Cats Insider 2012

2012 GEELONG CATS

CATS INSIDER YEARBOOK

NOVEMBER

2012 EDITION GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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Tel: 03 5223 3453 23/10/12 3:34 PM

CONTENTS

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday 19 December 2012 In accordance with clause 17 of the Geelong Football Club Limited’s Constitution, formal notice is hereby given that the 36th Annual General Meeting of the Geelong Football Club Limited (“the Club”) will be held in the Fred Flanagan Room, Ford Stand, Simonds Stadium, Kardinia Park, Geelong on Wednesday 19 December 2012 at 7pm (“the Meeting”).

The business to be dealt with at the Meeting shall be: 1. The receipt and consideration of: - Minutes of 2011 Annual General Meeting - 2012 Financial Report - 2012 Directors’ Report and Auditor’s Report 2. Presentation of the 2012 RJ Hickey Award for outstanding service to Australian football.

3. General business as the Chairman directs.

Financial Report

CATS INSIDER ANNUAL REPORT 2012 EDITION 8

PRESIDENT & CEO’S REPORT

25 MILESTONES

9

COACH’S REPORT

10

SEASON REVIEW

13

ALL AUSTRALIAN

34 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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DEPARTURES

37

19

MEMBERS THANK YOU

40 CAT’S SHOP

27

VFL SEASON

32 2012 DEBUTANTES

CATS IN THE COMMUNITY

20 BROWNLOW MEDAL

43 EVENTS WRAP

22 ‘CARJI’ GREEVES MEDAL NIGHT

44 LIFE MEMBERSHIPS

EDITORS STACEY OATES & KEVIN DIGGERSON ART DIRECTOR ANDREW HUTCHISON CONTRIBUTORS SARAH ALBON, COLIN CARTER, BRIAN COOK, SHARRON DICKMAN, NATHAN KETTLE, ALI REILLY, CHRIS SCOTT PHOTO CREDITS AFL PHOTOS, GEELONG CATS MAJOR SPONSOR

46 GC FOREVER CONTACT THE CLUB ADMINISTRATION/CLUB ENQUIRIES PHONE: (03) 5225 2300 FAX: (03) 5221 8462 ADDRESS: PO BOX 461 GEELONG, VIC 3220 WEBSITE: GEELONGCATS.COM.AU

To reduce costs and utilise the environmentally friendly choice, the Club no longer distributes printed Financial Reports to members.

You can obtain a copy of the 2012 Financial Report via a link on the Club’s website geelongcats. com.au from 28 November 2012. A hard copy can be requested by contacting the Club on (03) 5225 2300 or finance@geelongcats.com.au.

Members who request a hard copy will continue to receive all subsequent Financial Reports in this form until the Club is advised otherwise.

We trust you will find the 2012 Financial Report to be clear, informative and easy to access.

Should you have any queries, please contact me on the above phone number or email address.

Ability to appoint a proxy

In accordance with the Constitution of the Club, a member is entitled to appoint a proxy and any such 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 Company Secretary not later than 5.00pm Monday 17 December 2012.

You can obtain a proxy form via a link on the Club’s website geelongcats.com.au from 28 November 2012.

A hard copy can be requested by contacting the Club on (03) 5225 2300 or finance@geelongcats.com.au

Robert Threlfall Company Secretary

MEMBERSHIP & RESERVED SEATING ENQUIRIES PHONE: 1300 GO CATS (46 2287) FAX: (03) 5223 1895 EMAIL: MEMBERSHIP@GEELONGCATS.COM.AU WEBSITE: MEMBERSHIP.GEELONGCATS.COM.AU SPECIAL THANKS MITCH COULSON, MARIA D’ANTINO, ERIN DOOLEY, MARY KINCAID, TOM PEETERS, ALANA PYNE

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GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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22/10/12 5:20 PM

PRESIDENT’S & CEO’S REPORT

MESSAGE FROM

COOK & CARTER Thank you for your support during 2012. We see the season as a very good campaign with a disappointing finish. And as in previous years, we are incredibly proud of the way our team goes about playing the game.

Our challenge is to beat the handicapper and continue to play finals. The AFL’s equalisation principles such as the draft, salary cap, financial distribution and the fixtures ensure that clubs do not play finals over sustained periods. We aim to beat this and have been transitioning over the past 18 months and will continue to work at it.

Our 15 wins - and an 80% win loss ratio/ record since 2007 - was a healthy achievement. We had 10 debutants, second highest behind GWS and blooding these players will hold us in good stead for many years.

Our successful VFL squad is where our young players learn how to win and is a critical component in teaching them how to play the Geelong way. In winning another VFL premiership this group showed that it understands how important it is to win.

We would also like to congratulate the various award winners from our club, and thank all of our departing players for their great efforts and contributions through the years.

Our stadium is being redeveloped and Stage 3 of our master plan, the Players Stand, will be completed in May next year and our capacity will increase to around 34,000. Lighting ghting will be installed and ready for our first night game at home. And d plans for Stage 4 are nearing completion.

We look forward to using our exclusive training venue within the Keystone Business Park at Armstrong Creek sometime in 2014 when Simonds Stadium is being used for other major events.

We reached 40,200 members this year when our stadium capacity was 22,000 and we thank you for your patience during the construction period. The new facilities will make a significant difference to our member and supporter value on match days. As always lways we are determined to grow our membership base, with recent research showing that we have around 500,000 supporters throughout Australia.

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GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

We will continue to develop the qualities inside our club that give us competitive advantages in the AFL’s equalised environment. These are found in our people, culture, leadership and our planning and we will continue to benchmark ourselves against the world’s best in these areas.

Our sponsors have been marvellous and we thank them. We particularly thank Ford who have been our loyal sponsor since 1925 and recently agreed to extend our partnership until the conclusion of the 2016 season.

Our website and social media has exploded this year with unique visitors to Cats TV regularly topping 150,000 per month. This, added to our Twitter and Facebook pages, has meant huge growth for our club.

We established our Community Development department and our Cats in the Community program which has a strong youth focus including empowerment, health and wellbeing and homelessness.

We e play p a large role in our local schools, football clubs, Auskick skick centres as well in partnerships with six community groups. We see these as opportunities to give

back to the community that has given much to us over the past 150 years.

We forecast a small operating profit for the year before the write off of the old Wade stand.

We look forward to 2013 although it will bring fixturing challenges. We will not be able to play at Simonds Stadium until late May when the redevelopment is completed - which means our first 10 games will be played in Melbourne or interstate. The good news, however, is that seven of our last 11 games will be in Geelong.

We look forward to your continued support in 2013 and thank you for being loyal sponsors, members and supporters during 2012.

COLIN CARTER (PRESIDENT) BRIAN COOK (CEO)

COACH’S REPORT

CHRIS SCOTT

COACH’S REPORT Whenever a season ends without achieving the ultimate success there will be a flat feeling. This season is no different.

T

he season went as we had expected it to go, and we entered the finals playing our best football, as we had planned to do all year.

However one terrible quarter against Fremantle saw us fall.

It was a disappointing finish to a good season. We achieved a lot and had a lot of positives through 2012 and we are optimistic as to what the future holds.

Ten players made their debuts this season and a number of other young players established themselves in our team.

Over the past two years we have been very transparent as to the need to transition our list. We have been committed to this transition and will continue to invest in our young players.

I believe that Geelong is the best place to develop as a young player. We put all of our efforts into developing young footballers and young men. The program is fantastic for young players and we have a lot to look forward to.

It is a privilege to play at the Geelong Football Club. The commitment, sacrifice and endeavour that our senior players have shown over a long period of time is going to have to be mirrored by our next group of players. It doesn’t come easily but I am confident that our players, and everyone at the club, understands the rewards that can come with that type of commitment.

We have dual objectives as we move forward. We want to win every week, but at the same time we will not do anything to sacrifice the long term future of the club.

We are committed to winning. The disappointment of this year will drive us into 2013. The competition will again be more difficult. The reality is that every club will improve next year. So our players that have given so much – the reality is that we are going to ask for more.

In closing I would like to finish with some thank you’s and congratulations.

