white hoops will come to the forefront!”

Norm Smith Medal: “Jeremy Cameron. I think the trend is going to be bucked a bit. If ‘Jez’ (Cameron) has a day out, he might have a day out too big to be overshadowed by a midfielder. I reckon ‘Jez’ might be able to kick enough to make sure people say it’s time for a forward to win a Norm Smith.”

9. JAMES KELLY

Reflections on the 2007 Grand Final: “Pretty special, the 44 years between drinks for the footy club, now we’re all a bit older. That’s one thing you look back on and feel really proud of that you were able to contribute in some way to all of that joy of happiness for Geelong fans and the people of Geelong. I just remember how excited everyone was at the end of the game and the parade the next day and that sort of stuff, just to see people so happy. And have older people come up to you and say: ‘I was at the last premiership and I’ve waited for this one’. And: ‘My dad’s dream in life was to see a premiership and he saw it before he passed away’. Things like that make you realise how much it meant to everyone. It was fun for us and what we did for a living, but it meant so many things to so many people. At three-quarter time it kind of snuck up on me a little bit how far in front we were. I remember thinking they were going to have to do something amazing to even kick a few goals. The whole last quarter you’re running hard and trying hard, but enjoying the little moments in between that out on the ground.”

Now: “I’m an assist coach at Geelong trying to win another one.”

11. JOEL COREY

Works in Justin Longmuir’s team as a midfield coach at Fremantle after a stint at the Bulldogs following his retirement in 2013. The three-time premiership player, two-time best and fairest winner and dual All-Australian remains one of the most unheralded stars from that golden Cats era.

14. JOEL SELWOOD

A big job this week as Geelong’s premiership cup ambassador. And Cats fans will be daring to dream of Selwood handing the cup to Chris Scott and Patrick Dangerfield. The widely-respected Selwood has held roles at the Melbourne Storm, AFL and Channel 7 since his fairytale flag send off in 2022. A future hall of famer with a resume as stacked as it gets including four premierships, six All-Australians, three best and fairests, and perhaps what he’s most remembered for, a four-time winner of the AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award.

17. SHANNON BYRNES

Reflections on the 2007 Grand Final: “Very fond, but also 18 years makes me feel pretty and realise it was a while ago. We’re coming up to our 20-year reunion, which is pretty crazy to think. It was a game we were expected to do well in, but also had the weight of a 44-year drought on our shoulders. The club had stumbled at that last hurdle a few times throughout the ‘90s and sometimes you think the fans are thinking something similar will happen. I’m glad that wasn’t the case and we were able to win comfortably. We did go into the game pretty confident, even though we had been beaten by Port at home late in the season. But we had a few players out that day in the years we rested a few guys leading into finals, we didn’t have the pre-finals bye. We knew our best was good enough and I think we had a bit more experience on our side compared to them. I remember looking through the newspaper the day of the game and looking at our guys and their guys and thinking the advantage was on our side. I don’t know if we expected to jump our of the blocks the way we did, but it felt like right from the get go, everything just went right and went our way. It was a special day and it felt like everyone was on from that first quarter and in some ways you could feel Port Adelaide’s shoulders slump at the same time and sort of went really silent. There was a lot of chipping across halfback and they weren’t really taking the game on. I remember coming in at half-time and trying not be too excited and everyone was saying the right things, like: ‘Let’s reset the scoreboard’. To the boys credit, it felt like we came out just as hot in the third quarter and Stevie (Johnson) was calling himself ‘Norm’ at a time I thought it was probably going to be our day. As opposed to the 2009 Grand Final, where it really went down to the last two minutes and you couldn’t think like that at all.”

Now: “Haven’t gone too far, I’m still working at the footy club in player development. I obviously got traded to Melbourne in 2013 and played there for two years and then became player development manager there right up until 2021. To watch them go from rock bottom to winning a premiership was a pretty cool experience. Then Geelong asked if I’d come back in 2022 and it was nice timing to come back to see the Cats win the flag and Joel’s last year was pretty special to be a part of. Been back at the club since hopefully it can be a special weekend this weekend. I’ve brought my family back here to Geelong, an eight-year old by, Charlie, and a six-year old girl, Grace, and my wife, Megan. We’ve settled back into Geelong and got really comfortable back here and started to put our roots down and feel like this is home.”

Favourite current player: “I do a fair bit of work with the small forwards, being an area of the ground I played my whole career in, so my bias lies with them. I know Ollie Dempsey has gone to a wing, but he starred his journey in the forward line. it would be hard to split all the small forwards, Ollie Dempsey, Gryan Miers, Brad Close, Tyson Stengle, Shaun Mannagh — those are the guys I work more closely with. I don’t want to split that pack, I love the small forwards.”

