The Cats Whiskers Episode 2 2022: Recent Episodes
Wes Cusworth
Join Wes Cusworth, Mark Brunger and Mark Browning as they speak with 35-game Cat Richard Murrie, a man who played 111 games overall at the elite level. Richard crossed from Footscray to become a pillar of defence for Geelong from 1980 to 1982.
For this week’s episode we’re diving back intothe sensational seventies to catch up with a former Cat who played 15 games forGeelong between 1973 and 1976, having been recruited from Anglesea, the juniorclub of current Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield.
Join the crew as they catch up with four-game Cat Ray Sarcevic. Along with playing at the elite level, Ray became a local legend in Geelong footy for his exploits with Bell Park, while also carving out a memorable career with Southport Sharks in AFL Queensland.
Jumping Jack Hawkins joins the crew to talk about son, Tom, as he becomes Geelong's leading games record-holder when he reaches number 356 against Greater Western Sydney Giants on Saturday.
Stephen Reynoldson played 84 games for Geelongafter being recruited from Strathmerton, just inside Victoria’s northern border.
He would later go on to be a part of the BrisbaneBears inaugural season, eventually playing 58 games in all for the first iteration of the Queensland outfit.
Recruited from Geelong Football League powerhouse North Shore, Leo King played four games with the Cats before venturing off to VFA clubs Werribee and Geelong West, en route to a highly-acclaimed career with south-west Victorian team Portland.
130 games for the Cats and 138 in total in the VFL/AFL, provided Darren Flanigan the opportunity to prove his skill at the elite level. The team relished catching up with the big man from Katamatite as he spoke of his fond memories of time at Kardinia Park, while also taking us through the mechanics of the modern pathway to footy stardom.
The team was delighted to have the opportunity to hear Darcy Lang's story of his experience playing football at the highest level. Recruited from Colac in the 2013 AFL Draft, Darcy turned out 44 times for Geelong garnering a reputation as a skilful and pacey midfielder. After four years at Geelong he made the move to Carlton where he added a further 20 games before returning to his beloved Geelong Football League Tigers in Colac.
Despite navigating his way through an injury-interrupted few seasons at Kardinia Park, Wayne Hovey had the thrill of running out at the elite level for the club for whom he supported as a child. Listen in as the six-game Cat tells of his transition from Goulburn Valley side Shepparton United to wearing the hoops in six games under the tutelage of Rod Olsson.
146-game AFL player Glenn Kilpatrick proved a fabulous guest as Mark Brunger headed The Cats' Whiskers team for episode 3 of the 2024 season. 'Killer' takes the team through his journey to Essendon for 26 games, winning a Magarey Medal for West Adelaide in the SANFL, before eventually finding his way to Kardinia Park for 120 games from 1996 to 2002.
Among other things, a catch-up with Andrew 'The Rat' Bews sheds light on the early stages of his career and how this 282 VFL/AFL-gamer landed at Kardinia Park.
The lad from Leitchville in Victoria's dairy country shares his journey to 223 games for the Cats, along with two opportunities to wear the Big V in State of Origin.
Anthony Petkovic, Mark Brunger and Wes Cusworth look at the hits and misses from the Cats' 2023 season.
Three-time premiership player David Wojcinski joins Mark Brunger and Wes Cusworth for a chat about his illustrious 203-game career over 14 seasons at Kardinia Park.
Anthony Petkovic and Wes Cusworth caught up with 121-game Cat Murray Witcombe. A local Inverleigh boy made good, Witcombe had electrifying speed, great ball skills and a courage that belied his size. His time on the Cats Whiskers makes a great listen.
Mark Brunger and Wes Cusworth are joined by Geelong AFLW player Renee Garing to discuss her transition from star netballer to elite footballer. Renee digs deeply into the foundations of the Cats' AFLW side and talks through the triumphs and challenges for female footballers as the sport heads toward the start of another season.