To our departing players, I say both thank you for your efforts at the club and congratulations on your careers.

To play even one game of AFL football is an incredible achievement.

Matthew Knights and everyone associated with the VFL should be commended for achieving the dual objectives of developing our players and winning. To claim the VFL premiership was a fantastic achievement.

The partners of our players and staff deserve huge praise. The commitment that the people here show for the club is all encompassing, and they could not show that commitment without the support of their partners and families.

To all of our staff – full time and part time, thank you again for the season.

I am also lucky to be the spokesperson for our coaching staff. We work together and it is a great environment to work in.

Our supporters and members have been loyal over the years and I am sure you have all enjoyed the success in recent years. If you continue with that support I think that there are more good times ahead.

And finally to our players. I am continually in awe of the work they put in. The investment they make in the club, particularly our senior players, is outstanding. I have never seen a group so willing to give of themselves for the club.

Thank you and I am looking forward to the new season ahead.

CHRIS SCOTT SENIOR COACH

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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2012 SEASON N REVIEW

ROUND 19

v HAWTHORN

2012 SE EASON

The Cats continued on their roll, snatching victory from the Hawks in a thriller.

REVIE IEW W It was as a great season for the Cats, one which included many outstanding highlights and memorable victories.

ROUND 1 The Cats kicked off their premiership defence by travelling to Fremantle to take on the Dockers but came up four points short in a thriller.

Fremantle 16.9 (105) d Geelong Cats 15.11 (101) Brownlow Votes: 3. N Fyfe (F) 2. J Selwood (G) 1. A Sandilands (F)

ROUND 2 The Cats took on archrivals Hawthorn in an Easter Monday blockbuster and another inspirational comeback to beat the Hawks by two points despite trailing by 18 at three quarter time.

Geelong Cats 14.8 (92) d Hawthorn 13.12 (90) Brownlow Votes: 3. J Bartel (G) 2. S Mitchell (H) 1. T Hawkins (G)

ROUND 3

ROUND 4

ROUND 5

A fired up and fast running Kangaroos unit shocked the Cats and the AFL with a convincing 17-point win at Etihad Stadium.

North Melb 20.11 (131) d Geelong Cats 16.18 (114)

The 2011 premiership flag was unveiled as the Cats hosted the Tigers at home, the Cats did just enough to hold on and run out 10-point winners.

Geelong Cats 11.9 (75) d Richmond 9.11 (65)

Torrential rain poured down on the GABBA but the Cats kept the Lions goalless in the first half before running out 38-point winners.

Geelong Cats 12.7 (79) d Brisbane Lions 4.17 (41)

Brownlow Votes: 3. J Ziebell (NM) 2. B Harvey (NM) 1. M Firrito (NM)

Brownlow Votes: 3. J Bartel (G) 2. H Taylor (G) 1. N Foley (R)

Brownlow Votes: 3. T Hawkins (G) 2. P Chapman (G) 1. T Rockliff (BL)

Carji Votes : J Selwood 85

Carji Votes : T Hawkins 88

Carji Votes : H Taylor 72

Carji Votes : C Enright 82

Carji Votes : T Hawkins 86

ROUND 6

ROUND 7

ROUND 8

ROUND 9

ROUND 10

The Cats ran out comfortable winners by 43 points at Simonds Stadium, demonstrating class all over the ground.

Geelong Cats 17.17 (119) d Melbourne 11.10 (76) Brownlow Votes: 3. S Johnson (G) 2. J Corey (G) 1. S Motlop (G)

Carji Votes : S Johnson 87

10

The Cats were jumped from the opening bounce by the Crows but were able to stem the flow in the second half, although it wasn’t enough with the Cats going down by 50 points.

Adelaide Crows 19.8 (122) d Geelong Cats 10.12 (72) Brownlow Votes: 3. S Thompson (A) 2. S Jacobs (A) 1. G Johncock (A) Carji Votes: J Selwood 75

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

The Cats faced Collingwood on a Friday at the MCG and despite more scoring shots, they went down by 12 points.

Collingwood 14.12 (96) d Geelong Cats 11.18 (84) Brownlow Votes: 3. S Pendlebury (C) 2. J Selwood (G) 1. S Sidebottom (C)

Carji Votes: J Selwood 77

The Cats returned to the winners list in round nine but didn’t do it easy, suviving a late challenge from a tenacious Bulldogs side before running out 20-point winners.

Geelong Cats 14.11 (95) d Western Bulldogs 11.9 (75)

The Cats welcomed the Giants to Simonds Stadium and after half time the Cats showed why they were to be feared, piling on 12 goals to two to run out 65-point winners.

Geelong Cats 19.12 (126) d GWS Giants 9.7 (61)

Brownlow Votes: 3. S Johnson (G) 2. R Murphy (WB) 1. P Chapman (G)

Brownlow Votes: 3. T Hawkins (G) 2. P Chapman (G) 1. T Rockliff (BL)

Carji Votes: J Selwood 70

Carji Votes: S Johnson 85

ROUND 11

ROUND 13

ROUND 14

ROUND 15

ROUND 16

The Cats were victorious with a 12-point win over Carlton after wearing the Blues down late in the match at Etihad Stadium.

Geelong Cats 14.13 (97) d Carlton 11.19 (85)

Fighting back from a six goal deficit in the first quarter to get their noses in front, the Cats were pipped at the post by a strong Sydney outfit.

Sydney 12.8 (80) d Geelong Cats 11.8 (74)

Arctic conditions engrossed Simonds Stadium as the Cats ran out 38-point winners in a tough slog against an undermanned Port Adelaide.

Geelong Cats 14.15 (99) d Port Adelaide 8.13 (61)

The Cats got over the line by 14 points at Metricon Stadium after rallying in the third quarter to blow the game open with seven goals.

Geelong Cats 15.20 (110) d Gold Coast 13.18 (96)

Brownlow Votes: 3. J Selwood (G) 2. B McLean (C) 1. K Simpson (C)

Brownlow Votes: 3. R Shaw (S) 2. C Enright (G) 1. R O’Keefe (S)

Brownlow Votes: 3. J Kelly (G) 2. J Selwood (G) 1. C Enright (G)

Brownlow Votes: 3. P Chapman (G) 2. J Kelly (G) 1. G Ablett (GC)

Carji Votes: J Selwood 80

Carji Votes: J Bartel 77

Carji Votes: C Enright 85

ROUND 17

ROUND 18

ROUND 19

The Cats took control early in the contest and never looked back with an imposing 67-point win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

Geelong Cats 20.14 (134) d Essendon 10.7 (67) Brownlow Votes: 3. A Mackie (G) 2. M Duncan (G) 1. S Johnson (G)

The Cats were able to get one back on Adelaide with a determined 27-point victory at Simonds Stadium when the large margin was reduced to just two points in the last quarter.

Geelong Cats 15.12 (102) d Adelaide 11.9 (75) Brownlow Votes: 3. P Dangerfield (A) 2. J Kelly (G) 1. T Hawkins (G)

Brownlow Votes: 3. T Hawkins (G) 2. J Selwood (G) 1. B Sewell (H)

Carji Votes: T Hawkins 85

Carji Votes: T Hawkins 90

ROUND 20

ROUND 21

ROUND 22

With a lot riding on this game for both clubs the Cats were able to climb over the top of St Kilda and run out 42-point winners at Etihad Stadium.

Geelong Cats 18.15 (123) d St Kilda 11.15 (81)

Brownlow Votes: 3. D Cox (WC) 2. D Kerr (WC) 1. S Johnson (G)

Brownlow Votes: 3. J Kelly (G) 2. T Hawkins (G) 1. B Goddard (StK)

Carji Votes : S Johnson 79

Carji Votes: T Hawkins 85

Brownlow Votes: 3. D Beams (C) 2. S Pendlebury (C) 1. H Shaw (C)

Carji Votes: T Lonergan/C Enright 80

The Cats pulled off one of the most stunning wins of the season with Tom Hawkins’ set shot after the siren snatching a two-point win over Hawthorn.

Geelong Cats 18.10 (118) d Hawthorn 17.14 (116)

Carji Votes: M Duncan 85

The Cats made their second trip to the wild west for the season and were gallant in defeat as they went down to West Coast by 5 points.

