History Society Newsletter
Welcome to the second edition of the History Society Newsletter for 2026. In this edition, we reflect on the success of our Hall of Fame event, recognise those who have shaped our journey, and look ahead to the history-makers who are contributing to the Club’s story in 2026 and beyond.
In May members of Geelong’s 1963 VFL and Reserves premiership winning teams enjoyed a special reunion to reminisce on one of the most successful years in the club’s history. Read more here.
Vale
It is with sadness that we recognise the passing of past players Leigh Crawford, Damien Christensen and John O’Connell. Debuting for Geelong in 1974, Crawford played 31 senior games across two seasons. Christensen featured in 17 games for the Cats, making his debut against Hawthorn in 1983. O’Connell played 81 games for Geelong and captained the side on five occasions.
CLub Memorabilia
Visit our Cats museum, the Gartland Heritage Centre in the Deakin Cats Community Centre (Doug Wade, Gate 8).
Open Mondays 3:30pm–5pm (excluding public holidays), or by prior arrangement (limited availability, please email: honouringthehoops@geelongcats.com.au to enquire)
If you have any Cats treasures and are considering donating them to the club, please contact our Honouring the Hoops team by emailing honouringthehoops@geelongcats.com.au
Hall of fame
The Geelong Football Club’s proud history was celebrated on Saturday 4 July, when the Club gathered at GMHBA Stadium for the 2026 Hall of Fame dinner. The evening recognised great players, coaches and contributors who have helped shape the Club in the Hoops.
The highest honour of the night went to Gary Ablett Junior, who was elevated to Legend status. Ablett played 247 games for Geelong, contributed to the 2007 and 2009 premierships, claimed two Carji Greeves Medals and earned eight All-Australian selections. From father-son selection to premiership star, he remains one of the great figures in the Club’s modern history.
Joel Selwood and Mark ‘Bomber’ Thompson were also inducted into the Hall of Fame. Selwood’s courage, leadership and consistency set the standard for his era, from his debut premiership season in 2007 through to his final game as captain of the 2022 premiership side. Thompson’s coaching helped rebuild the Cats into one of the competition’s strongest clubs. He backed a talented young group, shaped the style and standards of the team, and delivered the 2007 and 2009 premierships, ending a 44-year wait for a senior flag.
The night also recognised the important place of AFLW in the Club’s history. Julia Crockett-Grills, Nina Morrison, Georgie Rankin, Amy McDonald, Becky Webster, Meg McDonald and Maddy McMahon received Geelong Cats Life Membership, joining Kate Darby and Renee Garing among the Club’s AFLW Life Members.
Life Membership was also awarded to current players Max Holmes, Jeremy Cameron, Brad Close and Zach Guthrie, along with past players Larry Donohue, John Mossop and Liam Pickering. Col Watts was recognised for his work as a recruiter and talent scout, while Jeremy Cameron and Mark Blicavs received AFL Life Membership for their service to the game.
It was a night for recognising the people who have left their mark on the Geelong Football Club, from champions in the Hoops to those who have helped build and support the Cats story over many years.
History makers
Debutants
• Jay Polkinghorne
Gary Ablett Jnr Australian Football Hall of Fame
2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland
• Aishling Moloney
• Rachel Kearns
• Nina Morrison
• Georgie Prespakis
• Elise Coventry
Milestones
• Dan Capiron
• Mark O’Connor
• Mark Blicavs
• Jake Kolodjashnij
• Oisin Mullin
• Jack Bowes
• Lawson Humphries, Shaun Mannagh and Tanner Bruhn
• Sam De Koning
• Ollie Henry
• Mark Blicavs Rookie Record
