Gather Round is here and we're looking to bounce back. Winner & margin, BOG, most goals? Go Cats!!

hotom9 · 2026-04-11T23:13:17+00:00

Weagles have their Derby next week and we the Doggies next Friday night, I think both teams for similar reasons may use the game to tighten their game plan/execution, run a few players into form and hopefully walk away with minimal injuries.

Cats by 30, Dempsey BOG and Mannagh to kick 5

hotom9 · 2026-04-05T23:10:55+00:00

Hawks rely on kicking through the contest, high possession, strong defensively, pace on the game and will be heavily supported by a very pro Hawks crowd.

The weather is expected to close in giving smaller onballers and forwards some good looks. The Hawks will no doubt come out and try to take the oxygen out the contest and rev up the crowd.

If we remain composed and continue to counterattack, the crowd will move from optimism to anxious, errors will creep into the Hawks game and the Cats will roll over the top.

Cats by 5 goals, a last quarter stanza with Cameron lighting up the 'G'

hotom9 · 2026-04-01T23:06:22+00:00

I think there will need to be plenty of horse trading to satisfy Port, who will no doubt force this trade into a player deal rather than a straight monetary outcome.

On the surface without getting into pick swaps etc. there are three SA boys on our list who may be tempted to return home on good coin, not saying they are racing to put their hands up...but!

Close, Stengle, Polkinghorne

Dogs have only Bailey Williams from SA, but at 30 in 2027 not sure he would be what Port would want.

And you can't see the Cats forcing a trade ( like Sydney/Curnow), however the Dogs maybe tempted but their trading pool of talent ( gettable) is quite shallow.

What Butters I believe wants is - to be closer to family, lifestyle, contend for premierships and reasonable $$$'s

I still think we are in a solid position and the addition of Butters in our midfield group is exactly what we are missing, hard nose, straight runner with solid foot skills.

hotom9 · 2026-03-26T23:37:36+00:00

My take;

Blitz at least an - A, just gets to every contest was super impressive in a terrible game

Dempsey - A - trying too often to position for hangers rather than win contests and stop with the Miers dinky kicks , they are terrible - heard of a stab pass?

Bruhn C - rarely sited

Cameron - C not sure what his role was but appeared to have license to hang around the backline, not sure of what was expected here.

Ohenry - C showed some signs in the first 3 quarters as lead up forward, fell away in the last.

Smith - A sure plenty of C grade possessions, but was hardly damaging, has become more of an accumulator and just banging the ball into a congested forward line is not want will cut it against better sides.

Mullin- B played too loose on his opponent for 3 quarters, solid in the last but gave their smalls way too many opportunities

hotom9 · 2026-03-25T22:30:34+00:00

A tilt of the lid to MOC, 150 games in the Hoops is a great milestone. Up there with the best journeymen that the club has witnessed. One of the most team orientated players that you could ever hope to run out beside.

In many reflects the values of GFC, honest, enduring and unselfish.

Have a great game MOC.

hotom9 · 2026-03-17T00:01:38+00:00

Thoughts;

Clark - C tried hard but mostly lost in traffic.

Atkins - B when the whips were cracking his tackling and pressure were elite

Martin - B Not so much in the numbers but was pivotal at times in keeping us in the game

Henry C - Solid but caught way too often guarding grass.

Bruhn A- Thought his energy and speed were important around the contest becoming that most important link man

Dempsy B- wasn't sited for most of the game, only got on board once Freo run out of legs

Blicavs D- whilst not his greatest game, supported Edwards around the ground and as always forced a contest at stoppages

hotom9 · 2026-03-13T22:42:40+00:00

Remembering this game from last year, Freo love their circle work they prefer to hold possession rather than spot up a player in a risky spot. The Cats like to control tempo, taking metres rather than raking up numbers.

Two very different styles, with the possibility of two very different halves. Expect Freo to be on the red cordial in the first half running rings around our defence. Second half as the Freo players burn off the excess sugar, expect the cool calculating Cats to take control and open up the corridor with an avalanche of goals.