West Coast 16.6 (102) d Geelong Cats 15.7 (97)

Carji Votes: P Chapman 80

In a night to forget for the Cats, Collingwood were victorious by 31 points in a wet affair at the MCG. Collingwood 17.8 (110) d Geelong Cats 10.19 (79)

In a scrappy affair on a Sunday afternoon at Simonds Stadium the Cats came out on top with a 34-point victory.

Geelong Cats 16.11 (107) d Western Bulldogs 11.7 (73) Brownlow Votes: 3. C Enright (G) 2. M Boyd (WB) 1. J Bartel (G)

Carji Votes: C Enright 80

ROUND 17 v ESSENDON

The Cats were back in town with a defining 67-point win over the Bombers.

ROUND 23

2ND ELIM FINAL

The sun was shining for the last game of 2012 at Kardinia Park and the Cats put on a stellar performance to overcome the Sydney Swans by 34-points.

Geelong Cats 17.10 (112) d Sydney 11.12 (78)

Fremantle dashed the Cats’ dreams of back to back flags with a shock 16-point victory at the MCG in the first week of the finals series.

Fremantle 14.12 (96) d Geelong Cats 11.14 (80)

Brownlow Votes: 3. J Selwood (G) 2. H Taylor (G) 1. S Mumford (S)

Carji Votes: H Taylor 84

Carji Votes: J Selwood 75

GeelonG Cats Yearbook 2012

11

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GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

ALL AUSTRALIAN

TOMAHAWK AN ALL AUSTRALIAN Tom Hawkins continued his dream run after being named in the 2012 All-Australian team for the first time in his career.

T

om Hawkins’ outstanding year was topped off with selection in the 2012 All-Australian team.

Hawkins was the Cats’ sole inclusion in the final All-Australian squad and named at full-forward.

Hawkins’ selection completes his transformation from a young father-son draftee to a proficient AFL star.

Kicking 62 goals in 2012, Hawkins was the Coleman Medal runnerup alongside Matthew Pavlich, and just behind winner Jack Riewoldt.

Hawkins played 22 games in 2012, finishing with 198 kicks, 144 marks, 80 handballs, 278 disposals and an average of 12.6 disposals and 6.5 marks.

His 2012 season was an exceptional parallel to his 2011 season which saw him kick just 27 majors in 18 matches.

Stealing the show at various points this season, the highlight came as Hawkins kicked a goal after the siren to snatch a twopoint victory over Hawthorn in round 19.

This year’s selection is Hawkins’ first in his career as he made the cut above four other Cats selected in the All-Australian squad of 40 including Joel Selwood, Corey Enright, Tom Lonergan and Harry Taylor.

It was a season of firsts with Hawkins racking up his highest ever disposal count, his record 22 disposals came in round 2 vs Hawthorn at the MCG. Topping off a stellar year, Hawkins was awarded the club’s ‘Carji’ Greeves Medal at seasons end.

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

13

2012 DEPARTURES

2012

DEPARTURES The club said goodbye to four outstanding players at the end of the season and wishes them all the best for the future

14

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

0675 Geelong YearBook 2012_d02.indd 14

25/10/12 2:25 PM

T

he end of every season sees players call an end to their careers and their time at the Geelong Football Club. This year saw a number of greats of the club move on.

Matthew Scarlett, the greatest full back of this era and perhaps the greatest of all time, retired after 284 games, while speedy team mate David Wojcinski hung up his boots after 203 games. Shannon Byrnes moved to Melbourne after 108 games in the navy & white hoops, Simon Hogan retired with 22 senior games and Orren Stephenson moved on after eight senior games this season.

Scarlett and Wojcinski played in the club’s three recent premierships; with Byrnes a key member of the 2007 and 2009 flags. Hogan was an emergency for the 2009 grand final after playing earlier in the finals series that year.

“I have enjoyed a wonderful time with the club and am proud to have shared this with so many great team mates,” Scarlett said.

“We all spend so much time together that it is important that there is a respect and desire to do everything possible to achieve success. I think this has been a hall mark of our team, that we have come together and worked together to have success.

“Obviously the premierships stand out as highlights, but they would not have been possible unless we all worked together along the way. I am confident that this will continue in the future with all of the young players that have joined the club in recent years.

“I have friends for life from among my team mates, past and present. I will look

back on this time with great memories and I look forward to enjoying more good times with them as a past player.

“I have also been lucky to have had many great coaches over the past 15 years. They have all made an impact on me as a player.

I would like to give particular thanks to Chris Scott, Mark Thompson and Brendan McCartney for what they have done for me and the club during their time here. They were the most influential coaches in my career and I will always be grateful for that.

“The Geelong Football Club, its coaches, staff, trainers, medical staff, and support staff have been fantastic. It was always enjoyable coming to the club and being around such a good group of people. The club has changed over the past 15 years and it is incredible to see the growth around the place over that time.

“There is no doubt that being an AFL player is a great lifestyle. However there are other people that are impacted by the demands of the game. Number one among them are my family.

“My wife Milla, and children Tayla, Charlie, Oliver and Harry, have been amazingly supportive. I couldn’t have enjoyed the career that I have had without their unwavering support and understanding.

Now is a time that I am looking forward to spending with them and enjoying many of the things that I had to pass up when I was a player.

“Finally, I would like to thank the Geelong members and supporters. It has been great playing for you and it’s fair to say that we have had plenty of great times to celebrate.

I have enjoyed a wonderful time with the club MATTHEW SCARLETT

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2012 DEPARTURES

Keep supporting the Cats and I think we will have more good times ahead.”

Wojcinski debuted in 1999 and registered 17 finals in his 14 seasons with the Cats.

“I’d like to thank all the supporters and the club,” Wojcinski said.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here; it’s been a great time. I’ve been lucky enough to play with great players at the club. I will miss playing with such a great team and the camaraderie and conversation with the boys. It’s been so much fun playing here.

“But I think it is the right time. The body has struggled a bit this year and I think it is the right time to go out.”

Wojcinski enjoyed the highs and lows of AFL football, winning premierships and overcoming a ruptured ACL in 2005.

Looking back he sees each premiership as special, but was able to nominate a favourite from the three.

“If there was one (that was most special) it would probably be last year when everyone wrote us off,” he said.

“But they were all special. In ’07 it was amazing. It broke the (44 year) drought.

It was an unbelievable year. The biggest thing I got out of that was what it meant to the fans. The people of Geelong and the people that support the club. To see how they celebrated is something I will never forget. “In ’09 it was such a hard fought game against St Kilda. We were strong enough to come out and win that game against a great side.”

Wojcinski was drafted from Gippsland Power with the 24th pick in the 1998 national draft, and debuted against Port

16

I’ve been lucky enough to play with great players at the club.

DAVID WOJCINSKI

Adelaide in round four 1999. His 200th game came in round 11 this year, a 12 point win over Carlton.

His final senior game came in round 20 of this season against the West Coast Eagles. Wojcinski was named as the Cats most improved player in 2004 and as the club’s community champion in 2008 for his work outside of football.

Wojcinski was also a member of the Cats 2009 NAB Cup premiership win, and the 2012 VFL premiership team.

Byrnes, who was also an integral part of the Cats VFL premiership this year, finished his career as a Cat with 108 games and 100 goals to his name.

His performance in the 2009 grand final was one of his finest as his efforts went a long way to delivering the Cats the flag.

“I’m rapt to get the deal with Melbourne, but I’m obviously sad at the same time to be leaving Geelong, so there are obviously a lot of mixed emotions,” Byrnes said.

“The overwhelming response has been positive and everyone has wished me well.

I’m able to leave on a good note. There’s been no grudge or anything like that, so it’s sort of overwhelmed me a little bit.

It’s been a great 10 years.”

Selected with the Cats final pick in the 2002 rookie draft, the 175cm Byrnes quickly impressed and elevated to the senior list in 2004. In total Byrnes played over 200 games in the blue and white with 23 NAB Cup games and 83 VFL games to his name alongside 108 senior games.