Friend of the program Gareth Andrews returns to discuss his recent sojourn to the Lords' Ashes Test, along with reflecting on Geelong's 2023 season to date.
69-game Cat Marty Christensen shares his story of time spent at Kardinia Park and recalls memories of transitioning from the ranks of grassroots football with Lara to playing with some of Geelong's greats. Marty recalls just what happens when you tell the truth at the tribunal, along with reflecting on his post-Geelong experience as he connected with St Mary's for years of success in the Northern Territory.
Long-time Cats' medico, and former director, Hugh Seward takes time to chat with the boys about his experiences at Kardinia Park.
Mark Brunger, Anthony Petkovic and Gus Smarrini tackle the Cats' current fortunes and challenges ahead as they target back-to-back flags.
134-game Cat John Mossop joins the team for a walk down memory lane as he reflects on his career at Kardinia Park before venturing to Arden Street for a further 37 outings at the elite level.
Two-game Cats Russell Mitchell talks to the team about his memorable experiences at Kardinia Park in the mid-80s.
Wes, Anthony and Mark caught up with the blonde bombshell from Bendigo Gavin Exell, a man who played 53 games for Geelong before venturing up the highway for a short stay with Fitzroy. Upon departure from the elite scene, Exell went on to become a country footy goal kicking machine, including booting well over the ton as a 40-year-old with Stanhope!
This week we have the pleasure of catching up with Damian Drum, a 63-game Cat who also coached Fremantle at the elite level before embarking on a politicalcareer firstly at state level in Victoria before moving to federal politics.
The lads pay tribute to the successful 1963 premiership team with the episode including some game highlights and post-game interviews.
Mark Browning, Anthony Petkovic and Wes Cusworth spend time with iconic Geelong supporter Trot 'Catman' West, son of 1963 premiership player Roy West.
Michael Gurrie played seven games for Geelong in 1990, although his tenure at Catland extended well beyond that time frame. He tells the Cats' Whiskers crew of his experiences rubbing shoulders with some of the game's elite.
Anthony Petkovic, Mark Browning and Wes Cusworth interview Lara-raised Michael Kol, a man who played 63 games for Geelong through the 80's.
The Cats' Whiskers crew discuss Geelong's defeat of Adelaide before focussing the spotlight on 78-AFL game player Craig Biddiscombe as he talks about his time at each of Geelong and Richmond. As a highly-regarded business mediator, as owner and principal facilitator with Elite Team Dynamics, Biddiscombe takes the time to explain the real meaning of 'club culture'.
The Cats' Whiskers crew pore over Geelong's defeat of Essendon, celebrate Tasmania's admission into the AFL and attempt to resolve the problem that is Western Australian football.
The Cats' Whiskers crew caught up with Jumpin' Jack Hawkins to discuss his terrific 182-game career, while at the same time reflecting on son Tom's brilliant 333-game contribution to the Geelong Football Club.
The guys catch up with 1976 Coleman Medallist Larry Donohue, almost 50 years to the day since he first donned the hoops.
The crew celebrate Geelong's 82-point Easter Monday shellacking of Hawthorn while also taking a trip down memory lane to reflect on the tenure of one the club's most polarising coaches, Gary Ayers.
The guys combine to discuss the Cats' poor start and reflect on some of the key issues impacting the game. The 46th year anniversary of Gary Malarkey's arrival at the club brings an opportunity to reminisce.
The band is back together as Anthony Petkovic, Mark Brunger, Mark Browning and Wes Cusworth talk all things Geelong Football Club. A new feature of the 2023 iteration of The Cats' Whiskers is the 'period in time' conversation with the team beginning by reflecting on the 'Olsson Years'.
The lads celebrate Geelong's premiership success in the final episode of the The Cats' Whiskers for 2022.
The team welcomes recruiting guru John Peake to discuss Joel Selwood's illustrious career and how the Cats snared him at pick 7 in the 2006 draft.
The Cats' Whiskers crew tackle the AFL's big issues from a decidedly Geelong perspective.