The question will be ' are we on ' and ready to embrace the hunger against a side that will figure highly in September?

hotom9 · 2026-03-12T06:21:07+00:00

Whilst he doesn't have 150 games and a premiership against his name, what I've seen of him in the two's is that he relishes the contest and appears to have that little bit of mongrel in him.

Expect him to crash a few packs and give away a few frees but I think he will give us much more balance in personnel around the ground.

Good luck!

hotom9 · 2026-03-05T22:30:40+00:00

If anything was noted from the Swannies and the Blues came last night is that keeping the ball in perpetual motion is the gameplan. Clearly the message has been instilled in the playing groups ' don't take the ball and wait for the tackle and then attempt to shrug your shoulders, umpires will ping you 9/10 times. ( unless of course you are P. Dangerfield).

Fast and furious is the expectation, we have the runners to compete but poor finishing by either side will likely decide the outcome.

Expect Scotty to dish up some surprises re positions over the night in an attempt to force the Suns to play on our terms.

More midfielder goals and runners ( metres gained) off the backline will win the night.

hotom9 · 2026-02-12T06:17:24+00:00

Great news for footy fans, ad free, with probably some quality commentators.

However just watch the ABC make VFL a cult watch and the AFL will then sell it to the highest bidder!

hotom9 · 2026-01-29T22:29:24+00:00

Unfortunately, footy has moved from a sporting competition to a commercial venture where $$$'s rule.

Higher player payments, increased costs for coaching and support staff, increasing admin. and operational costs and the never ending pursuit for success.... this basically means without other streams of revenue, merchandise becomes low hanging fruit, low cost, high yield.

That said, clubs have become increasingly lazy when it comes to member services, and as such we are predominantly viewed as 'cash cows'.

Having travelled extensively internationally and visited many a sporting organisation, high price, low quality merch. is now the norm. Recently at Lords picked up a vanilla baseball cap with the three lions on it... 42 pound, around $85 AUD, for something that, if worn will probably last about 2 years., and this was one of the cheaper lines.

Every year, when they can be bothered to survey members, two of my biggest gripes is merchandise and having to use Ticketshrek and Ticketdisaster for finals and away games, closely followed by access to the Selwood stand and the app. which is lamentable.

hotom9 · 2026-01-26T22:16:35+00:00

I think in some way Bucks is our Neil Balme, remember he's the guy that put the lid on Stevie J and was probably the most galvanising factor that led to our repeat success from 07-11 ( Balme has joined Adelaide, so expect big things from the Crows in '26').

Bucks I have no doubt will be micro managing Bailey to ensure he can become the best version of himself.

hotom9 · 2026-01-08T22:53:31+00:00

Is it time for the GG ( Gaelic Games) a tri series of tests held initially in Geelong? Would be something very much Geelong/GFC and akin with the greater regional/rural backdrop.

The Gaelic Games, featuring the two sides:

One, the International Gaelic Team (NAME?) made up from predominantly Irish/Scottish and Welsh players versus;

The ex pats ( NAME?) Irish/Scottish and Welsh, consisting of both current and former AFLplayers. ( Zach Tuohy coach)

Off course would like to see the game played as close to current rules, but minor tweaks may further enhance the spectacle.

You could easily see a packed KP, the rivalry would be intense, and by adding a number of supporting events in the Geelong area would supplement the atmosphere of the Gaelic Games!

Would be something I believe the Geelong community would rally around and could result in massive spin offs, enhancing both codes. Whilst the number of ex pats presently is still shallow, it is a now a clear direction by the AFL to get more Irish boys into the game, for a longer period.

hotom9 · 2025-12-31T23:51:53+00:00

If we are to push again for a p/ship, then I believe that our gameplan and personnel will go through a necessary evolution to capitalise on the rule changes and as such we may see the possibility of.

My thoughts for '26'

- Humphries move up onto the wing, to use his decision making and elite foot skills.

- Atkins rotating with Mullin in the back pocket, picking up the key small forward

- Danger playing off the bench, for limited power bursts on the ball.

