Geelong, VIC — Former AFL player and rising commentator Lawson Humphries has pinpointed the critical factor behind the Geelong Cats’ continued success in the AFL: their unmatched physicality and relentless work ethic. Humphries, speaking on a sports panel show earlier this week, praised the Cats for their ability to wear down opponents through their aggressive style of play, calling it a “tough weapon” that has been essential in their dominance over recent years.
The Power of Physicality
Humphries singled out Geelong’s physical style as their defining edge. “Geelong has always been a team that plays tough, but it’s their ability to combine that physicality with skill and endurance that sets them apart,” he said. “They grind teams down over four quarters, and by the time the final siren sounds, most of their opponents are completely worn out.”
This physical edge, according to Humphries, stems from the club’s experienced core players, many of whom are veterans of multiple AFL campaigns. Humphries particularly praised captain Patrick Dangerfield and forward Tom Hawkins, whose physical presence has long been a hallmark of their games.
“Look at someone like Tom Hawkins—he’s not just a powerhouse in front of goal, but he also brings an intimidation factor. When he contests for the ball, defenders know they’re in for a battle,” Humphries added. “That sort of presence lifts the entire team.”
Winning the Contest
Another area where Humphries believes Geelong excels is their ability to win contests at key moments. “They’re always winning the hard ball,” Humphries noted. “Whether it’s in the middle of the ground or up forward, the Cats have players who are willing to throw their bodies on the line to win the contest. It’s not just about skills, it’s about who wants the ball more—and Geelong usually does.”
Midfielders like Cam Guthrie and the emerging talent of Tanner Bruhn have also been pivotal in Geelong’s ability to win these contests. Guthrie, known for his hard-nosed approach to the game, consistently ranks among the league’s best in tackles and contested possessions. Humphries pointed to players like Guthrie as emblematic of Geelong’s tough approach.
“This is a team that doesn’t back down,” he said. “Guthrie, Bruhn, Dangerfield—they don’t just play for highlights. They dig in, and that toughness gives Geelong a real advantage.”
The Influence of Chris Scott
Humphries also credited coach Chris Scott for fostering a culture where physicality and effort are non-negotiable aspects of the team’s identity. “Scott has done an incredible job building this team’s resilience. His focus on fitness, physical endurance, and mental toughness is a big reason why Geelong has been able to sustain success over such a long period.”
Scott, who has coached Geelong since 2011, led the team to multiple finals appearances, culminating in their 2022 AFL Premiership victory. According to Humphries, the longevity of Scott’s success is rooted in his emphasis on discipline and the team’s trademark physicality.
“He’s built a system where every player knows their role, and that role often includes doing the hard work—whether it’s chasing, tackling, or pressuring the opposition,” Humphries remarked. “It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective.”
Challenges Ahead
While Humphries was quick to laud Geelong’s physical approach, he also acknowledged the challenges ahead for the reigning premiers. Geelong’s ability to stay healthy and manage their aging core will be pivotal as they look to defend their title. Injuries, particularly to key players like Dangerfield and Hawkins, could expose the Cats’ reliance on their veteran stars.
“The challenge for Geelong is that as great as this physical approach is, it takes a toll, especially on older players,” Humphries cautioned. “It’s a long season, and they need to manage those bodies well if they want to stay at the top.”
Despite these concerns, Humphries remains optimistic about Geelong’s prospects. “They’ve proven time and time again that they’re the team to beat. As long as they keep playing their tough brand of football, they’re going to be hard to stop.”
Eye on the Future
While Geelong’s veteran core continues to drive their success, the emergence of younger players has given the club a promising future. Humphries highlighted the development of stars like Max Holmes and Ollie Henry, who have embraced Geelong’s demanding physical standards.
“These young guys are learning from the best,” Humphries said. “They’re absorbing that work ethic and toughness, and it’s going to serve Geelong well in the future. The Cats are not just a team built for today, but for tomorrow as well.”
As Geelong looks to solidify its place as one of the AFL’s greatest modern dynasties, it’s clear that the team’s toughness—both physical and mental—will continue to be a defining factor. Whether it’s through bone-crunching tackles, fearless contested marking, or their relentless work rate, the Cats have proven that toughness is indeed their greatest weapon for success.
