A VFL coach has one of the most difficult jobs in the game, trying to find a balance each week with an abundance of variables thrown at them each week. 

Within any VFL team there is generally a mix of AFL-listed players vying for selection at the top level, some returning from injury, young players finding their feet at the club and a wealth of VFL-listed talent, the best of the best from local leagues around the region. 

In such a volatile competition, consistency is hard to come by and even Geelong have found that hard to come by in 2026, making a total of 29 changes at team selection across their last six games. 

But such has been the remarkable work of the Cats' leaders, led by the brilliant coaching of Mark Corrigan, that Geelong have developed an incredible bond that has helped them achieve sustained success in 2026. 

One player that has been integral to that success this year has been young ruckman Joe Pike, who spoke during the week about the upcoming Grand Final and the connection between the playing group throughout the season. 

"Mainly to embrace it," Pike said when asked what his focus was in Grand Final week. 

"It is so special, the bond we have created between the AFL group and the VFL group. I think ultimately, that bond is what has gotten us through the year so successfully.

"We just want to get around each other, enjoy the week. We have only got this session, another one and then captains run, before our final game of the year. 

"The Grand Final is a bit of an intimidating game, but it is just another game of footy with your best mates and if you can keep it that simple, that is going to be the key for us."

Pike noted that some training sessions in the depths of the Geelong winter were also a big factor, helping to bring the group together. 

"We have had some really great opportunities to train together, a bit more than the last couple of years," Pike said. 

"We spend a lot of Thursday nights out at Deakin, in the dark, the cold and the rain, just building that relationship.

"I think everyone has bought in, whether you are playing AFL one week and then coming back and playing VFL, if you are always in the VFL or part of the non-listed players, everyone has had the same buy in and genuine care for each other.

"Just the fact that everyone has bought into that whole piece, I think that is what has brought everyone together so much."

Pike was no stranger to the Hoops, having played with Geelong's VFL program as a VFL-listed player in 2024, before being selected by the Cats in the 2024 draft period. 

His first season on the AFL list was strong, but he took his game to new heights in 2026 and established himself as one of the competition's best young rucks. 

Despite splitting the ruck duties with Rhys Stanley for much of the year, Pike still ranks fifth in the VFL for total hit-outs, also able to find plenty of the football with three games recording 20 disposals or more. 

The 21-year-old said he has been proud of what he has been able to achieve in 2026, but still understands that the biggest test awaits this weekend when the Cats face Box Hill in the season decider. 

"I am really happy with how it has gone," Pike said about his year. 

"There have been a few ups and downs, as everyone has within a season.

"But I think I have been able to build on my performances each week, when the opportunities come I grab them and try to make the most of them.

"The Grand Final is just another opportunity to build once more this year."