The lads tackle the high-tackle debate, the Champion Data ladder, the Cats' dismantling of Carlton and Geelong's preparations for it's battle with Port Adelaide.
The lads catch up with former Geelong fitness advisor and consultant psychologist Ken Davis for a chat about his time at Kardinia Park. The esteemed sports professional also authored a biography on his famous brother, Barry Davis.
Mark Brunger takes the reins as the Cats' Whiskers crew of Mark Browning and Anthony Petkovic discuss the latest issues in the AFL.
The lads reflect on the 'game of the season' against Richmond ahead of a Saturday night contest with North Melbourne.
The Cats' Whiskers crew catch up with the AFL's most pressing issues ahead of Geelong's post-bye battle with West Coast Eagles.
The lads reflect on a disappointing loss to St Kilda and look ahead to the opportunity to dismantle Port Adelaide.
Join The Cats' Whiskers crew as they reflect on the defeat of GWS and look into Saturday's contest with St Kilda.
Mark Brunger heads the team as they discuss the pertinent issues within the AFL from a Geelong perspective.
The boys wrap up the season with a look at the Pakistan v Australia series, the closing stages of the Sheffield Shield and Australia's dominance at the Women's World Cup.
Th panel members reflect on their memories of Shane Warne and Rod Marsh, while also taking aim at the Rawalpindi curator.
Prolific cricket book author Ken Piesse joins the team to discuss his latest offering - 15 Minutes of Fame, an exploration into the stories of Australia's one-Test players.
Among a plethora of cricket topics, the lads reminisce about Ben Stokes' amazing Headingly knock of 2019, while also reflecting on the Spirit of the Game.
Mark Brunger captains the team this week as the boys discuss the cricket news making the headlines.
Join Mark Browning, Anthony Petkovic, Mark Brunger and Wes Cusworth as they tease out cricket issues from around the world.
The lads tackle the issues relevant to cricket around the world, including Steve Smith's BBL snub, the BBL Team of the Season, the return of County Championship matches to the middle of summer and a proposed reduction in Ashes Test matches.
Join the team as the guys discuss the fifth and final Ashes Test in Hobart and just where things unravelled for the English.
Listen in as Mark Browning, Anthony Petkovic and Wes Cusworth review the Adelaide Test and consider where changes need to be made for Melbourne.
With Mark Browning on assignment in Adelaide and Tom Meredith assessing the state of play from Swansea in Wales, the crew dissect the 1st Ashes Test ahead of the 2nd from Adelaide.
With Tom Meredith dialling in live from The Mumbles in Wales, the lads discuss the first day's play of the Brisbane Test, including the composition of the teams and England's decision to leave Jimmy on the sidelines.
Amongst other things, the panel dissects Cricket Australia's captaincy appointment and agrees (mainly) that Alex Carey is the man for the gloves.
Listen in as The Inside Edge crew discuss the key stories in Australian and International Cricket.
Catch the team of Tom Meredith, Mark Brunger, Mark Browning, Anthony Petkovic and Wes Cusworth as they discuss Australia's momentous T20 WC win, the upcoming Ashes tour and the perils of privatising a community asset.
The panel explores the growing trend of outspoken past players, tosses around ideas for Australia's upper order and delves deeply into the composition of the touring English Ashes squad. Catch Mark Browning, Tom Meredith, Mark Brunger, Anthony Petkovic and Wes Cusworth as they tackle the issues surrounding the game at the elite level.
Listen in as the Aussie boys get a bit of stick from the 'Lad from Liverpool', Tom Meredith, as he argues his countrymen can't be beaten at the T20 World Cup. Mark Brunger lashes the off-field goings on in the UAE and cricket historians Mark Browning and Anthony Petkovic reflect on the storied careers of the recently-passed Ashley Mallett, Peter Philpott and Alan Davidson.