Hogan was drafted in 2006 and debuted in 2009 against Richmond. He was a member of two VFL premierships and the 2009 NAB Cup grand final win over Collingwood. He narrowly missed the 2009 grand final, having helped the Cats beat the Western Bulldogs in the qualifying final.

Hogan bravely and publicly battled depression and earned the respect of everyone at the club during his time at Simonds Stadium. ‘’I’ve really enjoyed my time at Geelong and I will always be involved in the club, but for now, I just want to finish off some study and do a few other things, some travel and go a bit of my own way,” Hogan said.

Stephenson made his debut against Fremantle in round one of this season after being drafted in 2011 from North Ballarat.

The 29-year-old mature aged recruit played eight senior games for the club. Stephenson played a defining role in the Cats VFL grand final win and his best AFL game came in round 19 against Hawthorn where he was outstanding in the ruck, collecting 23 hitouts.

Stephenson understood the club’s rationale for change and looked back on a fairytale season at Simonds Stadium.

“Twelve months ago if someone had said ‘you will play a season of AFL footy, win another VFL flag and improve your footy’, I would never have believed them,” Stephenson said.

“I’ve been very blessed, I’ve played Friday night footy on the ‘G against Hawthorn and it was all very exciting times. The biggest thing I got out of it was that I certainly know I am capable of playing AFL footy.

You used to sit back and wonder if I got that opportunity, would I go alright? Now, I know I’m capable.”

NOTE: THE PLAYER MOVEMENT WAS CORRECT AT DEADLINE FOR PRINTING. OTHER PLAYERS MAY HAVE MOVED ON AFTER THE DEADLINE, AND THE CLUB THANKS THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE AND WISHES THEM WELL IN THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVOURS, BOTH ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD AND OFF IT.

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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MEMBERS THANKYOU

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR MEMBERS

W

Being a member is much more than just attending games! To all of our 40,208 FOOTY FULL ON members THANK YOU for your support in what proved to be another FOOTY FULL ON season for the Cats!

e would like to thank all of our members for their patience and understanding throughout this season considering the limited capacity at Simonds Stadium. The Players Stand is currently under construction and will be completed in time for our first home game mid-way through the 2013 season. It will open up opportunities for more members to obtain season seating and increase our stadium capacity in 2013 and beyond. It is our members that help make each season memorable and we believe we have the most passionate members in the AFL! Now in its second year, our Committed Cats payment program has grown with over 9,000 members choosing this option.

This is the easiest way to pay and allows members to take the worry out of renewing year after year. For more information on becoming a Committed Cat in 2013, please visit our website membership.geelongcats.com.au.

This season we launched our Trivia Night and a Members Night. Both proved to be very popular giving members the

opportunity to hear from some of our up and coming players as well as the chance to interact with them. We are looking forward to these events growing in 2013 and encourage our members to look for these functions again next year!

Thank you to all of our Official Supporter Groups for their contribution during 2012.

Whether it is attending a Cats match or function, cheering on the Cats from the comfort of a local venue or watering hole, or listening to a guest speaker, Supporter Groups are a great avenue for Cats members and fans to come together.

We have groups located across Australia as well as internationally, so for more information on how you can become a part of a supporter group please visit membership. geelongcats.com.au Junior members kicked, handballed, tackled and marked the day away with the Cats AFL and VFL players during our FOOTY FULL ON Junior Clinics. Held in Melbourne and Geelong in April, they give our junior members the opportunity to play and learn from their heroes!

Each Cats member has a MyCATS Account, which allows members to access and update their contact details, pay o membership, order member items and more. All members are allocated an account number and a password, members needing clarification of these can contact Membership Services. To log into a MyCATS Account simply click through from the membership website.

Thanks to all members, their family and friends who purchased raffle tickets. Congratulations to this year’s winners of our FOOTY FULL ON Raffle! The lucky winner of the Ford WT Fiesta LX is Ian Dennis, other winners include Jenny Trengove, Kevin Piltz, Alice Symons and Sue Howell.

This year is almost at its end and the club is now focused on next year.

Season 2013 is shaping up to be another enthralling FOOTY FULL ON year!

Keep a look out for all the action that will take place in the coming season; we are excited for whatever 2013 may bring!

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BROWNLOW MEDAL

BROWNLOW MEDAL COUNT The Cats faired well in the 2012 Brownlow Medal dal count with 11 Cats picking up votes.

G

eelong captain Joel Selwood has led the Cats in Brownlow voting, picking up 14 votes from the umpires at the AFL’s night of nights.

Selwood received votes in six games, including a best on ground in the round 23 win over Sydney. James Kelly, despite being ineligible, was the Cats second highest vote getter with 12, while Tom Hawkins picked up 10.

A total of 12 Cats polled votes, as Geelong captured 79 of a possible 132 votes. The Cats polled 72 of a possible 90 votes from their 15 wins, but only seven votes in the seven losses.

THE CATS

BROWNLOW

VOTES JOEL SELWOOD JAMES KELLY TOM HAWKINS STEVE JOHNSON JIMMY BARTEL HARRY TAYLOR COREY ENRIGHT PAUL CHAPMAN ANDREW MACKIE MITCH DUNCAN JOEL COREY STEVEN MOTLOP

14 12 10 8 8 7 6 6 3 2 2 1

TALENTED PEOPLE ARE AT THE HEART OF WINNING TEAMS The Cats are full of talent and we’re proud to support them.

Over the last year our Geelong office, located at 16/240 Pakington Street, Geelong West, placed around 125 local job seekers into permanent jobs with local employers and around 200 people into contract roles and temporary assignments. Our service is based on our belief that the right job can transform a person’s life and the right person can transform a business.

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To find out more about our services and how we can bring you together with the right people, contact us at geelong@hays.com.au or 03 5226 8000.

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20

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

ARRIVALS

WELCOME TO GFC

HAMISH MCINTOSH

JARED RIVERS

JOSH CADDY

Hamish McIntosh has joined the Cats on a three-year deal with the big man set to be an exciting addition to the Cats ruck group.

The 28-year-old spent 10 years at North Melbourne and arrives at Simonds Stadium with 107 games under his belt after being taken at pick No.9 in the 2002 draft.

McIntosh has played just eight games in the past two seasons following surgery on both his Achilles tendons in 2011 and LARS surgery to artificially replace his right posterior cruciate ligament two months ago.

Unrestricted free agent and former Melbourne defender, Jared Rivers, has joined the Cats on a two-year deal.

Rivers joins the Cats after a 10-year career at the Demons where he played 150 games.

The 28-year-old had an outstanding 2012 season, finishing fifth in the Demon’s best and fairest.

Rivers played three finals in his time at the Demons but has not played in a final since 2006.

In his move down the highway he looks forward to the chance of playing deep into September.

Josh Caddy will line up in the blue and white hoops in season 2013 after the Cats came to a trade agreement with the Gold Coast Suns.

The blockbuster trade will see Caddy return to his home state of Victoria.

The 20-year-old midfielder has played 24 games over two seasons at the Suns, limited to just two games in 2011 due to injury.

Although, he has played every game this season with an average of 15 disposals per match and a rising star nomination.

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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CARJI GREEVES MEDAL EDA AL

2012 CARJI GREEVES

TOM HAWKINS MEDAL WINNER

Geelong full forward Tom Hawkins has claimed his first Carji Greeves medal as the Cats best & fairest player in 2012.

H

awkins polled 1,394 votes to win by six from skipper Joel Selwood. Corey Enright was third with 1,380 votes.

Hawkins enjoyed his finest season, finishing runner up in the Coleman medal with 62 goals. He was also named in the All Australian team for the first time.

Hawkins finished equal first in the AFL with 83 marks inside 50, and second in the AFL in contested marks with 54. He was at his best against the top clubs, kicking 20 goals against the teams that finished the season in the top four.

At age 24, Hawkins has booted 169 goals in 101 games and he was a member of the 2009 and 2011 premiership teams.

Hawkins was named as the Cats best player five times through the season.

Hawkins was shocked to win in such a close count.

“It comes as a big surprise. I’m a bit shocked to be honest, he said.

It’s obviously very humbling and I feel very lucky. It’s good I was able to find a bit of form through the year.

