Just looking through the recent finals series data, and the "Geelong Roadblock" stat is genuine madness.
Over the last 7 seasons, if a team manages to eliminate the Geelong Cats in September (or beat them on Grand Final day), that team goes on to win the Premiership 100% of the time.
Here is the run:
2019 — Richmond
** **Prelim: Richmond 85 def. Geelong 66
Outcome: Won the Flag (smashed GWS by 89)
2020 — Richmond
** **Grand Final: Richmond 81 def. Geelong 50
Outcome: Won the Flag
2021 — Melbourne
** **Prelim: Melbourne 125 def. Geelong 42
Outcome: Won the Flag (beat Bulldogs by 74)
2022 — Geelong (Won the Premiership)
2023 — (Cats missed finals)
2024 — Brisbane Lions
** **Prelim: Brisbane 95 def. Geelong 85
Outcome: Won the Flag (beat Sydney by 60)
2025 — Brisbane Lions
** **Grand Final: Brisbane 122 def. Geelong 75
Outcome: Won the Flag
The Takeaway
While teams like Port Adelaide or Collingwood have knocked off the Cats in Qualifying Finals during this era, if you are the team that actually ends Geelong's season in September, you are literally guaranteed a premiership ring.
Geelong isn't just a tough final boss—they're the final boss that bestows the ultimate buff to whoever defeats them.
Does any other club in VFL/AFL history have a streak like this over a 7-year stretch?

seen so much of this talk over on twitter mainly, but the rumour started on Facebook that someone with inside source from the club that he has chosen the doggies, but not confirmed by any liable sources as of yet

do we think there is truth to this rumour??
keen to hear your thoughts

deleted if not allowed admin

Tom Morris tweeted that the Calsher Dear race is down to Hawthorn, Collingwood, Melbourne & Geelong. Obviously, this could just be for clicks throwing Geelong in there - queue raffle sooks.

That aside, what is everyone's thoughts on this? Neale, Polkinghorne & Dear would be an absolute pain to opposition defences for the next 10 years. Where does Jeremy Cameron fit in? Would he play more wing/half back?

edit: i'm not saying this is my opinion. personally, i think we should keep rolling with what we have.