Geelong has uncovered plenty of depth on their playing list in 2025 possessing a strong defensive unit, speed and agility in the midfield and a forward line with high level craft and pressure inside 50.
The stats show Geelong has standout players leading a number of the competition's key statistics, with the remainder of the 2025 season shaping up well for the Cats as they look to solidify their position in top four following the bye.
Check out a full breakdown of Geelong’s 2025 AFL lineup, diving into each position to see what factors have contributed to the Cats success this season.
GEELONG'S DEFENSIVE PROWESS
Geelong’s backline has performed strongly this year despite a number of key players missing games due to injury, which opened the door for emerging talents to establish themselves.
Connor O’Sullivan has proved to be an important part of the Cats defensive unit, earning a Telstra Rising Star nomination in Geelong’s round two clash against St Kilda.
Continuing his strong start to the season, O'Sullivan is averaging 13 disposals and six intercept possessions per game and has formed a strong partnership with Jack Henry, who has been another standout player in Geelong’s defence this season averaging an impressive seven intercept possessions per game.
Geelong currently sit 9th in the AFL for intercept possessions at a 64.2 average per game, but their defensive dominance lies in on-ball pressure with the Cats placed 2nd in the competition for tackles at 65.5 per game.
Geelong's Defensive Rankings
| Statistic | Average Per Game | AFL Rank |
| Intercept Possessions | 64.2 | 9th |
| Tackles | 65.5 | 2nd |
| Points Conceded | 77.2 | 5th |
THE MIDFIELD
Geelong’s midfield is a well rounded unit with numerous strengths, a group that can move the ball through the corridor with their run-and-carry, deliver the ball inside 50 and seamlessly transition between offence and defence.
A big part of the midfield group has been Bailey Smith who has reached a new career high average of 32 disposals, five tackles and five clearances per game so far in 2025.
Smith is also leading the coaches votes this season with 66, forming a formidable partnership with Max Holmes who is averaging 26 disposals and five clearances per match.
Another part of the on-ball division in 2025 has been Tom Atkins, leading the AFL in tackles with 141 while also averaging 19 disposals and six clearances per game.
Geelong have opted for a different style of play when bringing the ball through the midfield, ranking second in the league for total kicks (224 per game) while handballing less at an average of 125 per game (18th in the AFL).
INSIDE FORWARD 50
The Cats forward line has been difficult for any opposition to slow down this year, finding numerous avenues to the big sticks and plenty of different goal kickers this season.
Jeremy Cameron has been incredible in 2025 with his ability to impact the scoreboard, kicking four or more goals on eight different occasions to carve out a lead in the Coleman Medal race with 48 goals.
Alongside Cameron this season is Geelong captain, Patrick Dangerfield who has been thriving in his new role inside forward 50. It has been a positive change for the Cats with Dangerfield's explosive speed and power finding him numerous opportunities, kicking 19 goals for the season including an instrumental four goal performance during Gather Round.
Playing an influential role have been Geelong’s small forwards, Tyson Stengle and Brad Close, who have booted a combined 31 goals for the season but also rank third and fifth in the AFL respectively for goal assists, showcasing their willingness to find scoring opportunities for other teammates.
Scoring has not been the only contribution Stengle has made to the Cats forward line, he is currently ranked second in the AFL this season for inside 50 tackles, assisting with Geelong’s pressure acts (first in the AFL) and creating better opportunities.