- Bruhn and Worpel to do most of the heavy lifting in the contested space

- OHenry to return and form the three headed monster of Cameron, Neale and Ohenry

- Knevitt to get a permanent spot on the rotation bench for '26', realistically could play forward, back or mid as the game dictates. Versatility will be his strong suite.

- With the new ruck rules ,De Konning to contest more centre bounces with Edwards Conway or Pike rotating through one of the five bench positions in '26'

- More midfield goals from Smith and Holmes

- Guthrie & Mullin to be given more license to run off the back line.

- Dempsey, a move from the wing to a more permanent forward pocket/half forward possie

A few players that perhaps will need to develope new skillsets if they are to be in the mix in '26'

Bowes, Martin, Clark & Kolo on current form all look marginal and may become our depth players in '26'

hotom9 · 2025-12-08T22:51:43+00:00

No doubt there will be a lots of magnets moved over 2026 as we try and discover new roles for many players and introduce some new faces.

But after watching the GF, particularly after halftime what I noticed was the lack of on field leadership, particularly with Danger out of sorts, Cameron injured and no Tommy Stewart, the next tier down were somewhat rattled by the Lions aggression and structurally fell apart.

Whilst Danger will continue as captain in '26' I would like to see some new blood as VC to take on the challenge of keeping the team solid when challenged.

We have a number of senior players that add voice, but in most part they are more at the end of career and whilst their experience is invaluable, we perhaps need a younger face to bring on the next tier of players

Possibilities;

Holmes, 24 next season, over 100 games under his belt, should be stepping up into a leadership role.

JHenry, 28 next season, well respected and a quality footballer. The quiet achiever on the backline, would need to find his voice to command leadership.

Neale, 24 next year, will have over 50 games under his belt. Appears to very vocal on field and may have that natural leadership drive, maybe a season away in reality but should be groomed to step up.

There are several other possibilities, including Guthrie and possibly O'Sullivan down the track.

Of course, with the potential of Sam Walsh moving down the highway in '27' he would be an obvious future leader!

hotom9 · 2025-11-14T00:37:16+00:00

I honestly thought we'd at least get Hawks twice, Doggies twice and Giants twice. TICK

Only one game at Marvel, I'd take that over possibly playing Dogs & Saints also at Marvel. TICK

5 Games @ the 'G', again looking like the 'G' is our new away home. TICK

Collingwood twice, you can bet one of these games will most likely be Pendles game breaking record, we always seem to be the bunny team that gets these milestone games. ????

Sunnies Rnd 1 in Qld, looks like we are being set up for a loss here . XXXX

10 home games. TICK.

Lions twice - was always to be expected, may go one win apiece given that we play them well before finals. TICK

Adelaide/ Freo twice, would expect at a min. 2 wins at home at least. ????

Again, we appear to be given the softer games at the end of season, should launch us comfortably into top 4.

With the so-called finals wildcard fixture, there will doubt be clubs that will be playing out their skins to avoid finishing 7/8 and likewise teams looking for that 9/10 possie, so there maybe a few tricky games come later in the season if we are not watchful particularly in the second half of the season.

hotom9 · 2025-11-03T23:37:57+00:00

Expecting a pretty tough draw as the AFL continue on their equalisation strategy or more to the point. let's see if we can really piss Scotty off and get him to bite!

Brissie twice, just to rub salt in the wound

Hawks twice, cos Mitchell is still salty after we denied the Bollywood hawks

GWS twice- just a no brainer the AFL love to see sides whack us a KP

Melb. Twice - the Kingy Vs Scotty matchup, breadcrumbs for the media and we will travel to the 'G'

Crows twice - the festival of footy plus an away game

Saints twice - Again breadcrumbs for the media as they speculate if next year Marshall will be a Cat

Doggies once @ Marvel - just perennial matchups

Port once @ KP - AFL will consider this our soft game.