Listen in as cricket devotees Tom Meredith, Mark Browning, Mark Brunger and Anthony Petkovic join host Wes Cusworth to discuss cricket around the globe. UK born and bred Tom Meredith shares his insights into the English Ashes squad, while Anthony Petkovic takes aim at the BBL in 'Peka's Piece'. Meanwhile the Marks, Browning and Brunger, fail to agree on just where the T20WC trophy will be heading in a few week's time.
The crew catches up with John Byrnes (father of two-time premiership Cat and Melbourne runner/welfare and development coach Shannon Byrnes), along with Melbourne Dee-votee and former player Brad Campbell. Mark Brunger also assesses the Grand Final entertainment in accordance with the renowned 'Meatloaf Scoring System'.
Gordon Hynes made his league debut in round 2 of 1963 and by season’s end he was a premiership player as the Cats captured their sixth flag with a 49-point defeat of Hawthorn. Gordon continued with Geelong for a further five seasons chalking up 61 games in total and booting 52 goals. After leaving the Cats at just 24 he went on to become a legend in local football circles leading North Shore to six premierships between 1974 and 1983. That was part of 12 successive seasons of finals football for the Seagulls under the Hynes' regime. No stranger to individual success, Gordon won 11 best and fairest awards between ’62 and ’79.
Selected at pick 74 in the 1995 AFL draft, Clint joined the Cats from Kedron Grange and played 75 games at Kardinia Park over a six-year period. In 2002 he made the move up the highway to Melbourne where his game went to a new level as a defender, adding a further 88 games over another six years. Clint retired from football at the end of 2007 with a total of 163 AFL games, booting 79 goals along the way. He joins The Cats' Whiskers crew to talk through his terrific career, along with his outstanding work since hanging up the boots.
Recruited from Barooga in the Picola and District Football League, Bernard Toohey made his debut for Geelong in Round 5, 1981 clash against Richmond at the MCG.
Starting out as a rugged half back flanker, Toohey proved he could occasionally pinch hit in attack as he demonstrated with a seven goal haul (including 5 in the last quarter) also against the Tigers in 1982.
His stand-out season with the Cats was in 1985 as he cemented his reputation as one of the best dashing defenders in the league and earning the first of many State guernseys.
Regrettably for Cats fans he transferred to the Sydney Swans after 94 games and 35 goals - along with Coach Tom Hafey and teammates Greg Williams and David Bolton at the height of the Edelsten private ownership era.
Toohey lost none of his flair at the Swans being a top contributor each week in either defence or attack, even winning the Swans goalkicking award in 1989, including an eight goal bag against Essendon late in the season.
At the end of the 1991 season after 129 games and 76 goals with the Swans, Toohey returned to Victoria for a further two seasons with Footscray including being a key member of their finals success as they pushed through to a Preliminary Final in his first season with the Dogs.
Toohey retired at the end of the 1993 season following a combined 263 games and 115 goals. He represented both Victoria and New South Wales in State-of-Origin football earning All-Australian selection in 1987.
Our guest on the Cats Whiskers was raised in Mount Gambier and went on to represent the Geelong in 154 games and kick 57 goals in a career that encompassed the entire 1980’s culminating during the 1990 season.
Mark Yeates, son of a former Cats Captain and 1963 premiership player, John, made his debut in the hoops in Round 15 at VFL Park, Waverley against Hawthorn in 1980.
Both the game itself (indeed his first kick in league football) and the opponent involved would hold special significance in the football story of our guest.
Starting as a wingman before spending time in most of the key positions on the ground, Mark is perhaps best remembered as a dashing and close checking, if undersized, Centre Half Back.
Mark featured in three finals series with the Cats and played a key role in the unforgettable 1989 Grand Final against Hawthorn – as Dermott Brereton will readily testify.
He represented Victoria in State of Origin football and if not for a poorly-timed Achilles injury that saw him miss an entire season, would have been named Geelong Captain in 1987.
Following his AFL career Mark was the playing coach of North Hobart in the Tasmanian Football League, leading the Demons to back-to-back premierships in the early nineties.
