The VFL and VFLW awards night took place at the Palladium at Crown on Monday night, with a number of Geelong players and their head coach recognised for an outstanding 2026 campaign. 

Cats VFL head coach, Mark Corrigan was rewarded for his work with Geelong's team this year, announced as the VFL Coach of the Year.

In his fourth season at the helm, Corrigan led the Cats to a 16-2 record in the regular season and two big Finals wins, helping Geelong secure their first Grand Final berth since 2013. 

Three Cats players were named in the VFL Team of the Year, including star on-baller George Stevens (Ruck Rover), Nathan Kreuger (Full Back) and Mitch Knevitt (Wing). 

05:48

All The Goals | Geelong VFL vs Port Melbourne Prelim Final

Watch all the goals from Geelong's win over Port Melbourne in the Prelim final, sending the Cats into next week's Smithy's VFL Grand Final.

George Stevens has secured his second straight selection in the VFL Team of the Year, following another brilliant and consistent campaign which saw him sit fourth in the league for total disposals. 

The tough on-baller has averaged over 30 disposals, eight clearances and five tackles per game while also kicking 12 goals, while also collecting a game-high 30 disposals and nine clearances in Geelong's Preliminary Final victory on Sunday. 

Nathan Kreuger has had a brilliant season in defence for the Cats, in his second year back with Geelong's VFL program. 

One of the competition's best interceptors and top players in one-on-one contests, Kreuger has averaged 13.2 disposals and 6.7 marks per game this year, often getting the big tasks against the VFL's elite forwards. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Mitch Knevitt of the Cats marks the ball during the 2026 VFL First Preliminary Final match between Geelong Cats and Port Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium on September 13th, 2026 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Craig Dooley/AFL Photos)

Mitch Knevitt rounds out the trio of Cats selected in the team, with the impressive midfielder enjoying a strong season that includes an average of 26.1 disposals, 5.1 clearances and 4.3 tackles per game. 

He has been terrific across the entire season but might have saved his best performance for the biggest moment, with Knevitt collecting 30 disposals and two goals in Geelong's hard-fought Qualifying Final victory over Tasmania. 

Annie Lee was also recognised for her brilliant VFLW campaign, selected on a half back flank in the VFLW Team of the Year. 

Lee was a brilliant leader for the Cats both on and off the field this year, featuring in 14 games while averaging 18.2 disposals and 4.8 tackles per game. 

Lee's exquisite form saw her signed as a replacement player ahead of the 2026 AFLW season, before making her club debut in Geelong's Round 4 victory over Essendon. 

VFL COACH OF THE YEAR

  • Mark Corrigan

VFL TEAM OF THE YEAR 

  • George Stevens - Ruck Rover
  • Nathan Kreuger - Full Back
  • Mitch Knevitt - Wing

VFLW TEAM OF THE YEAR

  • Annie Lee - Half Back Flank