As the Geelong Cats gear up for the 2025 AFL season, star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield is brimming with confidence about the impact of high-profile recruit Bailey Smith on the team’s engine room dynamics. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Dangerfield urged the 23-year-old to express himself and play to his strengths in his new environment.
Smith’s move to Geelong from the Western Bulldogs was one of the most talked-about trades of the off-season, fueled in part by his frustration at a lack of midfield opportunities at his former club. However, Dangerfield believes that the inside midfielder role is where Smith will shine brightest for the Cats.
He averages a lot of inside-50s, and I think that will really benefit the group we’ve got in and around the ball, so that’s where I’d see him playing.
We just want him to be himself, to be honest. It’s not so much conforming to how we want to play — we want him to play to his strengths and for that to benefit us as a team.
– Patrick Dangerfield on Bailey Smith’s role at Geelong
A Fresh Start After Injury Setback
Smith, who missed the entire 2024 season due to an ACL tear, joined his new teammates for their first official pre-season training session at Deakin University on Monday. Dangerfield noted that while it was formally day one, Smith had been around the club for a few weeks, getting acquainted with his new environment.
The challenge for the coaching staff will be managing Smith’s eagerness to get back into the thick of the action after a lengthy injury layoff. “He’s obviously coming back from an ACL, so the challenge with him is sort of pulling him back because he wants to get into it all,” Dangerfield said.
Guthrie’s Return a Boost
In addition to Smith’s arrival, Geelong’s midfield is set to be bolstered by the return of two-time best-and-fairest winner Cam Guthrie. The 32-year-old has been hampered by injuries over the past two seasons, managing just 10 games since the Cats’ 2022 premiership.
Cam Guthrie will really be like a new recruit for us. He was hampered with his toe into a bit of achilles stuff (last season). He’ll be really important, he looks fit and looks like he’s enjoying it a bit.
– Patrick Dangerfield on Cam Guthrie’s return
Guthrie’s experience and ball-winning ability will be invaluable to a Geelong midfield that has undergone significant changes in recent times. His presence is expected to ease the burden on the likes of Dangerfield, Joel Selwood, and Mitch Duncan, while also providing guidance to the club’s emerging midfield talents.
The Next Generation
Speaking of young talent, Dangerfield singled out 21-year-old Mitch Knevitt as a player to watch in the upcoming season. Knevitt, who has played just 14 senior games in three seasons, is expected to play an increased role in the Cats’ engine room.
He’s a really big, powerful player and I can see him playing some really good AFL footy. He looks in great nick, so it’s (about) building that consistency throughout the pre-season and backing yourself in that you’re good enough to play at the level.
– Patrick Dangerfield on Mitch Knevitt
Knevitt will be looking to follow in the footsteps of recent Geelong midfield breakout stars like Max Holmes, Jack Bowes, and Tanner Bruhn. With the right guidance and opportunities, he could be the next cab off the rank in the Cats’ seemingly endless production line of midfield talent.
Dangerfield’s Outlook
As for Dangerfield himself, the 34-year-old is feeling good heading into his 18th AFL season, despite battling hamstring injuries in 2024. Having recently signed a fresh two-year contract, the veteran is expected to retain the captaincy, though the leadership group will not be formalized until the new year.
The body is feeling good. It’s nice to be out there and not having to worry about any injuries or any hiccups like that. It’s been a great start for not only myself but for the entire group.
– Patrick Dangerfield on his own preparation
With a rejuvenated midfield, the return of key players from injury, and the injection of fresh talent, Geelong appears well-placed to mount another serious challenge for the AFL premiership in 2025. The Cats will get an early gauge of where they stand when they take on reigning premiers Brisbane in the season opener on March 6.