“I’ve probably frustrated a lot of people over the last five years. It’s been a long hard journey. It’s one of those things, as a forward, to kick goals.

“I learnt a lot from my teammates and (assistant coach) Blake Caracella helped me a lot.

While the focus will always be on goals, Hawkins wants to continue to develop his game.

“I don’t want to be just a goal kicker. I want to be the best goal kicker.”

Hawkins provided one of the highlights of the season when he kicked the game winner after the siren against Hawthorn.

The powerful forward joined the likes of Billy Brownless, Gary Ablett sr, Peter Riccardi and Jimmy Bartel to have achieved the feat in the past 20 years.

Selwood, the Carji winner in 2010, enjoyed a stellar first season as captain.

He ranked fifth in the AFL in clearance average (6.7 per game) and 11th in contested possession average (13 per game). Selwood also averaged 24.3 disposals per game.

Enright, winner of the award in 2009 and 2011, again finished in the votes, coming home third. It marked the seventh time in his career that Enright had been ranked in the top five of best & fairest voting.

Harry Taylor finished fourth, his highest finish in five years at the club, and Kelly was fifth for the second straight season.

Mitch Duncan and Tom Lonergan finished in the top 10 for the first time in their careers.

In other awards, Steven Motlop was named as the best young player. Motlop enjoyed a breakthrough season, kicking 25 goals. He had played just five games prior to the 2012 season, but was a permanent fixture in the team, establishing himself in his fourth season at Simonds Stadium.

Motlop joined the Cats in 2009, but was limited as he recovered from injury in his first year at the club. He debuted in the second round in 2010, but Hawkins landed on him in a marking contest, damaging Motlop’s shoulder. He bounced back to play four games in 2011 before his break through season.

Shannon Byrnes received the Tom Harley award, given to the player that demonstrates the values of the team and the club and is prepared to assist his team mates on and off the field.

Byrnes, a member of the 2007 and 2009 premiership teams, was limited to just four games, but the 108 game veteran never let his head drop. He was outstanding on the track and at the club, and helped mentor many of the young players that went on to claim the VFL premiership.

Harry Taylor, who finished fourth in the best & fairest, was named as the Cats’. community champion for his work away from football, and Matthew Scarlett was awarded the coach’s award, a fitting farewell in his final season at the club.

Jonathan Simpkin took out the VFL best & fairest for the second time, capping off a season that saw him break through to make his AFL debut and also to claim a VFL premiership. Simpkin played four senior games and was a critical member of the VFL winning grand final team.

‘CARJI’ GREEVES MEDAL

TOP 10

TOM HAWKINS JOEL SELWOOD COREY ENRIGHT HARRY TAYLOR JAMES KELLY JIMMY BARTEL STEVE JOHNSON ANDREW MACKIE MITCH DUNCAN TOM LONERGAN

1394 1388 1380 1355 1294 1282 1252 1250 1219 1213

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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PLAYER MILESTONES

PLAYER MILESTONES Seven Cats achieved major milestones during the 2012 season; with Joel Corey becoming the ninth Cat to achieve 250 games for the club.

JOEL COREY

250 GAMES ROUND 18 v ADELAIDE SIMONDS STADIUM After being drafted from East Fremantle at pick 8 in the 1999 National Draft, Corey made his debut in round 17, 2000.

He has gone on to become one of the true greats of the Geelong Cats; his outstanding work in the midfield helped the team to three premiership victories.

TOM HAWKINS

100 GAMES ROUND 23 v SYDNEY, SIMONDS STADIUM After arriving at Kardinia Park under the father-son draft rule in 2006, Hawkins has come along in leaps and bounds during his 100 games. Season 2012 was his breakout year, earning him an All-Australian selection and announced as the Club’s ‘Carji’ Greeves Medallist.

JAMES PODSIADLY

50 GAMES ROUND 8 v COLLINGWOOD, MCG Podsiadly wouldn’t have believed his success possible when he was selected as a mature age rookie in 2009. His 50 games is quite an achievement for the 31-year-old whose AFL career began in 2010 after stints with Geelong’s VFL team as well as Werribee.

JAMES KELLY

200 GAMES ROUND 8 v COLLINGWOOD, MCG In his 11 seasons at the club, Kelly has built himself into one of the most outstanding and reliable midfielders in the AFL. After being drafted in 2001 and making his debut for the club in round 1, 2002, Kelly has an All-Australian selection to his name plus three premiership medals.

HARRY TAYLOR

100 GAMES ROUND 10 v GWS, SIMONDS STADIUM Taylor’s 100 games of AFL have been first class, earning him All-Australian selection in 2010. Drafted at pick 17 in 2007, Taylor has become known as a safe and reliable backman for the Cats side, going about his job with minimal fuss.

MITCH DUNCAN

50 GAMES ROUND 23 v SYDNEY, SIMONDS STADIUM Duncan was selected with pick 28 in the 2009 National Draft, playing eight games in his debut season in 2010, 21 games in 2011 including the Grand Final and 22 in season 2012. Duncan has made his mark over the past two seasons, becoming one of the Cats stand-out midfielders.

DAVID WOJCINSKI

200 GAMES ROUND 11 v CARLTON, ETIHAD STADIUM Wojcinski achieved his 200 game milestone in what was to be his final season. After being drafted at pick 24 in 1998, Wojcinski continued on to become one of the Cats’ speediest players, popular for his agility and excitement on the field.

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GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

7.

VFL WRAP UP

VFL WRAP UP

H

After an outstanding year the Cats went on to claim the VFL Premiership, getting over the top of powerhouse Port Melbourne in a thrilling Grand Final victory

istory will show that not only was the VFL group of 2012 a very well balanced group, it was one that seemed to have the perfect mix of youth and experience.

From very early on in the year second year players George Horlin Smith, Jordan Schroder, Josh Walker and George Burbury had all shown considerable improvement,

while he first year group of Joel Hamling, Jordan Murdoch, Lincoln McCarthy, Jed Bews, Cameron Eardley, Mark Blicavs and 2012 leading goal kicker Shane Kersten (38 goals) all demonstrated they could make a real impact at VFL level.

The exciting young talent was well supported by a core group of experienced players with AFL & VFL premiership

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experience such as David Wojcinski, Shannon Byrnes, Simon Hogan and Orren Stephenson. Former Werribee Tigers captain and dual best & fairest winner Dominic Gleeson joined the club as a playing assistant coach and when combined with the likes of Troy Selwood and core players such as Andrew McLean, Mark Corrigan, Jackson Hollmer, Jaxson Barham, Casey

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GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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VFL WRAP UP

The perfect mix of youth and experience

Tutungi and Ben Raidme, the Cats were in a position to cover injuries and be competitive in every match they played.

After a mixed start to the season a series of losses put the Cats finals hopes in jeopardy. With the season on the line, the Cats faced a season defining clash against the reigning premiers Port Melbourne at Simonds Stadium in Round 11. The ‘Borough’

had only lost one of their previous 29 matches but the young Cats were up for the challenge and put in one of their best performances for the season to record a 21 point victory in wet conditions.

The season was back on track when the side went on to win nine matches in a row including victories against the top of the ladder Casey Scorpions at Casey Fields.

A loss to Port Melbourne in the first qualifying final in an enthralling encounter meant the young Cats would have to take the long road to the flag. The group seemed to relish the ‘do or die’ mentality and they produced the goods with a come from behind semi final victory over the Box Hill Hawks by 13 points and a famous 5 point victory against the Werribee Tigers in the preliminary final.

After 18 home and away matches and 3 finals the VFL Cats had earned the opportunity to take on reigning premier Port Melbourne Borough in the 2012 decider at Etihad Stadium.

On the day when it mattered most, the young players stood up to the more experienced and mature Port Melbourne side and played some of their best football for the season. After an arm wrestle for 3 and a half quarters the VFL Cats stood firm and ran over the top over their more fancied opponents by 33 points in front of 15,000 people mainly decked out in blue and white.

No one can say for sure what the future will hold for the young members of the 2012 premiership side, but one thing is for sure – it is going to be exciting to watch.

