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Updated: 30/09/2009

Geelong Cats
Geelong was formed in 1859 to help keep the local cricketers fit again with the help of Tom Wills. Initially they played under their own rules and did not meet Melbourne to 1860.

They were a foundation member of the VFA winning premierships in 1878, 1879, 1880, 1882, 1884 and 1886. Geelong was the first club to suggest a breakaway group in 1894 but the idea did not get going. They were a foundation member of the VFL in 1897.

Despite their success in the VFA, they did not win a VFL premiership until 1925. Success followed in 1931 and 1937. Post war they won back to back premierships in 1951 and 1952 and last won in 1963. In the modern era they have been runners up four times since 1989.

Geelong were initially nicknamed the "Pivotonians" as the city was the pivot of the district. In 1923 their nickname was changed to the "Cats" following a spate of good luck during the season seemingly related to a black cat.

A  1982 cover was issued showing their logo and premierships.

Geelong played its initial games at Aberdeen Street but moved to Corio Oval in 1879. During the Second world war the ground was taken over by the military and the cats moved to Kardinia Park in 1941 were they still play. They were forced to stand out of the 1942 and 1943 seasons due to travel restrictions.

1996 Geelong AFL Centenary Cover

Above shows the AFL Centenary Cover with the Geelong Peel and Stick Stamps with the Geelong Permanent Pictorial Postmark (PMP 633) which was introduced on the 23rd April 1996.

The Cats chose Graham Farmer on the cover of their stamp Booklet and Gary Ablett on their Postcard and maximum card.

On the 20th March 1999 Geelong held the "Inaugral Captains Dinner". A cover was released showing 1955-1958 Captain Bob Davis.

On the 7th March 2000 the inaugural meeting of the "Premiership Players Club" was held at the MCG to help raise funds for charity. Two Geelong players were included in the 20 players pictured on the A4 sheet of 20 P stamps of the millennium issue. They were  Doug Wade and Milton Lamb. The stamps were also displayed on a set of 20 first day covers by Havilah Enterprises.

The 25th May 2000 marked  the release of club and individual 2000 Personalised Stamps.

On the 28th March 2001 the second annual  meeting of the "Premiership Players Club" was held at the MCG to help raise funds for charity. Two Geelong players were included in the 20 players pictured on the A4 sheet of 20 P stamps of the globe and map issue. They were Alistair Lord and John Hyde. The stamps were also displayed on a set of 20 first day covers by Havilah Enterprises.

The 2001 season started with the Cats in the middle of the table and fighting for a place in the eight. On the 30th March the 2001 Personalised Stamps were issued. They missed out on the finals finishing 12th.

On the 22nd June 2001 the Geelong Football Club announced their Team of the Century.

On the 27th March 2002 the third annual  meeting of the "Premiership Players Club" was held at the MCG to help raise funds for charity. Two Geelong players were included in the 20 players pictured on the A4 sheet of 20 P stamps of the sand, sea and sky overlaid by the Southern Cross issue. They were John Sharrock and Russell Renfrey. The stamps were also displayed on a set of 20 first day covers by First Class Collectables.

The 2002 Personalised Stamps were released on the 15th May. 2002 saw improvement by the Cats. A young list narrowly missed the finals on percentage by loosing their last game to Hawthorn.

2003 started slowly. The Annual Premiership Players Club P stamp Sheet of 20 players was released on the 26th March 2003. The Geelong players featured were Fred Wooller and Jim Wills. The 2003 Personalised Stamps were released in April. The Cats again failed to make the final eight. Matthew Scarlett made the All Australian Team.

2004 started with the Cats a chance to make the eight. In mid April the 2004 Personalised Stamps were released. This year they were a booklet of 20 stamps showing 10 players, rather than the A4 sheet. Bob Davis and Joe Sellwood  were included in the 20 players of the "Premiership Players Club". Matthew Scarlett made the All Australian Team.

On the 1st April 2005 the Essendon Bombers booklet of the 2005 Personalised Stamps was released. The 2005 Hall of Fame inductees were named on the 7th June 2005. The most controversial was Geelong's Star Gary Ablett. along with Ian Nankervis, First Class Collectables issued covers  to commemorate the Best and Fairest winners including Joel Corey.

On 18th March 2006 the Geelong Cats won the Preseason Competition beating Adelaide by 8 points. The scores were Adelaide 1 10 15 84 to Geelong 3 10 5 92. First Class Collectables issued released two covers portraying Garry Ablett Jnr and Cameron Mooney.

On the 20th March 2006 the Geelong Cats booklet of the 2006 Personalised Stamps was released. On the 10th June 2006 the Club held their Gala event. "The Cats' Tales" at the Melbourne Exhibition centre. Onlycovers released a series of covers recognising players from various eras. They included Tom Wills, Reg Hickey, Graham Farmer, Gary Ablett Snr and Gary Ablett Snr. Round 16 was the Heritage Round with clubs wearing jumpers from a previous era. Onlycovers released a Cover for each club. They also released a Captains series with covers including Steven King.  

2007 saw Geelong win the 2007 Premiership, their first since 1963. Australia Post issued a prestige Booklet for 2007 Personalised Stamps  They changed from the Prestige Booklet to the Folder format issuing the 2008 Personalised Stamps and 2009 Personalised Stamps. Success returned in 2009 with them winning another 2009 Premiership.