The disappointment of falling short on the biggest stage has been evident in the aftermath of Geelong's Grand Final defeat, but Zach Guthrie said there is still so much for the club to be proud of as the Cats conclude their 2025 season.
After missing the top eight in 2023, Geelong have pieced together two brilliant campaigns, falling narrowly short in the penultimate week of the 2024 season before progressing another step further this year.
While they did not walk away with the premiership cup, the Cats still achieved so much in 2025, recording a number of iconic wins like the Gather Round victory over Adelaide and the heart-stopping win against Collingwood in Round 8.
It also included a pair of dominant victories in their first two Finals matches, all while getting important game time into Geelong's emerging generation, with 19 players aged 26 or younger playing at the top level throughout the season.
Guthrie spoke to media at Geelong's supporters day and said that while the disappointment of losing a Grand Final stings, there is plenty to be proud of after the Cats gave themselves another chance at the ultimate prize.
"It does come to a pretty abrupt finish," Guthrie said.
"You set out to get to that moment and it is obviously disappointing when you don't perform as well as what you would have hoped on the big day.
"It does take time to get over the feeling of disappointment, but I touched on it before that you have to look at all the moments that go into getting us to this point. There has been some tough times, some times where we have been going really well, I am just proud of the group overall to ride the wave of the season.
"It can be a long year at times and I think we have done really well to give ourselves a chance.
"You certainly take the disappointment of coming second and giving yourself a chance of being in that moment."
Among the young core that featured across the 2025 season, 10 players got the valuable experience of playing in their first Grand Final, something that Guthrie believes will hold Geelong in good stead for years to come.
"I think it benefits everyone," Guthrie said.
"There is always a mix of feelings going into such a big game, there is obviously nerves, excitement, even if you have done it before.
"I think all those guys that were playing in their first Grand Final performed really well for us, and didn't look overawed by the occasion which was great.
"At the end of the day, I think Brisbane were able to take some of their moments a bit better, particularly in that second half. Disappointing to not get the result, but great for some of those guys to get the opportunity."
Geelong's attention will quickly turn to a big off-season, starting with the AFL's Free Agency period on Friday and then the Trade Period next Monday.
As it currently stands, the Cats hold four picks in the National Draft including a first round selection, with the draft set to take place in November.
But before all that happens, Geelong will celebrate their 2025 AFL season at their best and fairest night on Thursday, set to crown a new champion with the winner to take home the Carji Greeves Medal.
Guthrie said this week is a great chance to reflect on the successful moments of the year, while also using the emotion of the Grand Final defeat to come back hungrier in 2026.
"I think it is important to celebrate with everyone that has made the year possible and just get around everyone.
"It is tough for a number of guys for different reasons, it does come to a pretty abrupt finish.
"You go from having your whole season set out since November at the start of pre-season, working towards the goal and then it comes to an abrupt finish whether you do win or lose.
"I think just spending time with people is important."