Mark got down to the final two for the Geelong senior coaching position in 1995, albeit that, in a sliding doors moment, the job went to Gary Ayers.
He was also a pioneer in women’s football having coached an all-female team at East Geelong in 2000 – long before the female game became fashionable.
Recruited from Tocumwal in the Murray League after winning his clubs Best & Fairest in 1981, Ron became a prominent member of Geelong’s 1982 Under 19 team.
After spending 1983 with Geelong West in the VFA playing as a ruck rover in their Grand Final side, Ron was invited back to Kardinia Park.
Following some excellent form in the Reserves, Ron made his senior debut in Round 11 against Richmond at the MCG and backed it up the following week against Footscray at the Western Oval.
Sadly for Ron no further appearances were forthcoming at senior level but his football story doesn’t end there.
Ron returned to the VFA with Geelong West and carved out an excellent playing career and commenced his coaching journey.
That journey included a prominent role in the dominance of Geelong Football League club North Shore as they powered through the 90’s winning eight premierships between 1990 and 2000, with Ron involved as either player, coach or both in most of them.
His success brought a third invitation to Kardinia Park, this time as an Assistant Coach becoming the Cats inaugural VFL Coach in 2000. That culminated in Ron coaching a VFL Premiership over Port Melbourne in 2002 as he craftily teamed up and coming future champions such as Jimmy Bartel, Gary Ablett Junior, Josh Hunt, Steve Johnson, James Kelly and Paul Chapman with wily veterans Tim McGrath, David Mensch and Mitchell White.
Ron branched out further into the area of player welfare and excelled in this role as the Cats swept the field to win AFL premierships in 2007, 2009 and 2011 with the very players he helped mould into greats.
Dale Smyth played seven games for the Cats in the early 1980’s. Recruited from Inverleigh he debuted at just 17 years of age. Dale played in three consecutive Reserve grade premierships with Geelong before leaving the club and handing over the number 25 jumper to none other than the infamous Mark ‘Jacko’ Jackson.
Harvey Davis is our guest this week, a man who played 44 games in the hoops over a five-year period from 1973 to 1977.
Recruited from local league club Newtown & Chilwell, Harvey played his first senior game for Geelong in the great Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer’s first season as coach of the Cats.
With Polly moving on after three years at the helm, Harvey enjoyed his most productive season in 1976 with 18 games under the auspices of first-year coach Rodney Olsson.
Upon departing Kardinia Park, he returned to Newtown & Chilwell playing a key role in the club’s 1978 premiership success.
This week’s guest played 31 Test matches and three One Day Internationals for Australia before retiring from international cricket to pursue a career in educational leadership.
The Rolls Royce of cover fieldsman and an elegant stroke maker, Paul Sheahan struck 1594 runs at an average of 33.91, including two centuries.
While a student at Geelong College he not only excelled at cricket, but also impressed as a footballer, captaining the first 18 in 1964.
Over his journey he’s been an ardent supporter of the Cats, befriending many past players along the way.
The great Gareth Andrews returns to the podcast to reflect on the Brian Cook - Frank Costa era at Geelong.
The Cats' Whiskers crew of Anthony Petkovic, Mark Browning and Wes Cusworth enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with former Geelong and Sydney Swans speedster David Bolton.
Four-game player Greg Wells joins 'The Cats' Whiskers' crew to share his story of a lifetime in football. Brother of recruiting guru Stephen Wells, Greg was the runner for Malcolm Blight and has some amusing stories to share of his time at Kardinia Park.
Former Western Bulldogs coach, (but more importantly a man who formed part of the brains trust behind Geelong's 2007 & 2011 premierships), Brendan McCartney joins 'The Cats' Whiskers' crew for a candid chat.
Along with reflecting on Geelong's Thursday night loss to Brisbane, the Cats' Whiskers crew relished the opportunity to interview esteemed Australian sports journalist Ken Piesse.
