Geelong too old? Veteran Cats prove everyone wrong in AFL grand final thrashing of Sydney

Aidan Cellini

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Geelong too old? Veteran Cats prove everyone wrong in AFL grand final thrashing of Sydney image

Geelong are the 2022 premiers of the AFL after thrashing Sydney by 81 points.

Starting off the game in a hot manner, the Cats left no doubt in the minds of onlookers as everyone started to get in on the act.

Led by veterans Tom Hawkins, Isaac Smith, Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood, the Swans were left with more questions than answers.

At the beginning of the season, Geelong were clearly the oldest side in the competition as doubters lined up.

Sitting with an average age of just over 28 years, Chris Scott set his sights on developing a new and improved game plan which ultimately worked.

Going from a kick-mark, slow methodical approach in years gone by, Scott implemented speed and dare into his ageless side.

The Cats have had the ability all year to change gears when needed, heavily reflected by their 16-win streak which continues on into the grand final.

Geelong were the best team throughout 2022 and it showed on the last Saturday in September.

Old Cats finding new tricks

Once you cross the line, you know what you will get from skipper Joel Selwood.

Labelled as one of the toughest players in the modern era, Selwood helped get the cat off the back, alongside best mates Hawkins and Dangerfield.

The Geelong captain got the ball rolling early in the piece with 12 possessions and continued to do the hard yards, preventing Sydney's rhythm in stoppages.

Hawkins kicked the two opening majors from ruck stoppages and proved why he is one of the best key forwards in the competition, even at 34.

Dangerfield joined Selwood as a dominant midfielder on the day with nine clearances and six goal assists.

Hawkins kicked three goals four and would've had the Norm Smith Medal sewn up if he kicked straight.

Isaac Smith was another veteran who put together a strong performance, slotting three majors from his 32 possessions.

Stengle does full cycle and ends with premiership glory

Tyson Stengle is arguably one of the stories of 2022.

Being dropped from both Richmond and Adelaide in seasons past, the small forward found himself going down a dark path.

However, still playing strong football in the SANFL, Stengle found his love for the game again and was given an opportunity at Geelong on the eve of the 2022 season.

Slotting 46 goals in the home-and-away season, the 23-year-old was awarded with his maiden All-Australian blazer.

Finishing on top of the ladder, Stengle and the Cats weren't done with yet.

Facing Sydney in the grand final, the former Crow piled on four majors in the demolition, leading Geelong to its 10th premiership.

Reid call epitomises Sydney's day

Sam Reid came into the grand final with an injury cloud, having a sore groin and was subbed out in the preliminary final win against Collingwood.

Reid was subbed out again, only this time in the big dance, with sceptics believing the Sydney coaching panel made the wrong call pre-game.

The Swans fell to a dominant Cats outfit and the call to keep the 30-year-old in the side epitomised the day.

Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.