Tip: “Geelong, believe it or not. I think the boys are in a really good space with how they’re playing the game. Even with the start Hawthorn got in the prelim, it just didn’t feel like there was any panic in the group at all in that period and they were able to steady the ship and run over the top of them. I feel like the longer the game goes on, the better for us. Hopefully that’s the case on Saturday and we’re just able to run a bit harder and for longer than the Lions.”

Norm Smith Medal: “It’s going to be hard to split Gryan Miers or Shaun Mannagh. Again, forward bias.”

20. STEVE JOHNSON

The Norm Smith medallist from that great day with four goals from 23 disposals. ‘Stevie J’ now works for Triple M and was named coach of the Geelong Football Netball League Team of the Year in his first season in charge of Newtown and Chilwell — where David Wojcinski is also involved. That followed assistant coaching roles at Sydney and GWS for Johnson, who also awarded the Norm Smith Medal to Will Ashcroft last year. Fair to say Johnson and Cats fans alike will be hoping it’s not given to a Lion on Saturday!

21. CAMERON MOONEY

Reflections on the 2007 Grand Final: “Kicking the first goal (one of a game-high five) in a granny was a good way to start! A funny one was my mate texted me before the game to say he put some money on me for first goal. And ‘Chappy’ (Paul Chapman) is filthy with me I marked it on the line on him. I thought my mate would kill me if I didn’t take it! It was a bit of an arm wrestle the first 10 minutes and they had a few shots and it was like: ‘Jeez, maybe we’re not on here and they’re on’. Then the last shot they missed, we went coast to coast, ‘Chappy’ kicks it in, I take the mark and we kick a goal. Then it just felt like we were away and that’s virtually how the game played out after that. When you’re winning by that much, the ball was zipping around so easily and everyone was having a ball. It’s the best time to get a kick and the opposition is deflated and not all of them are playing at 100 per cent. I remember talking to Steven King midway through the last quarter about how we’d won it and every goal is a celebration. We had the game sewed up by the third quarter, but it wasn’t until the last quarter you really started to celebrate every goal, every moment and all the little things. I tell you what, it was a hell of a lot more fun than the last quarter of the 2009 Grand Final! Clearly we had one of the great teams of all time and it all started in that ‘07 season. It was just one of those fantastic days and years when a club clicks after so much disappointment.”

Now: “I was in the greatest job in the world, now I’m in the second-greatest job in the world working at Fox Footy. I go around footy games on a weekend and get to interview players and coaches and talk about the game. At the end of the weekend, I get to have fun with three other idiots on Bounce. I’ve been very, very blessed and very lucky and it’s because of this footy club. If I had stayed at North Melbourne, I more than likely would’ve been thrown out the door after a few more years because I was unprofessional and carried on, Dennis Pagan probably would’ve thrown me out. I was lucky enough to go to club that had amazing success with this group of boys and because of that I get to ride on their coat-tails and do some media work. I was an OK player — maybe a good player — but I was in a great team and extremely lucky to play alongside Hall of Famers.”

Favourite current player: “Shaun Mannagh. He reminds of ‘Pods’ (James Podsiadly) — and I loved James Podsiadly. He went the long way round and had to do it the hard way and Shaun Mannagh is the same. Came in at an older age and has not missed a beat since he walked into that footy club. He now joins of the best, if not the best, small forward brigade in the competition.”

Tip: “Geelong by 35 points. Before the finals series, I actually had Brisbane losing the qualifying final, then going the long way round and wining it. But I look at their young key forwards and it can be a really tough day. Logan Morris was third banana last year and he had a really good grand final and was outstanding for a young man. But this year he’s the main man and they’ve got a guy playing his sixth game — Ty Gallop — who was outstanding last week. But grand final day is just a different day. I just wonder if these young men can hold up to that pressure against really experienced defenders. I just wonder if that’s going to be their Achilles’ heel.”

Norm Smith Medal: “Max Holmes ... after missing the 2022 grand final! He was the reason they didn’t make it last year, because when he went off in the prelim, everything turned. I reckon Max is the man who’s going to have 700-plus metres gained and just dominate through the middle of the ground.”

23. NATHAN ABLETT

Also carried a famous surname as the younger brother of Gary. Booted three goals in the 2007 Grand Final, which was ultimately his final game for Geelong. Briefly came out of retirement at the Suns in 2011. Has played locally on the Gold Coast and country Victoria in recent years including some appearances for Balranald in the Central Murray Football Netball League.