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GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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VFL NORM GOSS MEDAL

GEORGE HORLIN-SMITH VFL NORM GOSS MEDAL

A strong year was capped off with a superb Grand Final performance

by George Horlin-Smith winning him the Norm Goss Medal

T

he combination of winning a VFL flag and the coveted Norm Goss Medal for ‘best on ground’ in the VFL Grand Final might be enough to send some young footballers into a state of giddy elation, but for second year player George Horlin-Smith it was just a case of ‘playing his role’ when asked about the achievement in the rooms following the Grand Final triumph against powerhouse club Port Melbourne.

His 2012 NAB Cup contributions, first three AFL appearances and consistent performances each week in the VFL this year seem to have instilled a quiet sense of purpose in the 19 year old, after the disappointment of an injury riddled first season at the club.

After playing 14 VFL matches this season and finishing fifth in the Liston Trophy, Horlin-Smith was handed the daunting task of shutting down Port Melbourne premiership captain and key midfielder John Baird who was looking for his third premiership medallion.

Horlin-Smith had beaten Baird when the two went head to head in Round 11 but it was Baird who took the points in the Qualifying Final when the Borough got home by 22 points at North Port Oval.

So the ledger was even heading into the 2012 VFL decider.

By half time Horlin-Smith had proven the right choice for the job, keeping Baird to a modest 11 touches and being able to win plenty of possessions himself.

Horlin-Smith’s third and fourth quarter e orts were tireless, as he stepped up a gear and seemed to be involved in everything. He constantly provided a vital link for the Cats through the middle of the ground in transition from defence.

His 24 touches for the game were all the more outstanding given that they were accumulated while shutting down one of the most respected players in the VFL competition.

It was a superb display of contested football against a quality opponent that won George Horlin-Smith the 2012 Norm Goss Medal - a great achievement for a talented and selfless young player who was just ‘playing his role’.

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NOTES

VFL PHOTO’S The team enjoy their victory

In his last game, David Wojcinski celebrates as the siren sounds.

VFL Premiers 2012 line up for a photo before the game.

B W S A D A M

Matthew Knights makes changes to his team during a break.

VFL best and fairest Jonathan Simpkin gets a handball away.

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DEBUTANTES

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

GEORGE HORLIN-SMITH ROUND 3 v NTH MELB

S

eason 2012 saw 10 debutantes in the blue and white hoops, the second most for the year behind first-year club Greater Western Sydney. From mature-aged draftee, Orren Stephenson, to first-round draft pick Billie Smedts, the group of 10 debutantes are a mix of different ages and talent. They are sure to excite many Cats fans in years to come...

George Horlin-Smith managed to slip into the side in round three and totaled up three AFL games for the year. With his best game coming in round 14 against Port Adelaide, Horlin-Smith tallied up 14 disposals and one goal.

ORREN STEPHENSON

BILLIE SMEDTS

JESSE STRINGER

ROUND 1 v FREMANTLE

ROUND 1 v FREMANTLE

ROUND 4 v RICHMOND

In a whirlwind debut year, 29-year-old Stephenson broke into the AFL ranks after success at VFL club North Ballarat.

Stephenson continued on to play eight games for the season, his stand-out against Hawthorn in round 19 where he collected 13 disposals and 23 hitouts.

Billie Smedts, the Cats first round draft pick of 2010, made his debut in Subiaco in round one after being sidelined in 2011 with a hip injury. Smedts played 14 games in his debut season, averaging 11.9 disposals a game and booting 6 goals.

Jesse Stringer managed eight games in his debut season for the Cats and was able to show off his talent at the highest level.

He averaged 12 posessions, four tackles and three goals and is an exciting prospect for the future.

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GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

JONATHAN SIMPKIN

JORDAN SCHRODER

JOSH WALKER

ROUND 9 v W BULLDOGS

ROUND 10 v GWS GIANTS

ROUND 16 v COLLINGWOOD

LINCOLN McCARTHY

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ROUND 10 v GWS GIANTS

ROUND 14 v PT ADELAIDE

Simpkin got his chance in the AFL and didn’t disappoint, playing four games for the season. His best game came against West Coast at Subiaco where he picked up 12 disposals.

Lincoln McCarthy got his chance to taste AFL football in round 10 against fellow youngsters, GWS. Small forward McCarthy managed six disposals for the day.

Jordan Schroder made his mark in his only game for the year with 11 disposals against GWS. A standout in the VFL, Schroder’s skills and work throughout the midfield is impressive.

Jordan Murdoch’s outstanding pace, excellent disposal and decision-making helped him in playing in eight games for the Cats this season. In his best game for the year, Murdoch picked up 20 disposals in round 22 against the Bulldogs and is already a crowd favourite.

Josh Walker, grandson of former Geelong premiership defender Peter Walker, played seven consecutive games from round 16 to round 22 this season. In his stand-out game against Essendon he managed 12 disposals and one goal.

ROUND 16 v COLLINGWOOD

Jackson Sheringham, a mature-age midfielder originally from GFL club Bell Park, played five AFL games for the Cats this season. His stand-out performance was against Adelaide at Simonds Stadium where he notched up 20 disposals.

OPEN 8AM TO 5PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY

s

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Acupuncture

222 Torquay Road Grovedale | p: 5241 6129 | f: 5241 6762 | e: cottage@msfm.com.au

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

33

CORPORATE PARTNERS

MAJOR

ELITE

PREMIER

ASSOCIATE

34

ESM SECURITY

GAMBLER’S HELP

TECHNE

VILI’S

PURA MILK

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ELSWORTHY’S RETRAVISION

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SKILLED

BELMONT TIMBER

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CHS SOLAR

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SCOTCHMANS HILL

VILLAWOOD

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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THANKS FOR BEING PART OF 2012 BROWNLESSSTONEHAM CLUB

Graeme Amoore Ben Apted Gary Ayre Sam Ayre Andrew Barnes Tim Batty Marilyn Belzer Andrew Bertram Garry Bigmore Kevin Blatchford Gerard Blood Graham Boyd Scott Boyd Geoff Boyle Billy Brownless Richard Burke Trevor Burvill Grant Butteriss Damian Carr Milton Cations Simon Costello Doug Couchman Kylie Cowan Tony Cowell Andrew Dix Peter Dwyer Paul Edwards Stuart Evans Phillip Gadzinski Andrew Ganim Denise Grant Diane Grant Tim Greenall Alistair Hamblin Sue Hamblin Rohan Harris Matt Healey Robert Hornsey Michael Johns Scott Levens Mark Licciardo Caterina Loverso Peter Madden Cynthia Mahoney Matthew Marsh Neil Marshall Trish McBride Heather McCracken Stephen McGowan Paul Miller Gwyn Moore Ron O’Bryan Andrew Parlour Ian Pollock Ben Quick Derek Reynolds Kerry Robinson Peter Robinson Rupert Saint Miranda Scherpenisse Peter Seal Dan Simmonds Daniel Smedley Sam Sokolski John Stanhope Sue Stanhope Peter Steele Sally Steele Barry Stoneham Cameron Sutherland Charlie Sutherland George Swinburne Paul Toohey Terry Van Der Geest Alan Walker Michael Wasylyk Peter Wathen Peter Watmuff Sarah Watmuff John Weste Paul Weston Graeme White Moira White John Williams John Wilson Rosie Wilson Simon Wragg Adrian Young

COACHES CLUB Craig Drummond Andrew Fenton John Higgins Lee IaFrate Campbell Neal Mark Newman Giang Nguyen Phil Treyvaud Peter Wade

CONNECTED CATS Neil Behrens John Lines Greg Robinson John Stanhope Sue Stanhope Robert Stewart Michael Vickers-Willis

EXECUTIVE SUITES

American Crew Heather Austin Austins Wines Chisholm Petroleum P/L Paul Chrimes Cotton On Group Event Security Management Ford Motor Company of Australia Geelong Advertiser Chris Hawkes Hume Highway Truck Sales Keystone Business Park K-ROCK Morris Finance Ltd Raztrans P/L The Tile People Tinky Vickery Bros YHI (Australia) P/L

