With the Geelong Football Club celebrating its 100 year partnership with Ford in 2025, this new article series will take a look back at the 100 most iconic moments from the Cats history.
The eight part series will be released over the remainder of the year and will cover milestone moments, heartwarming stories, the club's greatest successes on and off the field while celebrating the people that made it all happen.
Next up is some of the heartwarming, tear-jerking moments that have occurred throughout the club's incredible history.
22. Joel Selwood's Fairytale Finish
It is so rare for a player in any professional sport to get the perfect fairytale finish, but it was all that and more for one of Geelong's greatest players in the 2022 Grand Final.
With the just minutes remaining in the final term and the Cats holding an unassailable lead, inspirational captain Joel Selwood produced one final moment of greatness as he nailed a checkside finish from long range, bringing the entire Geelong crowd to their feet.
The outpouring of emotion said it all, Selwood and his great mate Tom Hawkins brought to tears, one of the most iconic moments in the club's history en route to the great number 14 becoming a premiership captain.
It would ultimately be one of his last acts on the football field in his final AFL game, capping off an incredible career in the most fitting way possible.
23. Renee Garing's Return
Renee Garing made an emotional return to the senior level in Round 1 of 2023.
Garing had followed in the footsteps of fellow Cat Kate Darby, taking time away from footy to give birth to her first child. Once Parker Garing was born, sights were set on a return and in the week of Round 1, Renee was told by coach Dan Lowther of her selection in the senior team to take on the Bulldogs.
Garing returned and played a crucial role in that season as a pressure forward that saw the Cats push all the way to a preliminary final.
24. Saying Farewell to the Little Master
One of the greatest players the game has ever seen was farewelled in one of the strangest ways possible, when Gary Ablett Junior hung up his boots after the 2020 Grand Final at the Gabba.
Spanning over 19 seasons and 357 games across two different clubs, Ablett finished with an extraordinary resume that included two premierships, two Brownlow Medals, eight All-Australian blazers and numerous other awards.
The incredible journey came to an end in 2020 when the Cats were defeated by Richmond in the decider, The Little Master walked off to a grand ovation from the strong Geelong crowd that had made the trek to Brisbane.
25. An Irish Flavour to the Team Song
Geelong's Irish Connection is undeniable and it was a special AFLW post-game moment that fully embraced and recognised the connection.
After a strong win against the Tigers at Ikon Park in 2022, families and friends of players Aishling Moloney and Rachel Kearns visiting from Ireland joined in the festivities and took part in the club song.
Many words were missed during the rendition, but that did not stop the enjoyment of the visitors and one of the loudest club songs on record.
26. Tom Lonergan's Remarkable Comeback
Most Cats fans will remember the sickening collision that nearly cost Tom Lonergan his life. Not many people would have the courage to come back and play again after an incident like that.
But in one of the most inspiring stories the sporting world has ever seen, Lonergan made his return to play for Geelong’s VFL team in June of the 2007 season. He went on to feature in the VFL Cats’ premiership triumph, kicking six goals and being adjudged best on ground.
A year later he made his AFL return, going on to play a significant role in Geelong’s 2011 premiership win and finishing with 209 AFL games to cap off one of the most incredible stories in professional sport.
27. Erin Hoare Pulls on the Hoops Again
Inaugural Geelong AFLW player, Erin Hoare had taken some time away from football at the end of 2019 for family and study reasons, but rejoined the Cats with Pick 1 in the 2023 Supplementary Draft.
Hoare, along with close friend Renee Garing, was selected to play in Geelong's Round 1 clash against the Bulldogs and made an emotional return in Geelong's victory.
She would go on to play 12 games in the season and dominated the hit-outs all year, giving Geelong's young midfield first use and was instrumental in propelling the Cats to a preliminary final.
28. Joel Selwood and Sam Moorfoot's Iconic Grand Final Celebration
If there was ever any need to reaffirm just how special Joel Selwood is, the moments immediately after the 2022 Grand Final paint a pretty clear picture.
In the midst of the celebrations, the premiership captain spotted his good mate and the club's iconic member, Sam Moorfoot and got him over the fence and onto the MCG to join in the post-game festivities.
It turned into a viral moment that went right around the globe, showing the special bond between the pair in a wholesome moment that encapsulated that the Geelong Football Club is all about.
29. The Famous Rankin Name Returns to Geelong
The Rankin family has had a significant impact right throughout the history of the Geelong Football Club, dating back to Teddy Rankin who was a member of Geelong's inaugural VFL team in 1897.
Teddy's brothers, Samuel and Thomas both played for the Cats, Bert Rankin also featured and then Cliff Rankin lined up in the Hoops, Geelong's 1925 premiership captain-coach.
The family legacy continued on in 2019 when Georgie Rankin featured in Geelong's inaugural AFLW game.
30. June Ford, Carji Greeves' Daughter Visits the Cattery
As part of Geelong's 2024 Retro Game celebrations, the daughter of the great Edward "Carji" Greeves, June Ford, visited the club and players during the week to enjoy the occasion.
Geelong's jumper paid homage to Carji's 1924 Brownlow Medal victory 100 years prior, and it was a pleasure to have June visit and share some valuable stories about her father.
31. Opening of the Parents Room
The opening of the Parents Room at the club as part of the developments of the football department in 2024 were significant.
32. Cameron Ling Caps off a Sensational Career
There seems to be a bit of a trend developing between Geelong captains and Grand Final Day goals.
Just as his heir apparent did in 2022, Cats skipper Cameron Ling sealed the deal with the final major in the 2011 Grand Final, curling home a left-foot pearler for what would be the last goal of the season.