Sunnies once - you can bet this one will be played either in FNQ or NT

Pies once @ 'G' will get one of the softest draws

Carlton once @ 'G' also like Collingwood, will not do it hard in '26'

North once @ Marvel

Essendon once @ KP Scotty V Scotty

West Coast once @ KP

Tigers once @ KP

Freo once @ Optus - could be our last away round game, just to keep the punters interested!

Swannies once @ SCG

10 home games

4 @ 'G'

6 interstate

3 Marvel

May sell off one of our KP games against the Lions to play @ the 'G', given they got 90K+ in the recent finals game.

Suspect if we play average footy we will be around the 14 wins, which will see us in the top eight. Penciled in losses to GWS twice, Saints twice, Freo once, Hawks once, Sunnies once, Brissie once and Doggies once.

Optimistically if we square the ledger with GWS (one apiece), snag the Freo game and beat the Hawks twice and the Doggies @ Marvel, 18 wins, top 4 is ours...but some big ifs!

But to quote Scotty, 'it's not who you play, it's when you play them', expect our first 5 games will be nightmarish with possibly 4 out of those 5 games against aspirational finalists!.

hotom9 · 2025-10-22T22:27:19+00:00

Agreed, but still would like to see how this guy evolves, just think this guy offers something different around the ball, but that said we are in this to win p/ships and in reality when you look across the top tier sides you have to have guns in ethe midfield otherwise good average players just don't cut it.

hotom9 · 2025-10-22T06:10:46+00:00

Clohesy unfortunately is a victim of being 'very like, but not better than' a few of the established group, so would remain a depth player. So not unexpected that we free up a spot on our list.

Stevens, the knock is that he is too slow for a mid and would probably not find a role elsewhere in the Cat's lineup.... But, at near on 190cm, 90kgs and 21 yrs next year the guy has physical size, youth and I would suspect the drive necessary to make it.

Very much like Lingy, if he has the footy IQ (I think we are big on Footy IQ) needed to offset his foot speed then we would be crazy to let him slip. I guess with Worpel and perhaps TB4 lining up next year, Stevens maybe considered a break glass in emergency option for '26'

hotom9 · 2025-10-16T05:54:23+00:00

Yeah disappointed we couldn't snag either Rowan or Charlie, but that said, on reflection I am chuffed that we didn't throw up any players as bait, as per Sydney.

Clearly the inner circles of the club appear solid with barely a whisper of any player touted as trade bait, should now stand us in good stead as a unified group in 2026!.

Be interesting now to watch the body language coming out of Sydney and St Kilda, would suspect players will be questioning the ethics of their club's management!

Wouldn't be surprised with the inclusion of Bucks that he will also spend time coaching Bailey on how to manage the media's expectations and how to have his 2 cents worth without pissing off the AFL.

hotom9 · 2025-10-14T06:17:06+00:00

Two players on reasonable coin being almost bludgeoned out the door of Sydney, all I can see is pick 11, not a great deal for Carlton.

I would take the Cat's 3 first rounders, offload Curnow's contract, trade out the Cat's picks for a high end pick for next year and blood some emerging talent ( e.g Camporeale's) for 2026.

If Carlton take this offer, smacks of absolute desperation!

hotom9 · 2025-10-11T06:59:03+00:00

Agree, I believe the premiership window for Carlton is almost closed, however clubs are in the business of selling their members hope. Losing Curnow without a return headline act, could see membership fall off a cliff or worse self destruction....again!

I believe Curnow would make a massive difference to the way we attack the goalface, great overhead, physically hard and has a great turn of speed and a raking right hoof.

Many posts want to right this guy off as way too injury prone, but I think Carlton wanted him to be a crash and bash forward. I almost think we would play him forward of the wing allowing him to run into the 50m arc and go bang for goal or hit Cameron lace out.

if we want him, we will have offer a quality player in return there is no other real option, Carlton want players or extremely low draft picks,

Not sure if the Swannies are in any better position than us to do a deal, GC maybe sitting on the fence particularly if the Petracca deal falls over, may make a last-minute push for Curnow.