GOLD CATS

Adcell Group Allabout Tours & Travel in conjunction with Harvey World Travel - Geelong Barwon Water Belmont Timber Scott Carmody Peter Chambers Ed Coppe John Dignam Docklands Private Collection of Apartments Duffs Jewellers Fagg’s Mitre 10 Ford Motor Company of Australia Ray Frost GHD Geelong Graham & Pam Hart Harwood Andrews Fran Henderson Pets Megastore Scotchmans Hill Simonds Homes Skilled Group Limited Techne P/L Telstra Geelong and the Surf Coast Jean Paul Temple Transport Accident Commission Bill Votsaris

PIVOTS

13th Beach Golf Links Adroit Insurance Group Ray & Irene Bassett Albert Batty Stan & Bev Bee Beiersdorf Australia P/L Les Birrell Kevin Blatchford Graham Boyd Scott Boyd Phillip & Maria Brady Trish Brice Peter Burnett Business Technology Specialists Alan Bye Robert Case Allan & Ronita Cayzer Ben Collins Robert Costa Ian Cover Ken Dickens Pamela Dorward David Dunoon Wal Edgar Maree & David Fernyhough Fred & Pauline Flanagan Jim Flower Malcolm Freake Frenchy’s On The Esplanade Torquay Geelong Chamber of Commerce James Green Joan Johns David & Carol Kirby Lake Imaging Paul Loughnan John McHarry Ron Morphy Harvey Munday Peter Murdoch QC Geoff & Jan Patnaude PFD Food Services George Puchlenko Brian Quarrell Rendine Constructions P/L Trevor & Dianne Richardson Rob & Liz Riordan Kevin Roache Sharp Welding & Crane Hire Geoff Sharp Ted Smith Ken Stanley Maurice Stanley Ben Stewart Total Tools Total Events Toll IPEC We Manage I.T. P/L WHK Viatek John Williams Barb Wookey Doug Zappelli

PLAYER SPONSORS

Amaze Me Now Cleaning Services Graeme & Margaret Amoore Ray & Irene Bassett Helene Bender Bigfooty.com John Booker Café Botticelli Steve Clark Rod Cooper Defining Films ESM Security P/L Herb & Nutan Gallina Geelong Computer Help John Greene, Classic Fireplaces Peter Grigson Godfathers On Leopold Pizza and Pasta Alistair & Sue Hamblin

Stephen Handley Fran Henderson Vicki & Ruby Hunt Lambys Restaurant & Bar Caterina Loverso Stephen McGowan Morris Finance Ltd Giang Nguyen Pets Megastore Patsy’s Place Rob & Liz Riordan Carol Sinclair John & Sue Stanhope Peter & Sally Steele Town and Country Pizza & Pasta Terry Van Der Geest Peter Wathen Way Out Evacuation Systems P/L We Manage I.T. P/L Dale West Heather & Kevin Wise Linda Woodyard

OPEN AIR BOXES

Adcell Group Aerolite Alcoa Social Club Anglesea Hotel Antonello Produce P/L Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe Aus Pits Bank of Queensland Barro Group Bartlett’s Waste Management Barwon Foods Barwon Timber & Hardware BCP Equities Becker Underwood Begley Group Bernie Leen & Sons P/L Best Group - Signage & Visual Concepts Blood Motor Group Bloodoath Investments BMD Constructions Bruce J Warren Builders Buildsafe Consulting P/L C & D Clothing Caruso Bricklaying Junee Chenery CHS Solar Coca Cola Amatil Collendina Caravan Park Cresteen Nominees P/L Cunningham Plumbing P/L Custom Kitchens David Haynes Builders Davidsons Defining Films Designerform P/L Detail Door Hardware DG Management Dixie Cummings Draper’s Civil Contracting P/L Ed Ewers Architecture Elsworthy’s Retravision FC Walker & Son P/L Forty Winks Gas & Industrial Supplies Geelong Advertiser Geelong Collections & Finance Geelong Finance Geelong Fire Service Geelong Plaster Cartage P/L Go Tech Security Hi Tech Electrical Services Holcim Hunter Cuthill Ianelli Panels Illingworth David J.B. Scott P/L J.T. Dixon P/L Jetts Fitness Jon Doak Builders P/L Kelly’s Motor Club Hotel Kennedy King Keppel Prince Engineering P/L Kerr’s Northside Hire L. Bisinella Developments Lambys Restaurant & Bar

Laney Constructions P/L Local Mix Concrete P/L Lyons Construction McHarry’s Buslines P/L McKnights Electricals Melton Craft P/L Merv Jennings Signs Mexicala P/L Mexican Graffiti Middy’s Data & Electrical National Australia Bank Occasions Party Hire Ollis & Co. House Restumping Premier Plumbing Service Release Property Management Rodpak Ryrie Office Machines Sanitaire Health Care System P/L Scotchmans Hill Shell Refining (Australia) P/L Shojun Concrete Simon Wragg & Associates Brian Singer Sleepeezee Bedding Specsavers StatewideCrane Trucks P/L Steve’s Liquor Supreme Forklift Services Telstra Geelong and the Surf Coast The Hrkac Group Accountants The Sphinx Entertainment Complex Third Screen Media Trade Blinds P/L TransACT Capital Communications Tutt Bryant Hire V & R Fruit Market & Vegetable Market P/L Mark & Suzie West Western Sheetmetal Wettenhalls Geoff & Gwen White Woolman Investments

WAGS

Graeme Amoore Margaret Amoore Ted Baillieu Don Beard Lesley Beard Karen Bilney Gail Butler Andrew Clark Simon Costello Tim Costello Tony Costello Chris Dalton John Downer Andrew Ganim Graeme Giddings John Grant John Green Alistair Hamblin Sue Hamblin Peter Hannon Robert Hornsey Vicki Hornsey Daniel Kolomanski John Lines Ken Mackinnon Richard Mackinnon Neil Marshall Andrew McCann Gerard Mullins Frank O’Donnell Ian Patrick Helen Phipps Roger Phipps Ian Pollock Peter Steele Sally Steele Craig Stow Paul Toohey Phil Treyvaud Peter Watmuff Sarah Watmuff Graeme White Moira White

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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25/10/12 2:25 PM

Phone (03) 5221 4408

Studio 203 Malop Street, Geelong 3220

Postal PO Box 491, Geelong 3220

www.adcellgroup.com.au

36

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

COMMUNITY CATS

COMMUNITY CATS The Geelong Football Club has always played an important role in the community, and as the club has evolved and matured, so too, have the club’s many community activities.

O

ur past players recount stories of visiting children in hospitals, running footy clinics and visiting schools, of exhibition matches for charity, free tickets for orphans and of blankets carried around the ground to collect money for the hospital.

These activities, the generous and open response to requests, were considered an essential part of the club’s corporate social responsibility, long before such a term was in popular use. Back then it was simply “the right thing to do”. The Geelong Cats have always been there, ready to help out.

Responding to requests was, and remains, an important component of community activity, but these days the club also recognises the importance of being

The Geelong Cats have always been there.

proactive. By working with schools, junior football clubs and community groups and by identifying important social issues, creating long-term partnerships and developing ongoing programs we now are able to plan proactive programs that provide effective and lasting community value.

In 2012, the Geelong Cats worked with key community service providers

(experts in their field) to:

k Empower young people k Improve their health and wellbeing k Tackle the issues around youth homelessness

Our community development programs included: Cyber Cats, Read the Play, Just Think, Closing the Gap and Ladder.

Experience

the difference...

Club Cats puts your next function in a memorable position. Surrounded by the beautiful parkland of Kardinia Park, Club Cats can cater for a vast range of functions, superb conferences and seminar facilities, large formal dinners for up to 450 guests, cocktail parties, boardroom style meetings, small intimate dinners...and much more! Our function rooms host stunning views over Simonds Stadium and our Club Cats team is dedicated to ensuring your next function is a (stress free) success. With up to 10 rooms to choose from the Geelong Club Cats is the only place for your next function.

