Geelong's devastating Grand Final loss on Saturday was eye-opening for many reasons. But according to AFL great Matthew Lloyd, the key takeaway is that they need to recruit a star ruckman in the upcoming trade period.
Despite entering halftime of the decider tied with the Lions, the Cats were ultimately smashed in the contest, beaten convincingly in hitouts, clearances and inside-50's.
The Cats rolled with Rhys Stanley in the ruck after he returned from injury, but he was outmatched by Lions' veteran Darcy Fort, with Chris Scott ultimately subbing him out at three-quarter time.
According to Lloyd, Stanley's performance highlighted the need for the Cats to get busy in trade period.
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"[In] 2026 they cannot go into the season and hope to win a premiership without an A-grade ruckman," Lloyd said on AFL.com.au's show Access.
"I thought he upset the structure Rhys Stanley in this Grand Final. So I'm saying Rowan Marshall or Sean Darcy or someone of that A-grade quality has to be playing for Geelong for them to go one step further and win the premiership next year.
"It can't be just relying on Mark Blicavs or young Toby Conway to come in. They have to bring someone in of quality. I know Worpel's coming in. He'll move the needle slightly, but not to the level of an A-grade ruckman."
The Cats have been heavily linked to St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall, with his role at the Saints up in the air heading into next season with the imminent arrival of Tom De Koning.
St Kilda have maintained that they want to keep Marshall and pair him alongside De Koning in the ruck, but there is speculation that the 30-year-old could still seek a trade.