27. MATTHEW STOKES

Reflections on the 2007 Grand Final: “It was my second year and I was up to my 30th game or something. I didn’t realise being so early in my career what it meant to make a grand final, at that stage I probably took for granted how good we were that quickly. That day was pretty much a blur, I kept thinking there’s more people in this stadium than where I’m from in Darwin. I went for a hanger in the first quarter and my kneecap popped out, I thought my day was done. I had a jab and was able to get back out there — it was going to take a fair bit for my to stop playing in a grand final — and after half-time you knew we were most likely going to win. We kept going and unfortunately for Port it’s probably a day they never want to remember, to be able to put them to the sword the way we did was satisfying. Never in my lifetime would I have imagined what it meant to the city itself and fans across the country. We still hear about how much joy 2007 brought to people after so much heartbreak, even past players like ‘Gaz Snr’ (Gary Ablett Snr) and ‘Billy’ (Brownless), I’ve spoken to guys who went through the losses of the ‘90s, to hear those stories and win a premiership in my second season, it was pretty cool. But never knew what it meant to the wider community of Geelong, we found out pretty quickly what it meant to them when we went back to the town. I got another injection after the game for my knee and it wasn’t until I was at a nightclub in Geelong at about 2.30am the painkillers started to wear off and I was in a world of pain. I couldn’t move my knee and it swelled up, it was the same size as ‘Otto’’s (Brad Ottens) head! I was able to get through it without any severe damage done to it other than me ego trying to take a specky and landing on my knee.”

Now: “I’ve got a civil and infrastructure company called Larrakia Bilirra. It started with four employees then went to 100 and we’ve slowly gotten bigger and bigger. Really proud to have gotten away from footy and prove myself in a different facet of life and business was something I’ve always been drawn to. I’m back and forth between Darwin and Geelong, loving life and I get the best of both worlds. I get to watch the mighty Cats most weeks with my boys — even they still don’t believe I was a player — they’re seven and five years old. But they took one of my medals to Show and Tell last week! I sponsor Jack Martin and Lawson Humphries, which is great to give back to the footy club in some way and I’m still involved in some of the programs they run throughout Geelong and the Aboriginal community. Really proud of what I’ve been able to do with the club with that kind of stuff. Pretty busy, but the one beauty is I never have to worry about my football club.”

Favourite current player: “I’ve always loved watching Zach Guthrie and what he’s been able to transition his football into. I was at the club when he first came on board and to see how he’s been able to take his game to this level, it’s a credit to him. Brad Close is also one of my favourite players, he reminds me a lot of the way I played. I watch him live a lot and see his work rate and everything is about his teammates. He’d be my favourite to watch up close.”

Tip: “Geelong by about four or five goals. I think we should be very confident. We have a really good balance across the board of superstars, to guys who play their roles, to also guys who can stand up when they need to. We’ve got this knack of being able to create a really even spread of contributors. But I’ve always loved Brisbane from afar and admired the way they got about their footy, especially under ‘Fages’ (Chris Fagan).”

Norm Smith Medal: “Bailey Smith, I just love his sheer confidence. I’ve done a few things with him over the last 12 months. I really admire he’s this guy who just is who he is and he doesn’t shy away from too much. I think he has a ripping game. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Jeremy Cameron, with Brisbane’s defence undermanned, turns one or for the ages and kicks seven or eight goals and reminds us how important key forwards are in finals.”

29. GARY ABLETT JNR

Involved in several business ventures and is an ambassador for RACV Solar. Regarded as a family man who dedicates a lot of time to his wife, Jordan, and their three children. Captained Victoria in last month’s Legends Game after playing for several local clubs around Australia since his AFL retirement in 2020. Set for a one-off appearance for local Tasmanian club Glenorchy in Round 1 of the 2026 season. Arguably the greatest AFL player of all-time including winning two premierships, two Brownlow medals, five MVPs, three AFLCA champion player of the year awards and eight All-Australians. That 2007 season was largely the making of Ablett Jnr in a year he won several accolades for the first time — a flag, MVP, AFL coaches’ award, All-Australian and best and fairest.

30. MATTHEW SCARLETT

Believed to be on Melbourne’s radar to support Steven King after Scarlett departed Geelong’s coaching team at the end of 2021. For younger (emphasis on the er) generations, perhaps the greatest fullback we’ve ever seen that in many ways evolved the role to be more attacking. The Australian Football Hall of Famer is a three-time premiership player and six-time All-Australian and the leading force of Geelong’s backline throughout its dominant run. Finished third in Norm Smith voting in 2007 as one of Geelong’s best with 29 disposals and eight marks.