It also proved to be the last game of Ling's storied AFL career, going out on top as a premiership captain which added to two other premierships (2007, 2009), an All Australian selection (2007) and a Carji Greeves Medal (2011).
33. Angus and Tom Stewart's Special Bond
After a previous visit to Hospital for Angus, Tom Stewart stayed in contact and invited Angus and his family to a game in the 2023 season.
Angus made the effort to leave hospital, which was a challenge given Angus didn't have a heart and was being kept alive through two artificial hearts in a mobile unit.
The Cats went on to win their game and Stewart even kicked an emotional and rare goal during the contest.
34. Acknowledging a Club Great, Vic Fuller
Club stalwart Vic Fuller sadly passed away suddenly in early 2021.
The entire club paid tribute with a minute silence out on the ground, led by a tribute from Joel Selwood. Selwood remarked Vic's catchphrase upon arriving at the club: "I was there before you got here, and I'll be here when you're gone".
Vic will always be remembered by those at the club and the drinks trolley at training is adorned with his name, now looked after by Sam Moorfoot.
35. Ablett Sets the 'G Alight in First Game Back
The great Gary Ablett Junior made his return to the Hoops in the opening round of the 2018 season, and the champion wasted no time reacquainting himself with the Geelong faithful.
Just 20 minutes into the match, Ablett received a handball and burst through 50, nailing the finish on the run to electrify the crowd and his teammates.
It was a pretty handy return from the superstar Cat, collecting 39 disposals and 12 score involvements as Geelong prevailed by three-points in a thriller at the MCG.
36. Garing and Hoare Embrace after Return Game
In a beautiful moment of friendship and determination, Renee Garing and Erin Hoare embraced on the siren in their first win after returning back to football.
Stepping away for family and career reasons, the pair who had played local netball in Geelong and then became inaugural AFLW players together, made an emotional return and strengthened the wonderful story of players returning to play after children.
37. Scott Reaches the Pinnacle in First Season at Geelong
From 1989 until now, only one coach has taken over the reins and won a premiership in his first season in the top job.
That man was Chris Scott, who led the Cats to the holy grail of football in 2011.
It was a stunning campaign. Geelong opened the year with a 13-game winning streak, secured second spot on the ladder, and rolled through September to claim a premiership in Scott’s debut season as coach.
Remarkably, Collingwood lost only three games throughout the entire 2011 season — all to Geelong, including the final day in September.
38. Esther Brings up the Ton
Esther Field was preparing for her big 100th birthday celebration, when she was brought to a Geelong training session by her son Scott.
To her surprise she was invited onto the training field and met some of her favourite players, including Patrick Dangerfield and Tyson Stengle.
Esther was given a special 100 Guernsey as a gift, and reportedly barely took it off until her 100th Birthday Party two weeks later.
39. The Selwood Stand Officially Unveiled
A year after calling time on his illustrious AFL career, Joel Selwood was back on the surface at GMHBA Stadium in front of his adoring home fans.
But instead of pulling on the boots and leading his side into battle, the Cats legend was present for the opening of a brand new stand at GMHBA Stadium, which was deservedly named in his honour.
Selwood joined in the festivities ahead of Geelong's opening round of the 2024 season, even slotting one last goal to officially open his grandstand.
Ford 100 Moments - List To Date
Part One: Milestone Moments
1. Joel Selwood Becomes Longest-Serving Captain in V/AFL History
2. Geelong's First AFLW Game and Win in 2019
3. Gary Ablett Senior Reaches 1000 Goals
4. Cats Register Highest Score in a Match
5. Geelong's First Ever Women's Captain, Audrey Cope
6. Tom Hawkins Breaks Club Games Record
7. Cats Set Record for Longest Winning Streak in the 1950's
8. Maddie Boyd Kicks Geelong's First Goal in the AFLW
9. Chris Scott Surpasses Reg Hickey to Become Geelong's Longest-Serving Coach
10. Cats Farewell Trio of Premiership Legends in 2015
11. Selwood Sets the Record for Most Finals Appearances
Part Two: Exhilarating Moments
12. Varcoe Sets the 'G Alight in the 2011 Grand Final
13. Cranston Blitzes the Dockers
14. 'Cometh the Moment, Cometh the Man.... the Son of the Man'
15. High Flying Scheer Soars into Orbit
16. Ablett Senior Pulls Down Mark of the Century
17. As Perfect as Football Gets in 2011 Demolition of the Dees
18. Ottens' Launches Skyward to Win Mark of the Year
19. Ablett Junior Defies Logic from the Pocket..... Twice
20. Leaping Chapman puts the Cherry on Top in 2007
21. Humphries Sinks the Crows with First Career Goal
Part Three: Heartwarming Moments
22. Joel Selwood's Fairytale Finish
23. Renee Garing's Return
24. Saying Farewell to the Little Master
25. An Irish Flavour to the Team Song (2022 S7)
26. Tom Lonergan's Remarkable Comeback
27. Erin Hoare Pulls on the Hoops Again
28. Joel Selwood and Sam Moorfoot's Iconic Grand Final Celebration
29. The Famous Rankin Name Returns to Geelong
30. June Ford, Carji Greeves' Daughter Visits the Cattery
31. Opening of the Parents Room
32. Cameron Ling Caps off a Sensational Career
33. Angus and Tom Stewart's Special Bond
34. Acknowledging a Club Great, Vic Fuller
35. Ablett Sets the 'G Alight in First Game Back
36. Garing and Hoare Embrace after Return Game
37. Scott Reaches the Pinnacle in First Season at Geelong
38. Esther Brings up the Ton
39. The Selwood Stand Officially Unveiled
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled as we continue to recap the top 100 moments in the Hoops.