For more information call our functions department today on (03) 5225 2367 or email functions@geelongcats.com.au GEELONG CATS PO Box 461 Geelong 3220 clubcatsgeelong.com.au

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

37

COMMUNITY CATS

CATS IN THE COMMUNITY 2012 Identified key issues in the local community through an extensive consultation process and ran the Club’s first Œdeep dives’ programs under the community development tier

,

,

Created relationships with appropriate partners to ensure ethically sound community investment

,

Visited 126 schools as part of our School Cats program and gave out 30,000 Cats rulers

,

Produced 60-page Information Handbook, distributed to every school and library in Greater Geelong

dying children

,

Put 5,500 junior footballers through their paces, as part of the Footy Cats program, at local junior football clubs

,

Met 3,000 eager Auskickers at the Centre visits and joined in with 2000 children at the Auskick Superclinic at Simonds Stadium

,

Responded to over 10,000 requests for assistance in our community

,

Facilitated 932 player and coach appearances

,

Eighteen players committed to ambassador roles with both internal and external campaigns

Fulfilled 14 wishes for seriously ill or

,

WE’RE JUST WILD ABOUT HARRY!

T

he Geelong Cats congratulates Harry Taylor, winner of the Annual Community Champion Award for 2012. Harry has been a fantastic ambassador for the club’s community department participating in hospital ward walks, support of Hope Bereavement Service and becoming the

face of the Gateways Support Services campaign for young people with disabilities.

Harry has also played an important role in the club’s responsible Gaming program with Gambler’s Help and always found time to engage with all members of the community through school visits, junior club night and Auskick. Congratulations

2004

Kent Kingsley

2005

Kent Kingsley

2006

Cameron Mooney

2007

Tom Lonergan

2008

David Wojcinski, James Kelly, Tom Harley

2009

Mathew Stokes

2010

Travis Varcoe & Nathan Djerrkura

2011

Joel Selwood

2012

Harry Taylor

t h e b ro o k O

N

Bistro

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Café

N

E

Y

Spor t s bar

D

E

TAB

S

Functions

T: 03 9394 6444 F: 03 9395 6844 E: info@thebrook.com.au 215 Sneydes Road, Point Cook, 3030

38

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

39

Who Will You Cap $25

T-Shirt $35

The Cats Shop

Simonds Stadium, Kardinia Park, Geelong (03) 5225 2339

Ne

thecatsshoponline.com.au 40

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

59F

$6

SELWOOD or BARTEL?

ou Choose?

Bartel Cap $25

Bartel T-Shirt $35

New Era G Cap

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GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

41

ES MEDAL

2012 GEELONG CATS

EVENTS WRAP

I EVENTS

FOOTY WRAP

SEASON LAUNCH THE GEELONG CATS prides itself on holding an array of events for all throughout the 2012 AFL Home and Away season and this year was no different. From the Season Launch with over 800 guests at Crown Palladium to Nine Lives Geelong Luncheon, Celebrating Women in Football, recapping the season at Footy Wrap, quizzing our members at the Trivia night and ending the year by announcing the 2012 ‘Carji’ Greeves Medallist in Tom Hawkins all contributing to an extensive FOOTY FULL ON experience.

NINE-LIVES LUNCHEON

We would like to thank all who continue to support the events at the Geelong Cats and look forward to seeing you in 2013.

GRAND FINAL BRUNCH

‘CARJI’ GREEVES MEDALGEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

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LIFE MEMBERSHIP

LIFE MEMBERSHIP

INDUCTEES Life Membership was awarded to a group of current and past players at the Annual Life Members Dinner at Simonds Stadium in May this year.

L

ife Membership is awarded to any person who has rendered outstanding service to the club.

Current players including Tom Hawkins, Joel Selwood and Harry Taylor were awarded Life Membership for their service to the club as well as their part in the club’s recent premiership teams of 2007, 2009 and 2011.

Mark Bairstow was inducted for his role in the late 1980’s and 1990’s at the club where he played 146 games, including the 1989, 1992 and 1994 Grand Finals.

Other players awarded Life Membership included John Sharrock, Bert Worner, Harry Marsham and Billy McCarter.

Mark Bairstow was inducted for his role in the late 1980’s and 1990’s LIFE MEMBERSHIP PLAYER INDUCTION

44

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

2000-CURRENT

1980-2000

1920-1940

Shannon Byrnes Tom Hawkins Andrew Mackie Brad Ottens Max Rooke Joel Selwood Mathew Stokes Harry Taylor Travis Varcoe

Mark Bairstow

Ted Baker Jack Carney Jack Chambers Eric Fleming Keith Johns Geoff Mahon George Moloney

1950-1960 George Goninon Denis Marshall Colin Rice Norm Sharp John Sharrock Bert Worner John Yeates

1900-1920 Harry Marsham Billy McCarter Ernest Newling Joe Slater

The Cats Shop

Simonds Stadium, Kardinia Park, Geelong (03) 5225 2339

thecatsshoponline.com.au

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

45

GC FOREVER BEQUEST CLUB

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

THE GEELONG CATS FOREVER BEQUEST CLUB

Success comes when passionate and committed people work together as a team, and this is especially true here at Geelong. Our players, our past players, our staff and our supporters all share a passion and commitment to our club and to ensuring its future.

THE ARCHIVES AND MEMORABILIA COLLECTION

W

e all want to see the Geelong Cats thrive now and long into the future and to know that our children, our grandchildren and their children will all be able to barrack for the Greatest club of All. As Geelong Cats Forever Patron, Fred Flanagan, Captain of the 1951-1952 Premiership team, says, “Geelong has been my home, my club, my passion. I see that passion in others, who have lived and loved the Geelong Cats story. Pauline and I are proud to be members and supporters of Geelong Cats Forever. I encourage you to join us”.

In 2012 Geelong Cats Forever members enjoyed a number of exclusive events, including a pre-season get-together with Board Members, Club Patron Frank Costa, CEO Brian Cook and players Joel Corey and Cameron Guthrie.

The Annual Luncheon featured our club’s National Director of Recruiting, Stephen Wells. Each guest also received a special collectible gift — a Fred Flanagan signed

46

GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

The

Geelong Cats Forever Bequest Club

limited edition replica 1951 WEG poster.

The theme of the luncheon was The Missing Years and Board member and passionate collector Bob Gartland spoke about the club’s leadership role in seeking official AFL recognition of Australian Rules football between 1877-1897. Members also receive newsletters and personal communications during the year. For information on Geelong Cats Forever, contact Sharron Dickman at gfcbequestclub@geelongcats.com.au. or telephone at (03) 5225 2300.

HONOURING THE PAST

Geelong Cats Forever is part of the Geelong Football Club’s Honouring the Past group of activities which include liaison with the Past Players & Officials Association, the Home of the Cats tours, the club’s Life Members and Hall of Fame committees, and the History & Tradition Reminiscence project.

An important part of the Honouring the Past activities includes the collection, documentation, preservation and display of the club’s archives and memorabilia collection.

There is no better way to honour the past than by proudly caring for and displaying our photographs, trophies, records, and the wonderful ephemera (tickets, programs, Footy Records, badges and buttons, football cards and souvenirs) that link supporters with their club.

This year a number of unique items were donated to the club, including the stopwatch (and its beautiful leather purse) that belonged to Club icon Peter “the Great” Burns who played for the club in 1897-1902 and later was official timekeeper for more than 40 years.

The club welcomes donations to the collection. For more information contact the Coordinator, Honouring the Past at community@geelongcats.com.au.

BEREAVEMENTS PAST PLAYERS

PAST PLAYER & LIFE MEMBERS

Warren Canning Doug Jerram Bill Pritchard John Thomas John Worland

Doug Brown Bruce Morrison Frank Pike Roy West Bert Worner

LIFE MEMBER Ken Cowan Des Lourey

We know Geelong

5224 2204 gartland.com.au GEELONG CATS YEARBOOK 2012

47

On an extensive range of models*

ford.com.au/ranger

PX Ranger 4x4 XLT Double Cab Pick-up 3.2L Diesel shown. ~Only on 4x2 Hi-Rider and 4x4 models, maintaining a steady speed of not more than 7km per hour. *4x2 XL Single Cab Chassis models (standard ride height) achieve ANCAP 4-star safety rating.

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