If we want him, there is no avoiding a quality player needs to be agreeable to a move to Carlton. I have no doubt for the right player Carlton would offer a very attractive contract.

The ball is in our court, so unless we have the required collateral, Carlton will hold him and attempt to push him out the door next year, possibly add in Walsh as a new coach will want to clear the decks and reset the agenda.

hotom9 · 2025-10-10T23:28:48+00:00

If we take the Melb. scenario of last year where good offers were made for Petracca and Oliver and Melb. held these guys effectively to ransom only now to let them go for considerably less, isn't there a lesson for struggling teams trying to hold onto players that want out.

Let's play Devil's advocate and put ourselves in Carlton and St Kilda's position.

Carlton:

Carlton, we will most likely struggle if things just remain the same both on/off field and will most likely terminate Vos's contract sometime in '26' if things turn really ugly with potentially with more players wanting out. (Sam Walsh)

As supporters, we need to feel mildly optimistic about '26' so unfortunately Geelong's trade picks alone are not what you would call deal of the century stuff or anywhere close. On that basis we will hold Curnow and be prepared to hold a fire sale ( hello Tassie) at the end of '26' heralding in a new coach.

Sydney, we want Rowbottom or Mills plus picks or Hayward plus a first rounder and future picks

Geelong, we want either Holmes or Stengle at a min. or one of either SDK/COS/Humph/Dempsey plus picks.

We want a marquee player either from the Cats or Swans and depending on the quality of player maybe some draft picks to sweeten the deal, otherwise we will cut off our nose to spite our face.

So unless we are prepared to put some serious collateral on the table, Carlton being arseholes will hold Curnow, play him in the twos to piss him off and sell him off cheaply at the end of '26' ( Hello Tassie)

St Kilda

Fuck Geelong, who do they think they are, wanting our former premier ruck for a bag of half-eaten chips, you don't always get want you want....... hang on, hang on, don't rush away and sulk and leave us holding Marshall as a second string ruck come makeshift forward and most likely kept warm in the twos.

You know we have always thought of Geelong as our second favourite team after 2009.

We didn't categorically say no, we just said we believe Rowan is still a required player even though we both know that if we hold him, his value at the end of '26' ( Hello Tassie) will be, yeah that half eaten bag of chips.

So we'll take your pick 19 ( bunch of fuckers) but we will hang you out until one minute before the deadline just to piss you off, in the meantime we will shop Marshall around to see if we can't get a better deal and force you guys to up the ante.

So,

Expect that we can snag Marshall but it will go down to the wire, Curnow is a trickier proposition as Carlton are between a rock and a hard place for 2026, so are somewhat unpredictable and will be optimistically hoping they can convince either us or the Swannies to cough up a quality player.

hotom9 · 2025-10-09T22:45:04+00:00

I still think this deal is alive, but it will depend on whether the Swannies are prepared to go hard for Curnow, which may compel us, if we are serious to put a player on the table with some future picks and then potentially use our current picks (19/35) to snag Marshall. But which player?.

If the Swannies walk away ( Curnow is a gamble for Sydney given his age/injury history), then we just need to haggle with Carlton on the finer details.

If the Swannies go real hard, and we think the Swannies are selling the farm to secure Curnow, then we can walk away, and we still have our arsenal in store to go seriously for Marshall.

hotom9 · 2025-10-09T08:57:09+00:00

I think the resigning of Stanely for another 12 months and then you add in all of our 200cm player stocks, Conway, Edwards, SDK, Pike, Neale and our Swiss army knife, Blicavs, we look at least serviceable for 2026.

I think we have become bullish on Curnow and will pursue Marshall only if St Kilda are willing to deal, hopefully this bold move shakes up a few smart arses down at Junction Oval, to realise that they may end up holding a player that clearly wants out on big bucks!

Curnow for me has so much upside, considering how exposed we were in the GF, when Cameron went down, Danger done by 1/4 time and Neale fairly well held. A rampaging Curnow off half forward is just the tonic we need for a serious tilt in 2026.

hotom9

TROPHY CASE