Cries of “Gee-long” were heard reverberating across the Geelong waterfront as 25,000 footy fans came out in force for the Cats 2022 premiership parade.
Even the rain was kind enough to avoid the city as fans lined the streets decked out in navy-and-white scarves, guernseys and flags to see the AFL’s champion team in the flesh.
Geelong coach Chris Scott shows off the AFL premiership cup during Tuesday’s parade.Credit:Sophie Aubrey
Tuesday’s event was a family-friendly affair for Geelong, which had been dubbed Dad’s Army by some unkind pundits because it’s playing list was among the oldest in AFL history.
On Tuesday, that maturity was on show as many Cats players took their children with them in the parade to mark the club’s first premiership in 11 years.
Cats coach Chris Scott declared the day was for the club’s youngest supporters.
“Looking around at all the young fans who wouldn’t have been around in 2011; this is for you. You’ll remember this for the rest of your life.”
Scott, who admitted to being “a bit overwhelmed” but “so grateful”, was joined by players on stage to speak to the fans.
There were a few dusty heads and lost voices, with skipper Joel Selwood noting some of the players had been “feeling flat before we jumped off the bus. But seeing everyone today picked us up.”
Selwood dodged questions about his possible retirement but reflected on the grand final.
“It all went to plan and even better. There were seriously so many good moments,” Selwood said. “We love sharing the journey”
When Geelong won its drought-breaking 2007 premiership homegrown star Cameron Ling was made mayor for the day. Selwood didn’t snag that title this time but was instead gifted a large flag emblazoned with his portrait.
“[My wife] Britt will be thrilled. Not sure what we’ll do with that. We’ll have to get a flag pole out the front,” he said.
Norm Smith Medal winner Isaac Smith, holding daughter Isla, joked that as an older, wiser premiership-winner he had managed to get some sleep during the ongoing celebration since Saturday’s thumping 81-point grand final win over the Sydney Swans.
“We’re very lucky. There’s been an awful lot of support these last few days,” Smith said.
Geelong erupted into party mode the moment the final siren sounded at the packed MCG on Saturday.
More than 1000 people watched the match on big screens from a live site at Kardinia Park on Saturday, and within minutes of the result being confirmed throngs of fans had flooded into Geelong’s CBD, blowing horns, dancing and stopping traffic.
An impromptu game of kick-to-kick at one of the city’s busiest intersections lasted into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Thousands returned to Kardinia Park on Sunday to greet the players for the club’s family day. The revelling calmed on Monday as supporters nursed sore heads and the players gathered for their traditional Mad Monday dress-up party.
Player of the finals Patrick Dangerfield said it was special to celebrate with locals fans who hadn’t been able to get to the MCG on Saturday.
As for some of the criticism of their elderly costume stunt on Mad Monday, he wasn’t fazed.
“You can’t do anything right these days without upsetting people,” Dangerfield said. “To be honest with you, I don’t care too much.”
It was a special day for young Cats fans who were celebrating their first Geelong premiership.
Matt Macfarlane said he had convinced his three children to follow his team, rather than Carlton, who his wife Kylie supports.
Matt Macfarlane with wife Kylie, 10-year-old twin daughters Grace and Maddie and seven-year-old Jackson during Geelong’s premiership parade.Credit:Sophie Aubrey
“Well, if you look at the last few years, Geelong has been doing really well, so it was pretty easy,” he said.
Macfarlane said he and his 10-year-old twin daughters, Grace and Maddie, and seven-year-old Jackson were “very excited” to be at Tuesday’s parade.
“It’s very exciting today,” he said. “I’ve been celebrating the whole weekend.”
Harry, 8, and Tommy, 7, attended with their nanny Pam Morrow, who, after a lifetime supporting the Cats, was delighted to be celebrating another premiership with a new generation of supporters.
Pam Morrow with grandsons Harry, 8, and Tommy, 7, during Geelong’s premiership parade. Credit:Sophie Aubrey
Tuesday’s parade also showcased Geelong’s picturesque waterfront, which has been redeveloped in recent years.
For coach Chris Scott, captain Joel Selwood and teammates Tom Hawkins and Mitch Duncan the parade must have revived memories of the cub’s last premiership in 2011, which they were all a part of.
However, the city has changed dramatically in those intervening years.
Despite losing hundreds of manufacturing jobs, particularly at Alcoa and Ford, Geelong’s civic leaders talk about the city having newfound swagger, pointing to the city’s recent population boom.
The National Disability Insurance Agency, Transport Accident Commission and WorkSafe Victoria all now have their headquarters in Geelong, and pubs, bars and restaurants are flourishing in the CBD.
Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said the premiership would further boost the city’s spirit and economy, after the pain of extended lockdowns.
“It’s been incredible,” he said. “It really lifts the mood in the community. It’s brought people together.”
In 2011, the exposure of the Cats’ premiership was substantial. Figures supplied by the council showed the grand final parade that year generated $4.8 million worth of media coverage.
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