30. MAX ROOKE

Involved in a few different things, with a passion for Breathwork and Cold Exposure, which he runs workshops for. Held development coaching roles at Geelong, Gold Coast and Melbourne. The dual premiership Cat was one of the real hard nuts of that era.

35. PAUL CHAPMAN

Stepped down as coach of Bendigo side Kyneton in 2023 due to work commitments. Kicked four goals from 21 touches in the 2007 Grand Final but was pipped by Steve Johnson in the Norm Smith voting, 13 to 10, including Chapman getting three votes from two members of the five-person panel. So very nearly could’ve been a dual Norm Smith winner after taking out the honour in 2009. One of the great medium forwards of his era as a three-time premiership player and dual All-Australian.

39. DARREN MILBURN

Has held a coaching role for the Geelong Amateurs Football Netball Club after previously working alongside fellow ex-Cat Peter Riccardi at Bannockburn in the Geelong and District Football League. The hard-nosed defender played in the 2009 flag but was an emergency in 2011 before retiring. Milburn was then part of Brenton Sanderson’s coaching staff at Adelaide for a few years before returning to Victoria.

40. DAVID WOJCINSKI

Reflections on the 2007 Grand Final: “I wasn’t even sure if I was going to get to the grand final! I was really crook in the week leading up. I was bedridden for a few days right up until the day before the game. So glad I got there in the end, because it was such a good win. Aw s**t, it’s hard to recollect, I don’t really think about it too much. I just remember getting out there and the crowd and feeling the emotions and nerves of running out on the MCG for a grand final — I still have to pinch myself. I still wasn’t 100 per cent on the ground, but good enough to play. It was an amazing day and the celebrations after were something special after breaking that drought. We were obviously excited to win it for ourselves, but the biggest thing that sticks with you is seeing the emotion on the supporters’ faces. I grew up barracking for Essendon and got to witness a few premierships growing up. But to see Geelong supporters who had followed the club for so long and not seen one until that day and how happy it made them, it was pretty special. You could tell it meant a lot to the people of Geelong and Geelong supporters in general.”

Now: “Still living in Geelong, haven’t left the place. Locally involved in Newtown and Chilwell Football Netball Club, been there pretty much since I left Geelong. Played a year then coached two years and been doing a fair bit with the junior side of the program with my own kids coming through — one in the netball and two in the footy. This year ‘Stevie J’ has come on board, he’s coaching the seniors and I’ve been helping him out. It’s been an awesome year for the club, we’ve got such a young list and Stevie has come in and done a fantastic job with the group. The last few years I started my own small excavation business to do a few odd jobs for builders, plumbers, electricians and landscapers and whoever. It’s pretty cruisy and fun, I get to work for myself.”

Favourite current player: “Max Holmes. There’s a heap and I love them all, but I like the way Holmes plays and takes the game on. He’s quick and can be quite damaging, I can see him having a great future at Geelong. I enjoy watching him.”

Tip: “Geelong. I hope and think they should. But Brisbane makes me nervous. Obviously winning it last year and disposing of Collingwood pretty easy in the end. Chris Fagan is doing an amazing job and he knows how to motivate his players and they seem to just love playing for him and that can be a massive difference sometimes, like Geelong does with ‘Scotty’ (Chris Scott). I’m backing Geelong in to win it, but Brisbane definitely worry me.”

Norm Smith Medal: “Let’s stick with Max Holmes.”

44. COREY ENRIGHT

Regarded as a senior coach in waiting and currently Ross Lyon’s top assistant at the Saints in what could turn into a succession plan. The 332-gamer was previously in Geelong’s coaching staff and is also involved in hotel business. The reliable backman was one of the Cats’ absolute stars and sits in rare air by having won multiple best and fairests in premiership years (2009 and 2011). Three flags and six All-Australians and inducted in the Australian Football Hall of Fame alongside Jimmy Bartel in 2023.

45. CAMERON LING

Has held multiple roles in the media, currently appearing on Channel 7, ABC radio and Geelong media, as well as various leadership positions across AFL clubland since his retirement in 2011. Also a business owner and has been an ambassador for several charities. The modern day ‘Mayor of Geelong’ is much loved in the city and universally respected. A premiership captain in 2011 among three flags and one of the game’s top taggers.

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