The Cats' Whiskers team enjoy catching up with former Victorian Premier and devoted Geelong Football Club supporter Steve Bracks.
In the second of a two-part series, The Cats' Whiskers crew delve deeply into the world of recruiting with talent identification maestro John Peake.
The Cats' Whiskers crew endeavour to unearth the keys to successful recruiting by speaking with 25-year veteran of the caper John Peake.
MERGER tells the story of the Fitzroy Football Club's 1996 season in the Australian Football League, a season made infamous by the club's merger with the Brisbane Bears. It was nothing short of the worst year ever experienced by a VFL/AFL club. This book recounts that devastating year, providing a deep understanding of the experience of the players, supporters, club officials and volunteers. Each of these perspectives are vital in understanding Fitzroy's story; it is insufficient merely to understand how and why Fitzroy's merger occurred - one must understand why it mattered.
Writing about Fitzroy's demise as an AFL club also allows space for musings on the nature and character of the modern AFL. The Fitzroy/Brisbane merger asked profound questions about the AFL's relationship with the people who love and support Australian rules football - questions that were never satisfactorily answered. Who are the actual custodians of the game? What obligations do the League's governing body owe to the supporters, who make the game what it is? What place do history and tradition have in the modern AFL? At what point do commercial decisions and imperatives detract from the essence of the sport and harm supporters' engagement with the League? In short, how does the AFL Commission fulfil its role as being the 'keeper of the code', not just the entity responsible for ensuring the competition remains financially viable? These questions seemed to fall by the wayside very quickly after the merger, but they remain unanswered and are just as pertinent now as they were in 1996.
Mark Brunger and Anthony Petkovic join forces to interview Tim 'Bluey' McGrath about his fabulous career in the hoops.
The Cats' Whiskers crew catch up with acclaimed writer James Button, author of 'Comeback - The Fall and Rise of Geelong'. Anthony Petkovic examines Chris Scott's post-match press conference following the 63-point defeat of Richmond, while Mark Brunger questions the future for Carlton with a couple of big name players entering free-agency.
Wes Cusworth, Mark Brunger and Anthony Petkovic enjoy the opportunity to speak with 48-game Cat Craig Cleave. Leitchville-raised Cleave, played senior football with Geelong between 1982 and 1988 before returning to the northern Victorian region for significant success at country level.
The Cats' Whiskers crew looks to one of its own hearing from former Geelong media manager Warwick Hadfield.
The Cats' Whiskers crew catch up with passionate Geelong supporter, Cats' history buff and former club director Bob Gartland.
Join The Cats' Whiskers crew as they catch up with 1963 premiership captain Fred Wooller. Recruited from Bacchus Marsh, Wooller made an immediate impact on joining Geelong, eventually going on to wear the Big V. Mark Brunger and Wes Cusworth are joined for the program by esteemed journalist and author Warwick Hadfield.
Listen in as The Cats' Whiskers crew returns for the 2021 AFL Premiership season. Wes Cusworth and Anthony Petkovic assess Geelong's opening three-round performances before catching up with passionate Cats fan Elida Brereton. A respected educator, Ms Brereton rose to national prominence in her small-screen role as Principal Miss Margaret Murray in the Chris Lilley mockumentary 'Summer Heights High'. Anthony also tackles the broader AFL, hot topics of the week:
- the stand the mark rule
- the Cats' search for a new CEO
- Chris Scott's suggestion that coaching is a bad job
- the rise of the Sydney Swans
- time for Tassie, and
- the AFLW final.
Join The Cats' Whiskers Team as they review the grand final loss to Richmond, reflect on the season that was and name their 'Team Talk Team of Guests from across the 2020 season.
Recruited from Horsham, Doug Wade played 208 games for Geelong booting an extraordinary 834 goals over an illustrious 12-year career at Kardinia Park. A Geelong Team of the Century member, Doug played in the 1963 premiership and booted a season-high 127 goals in 1969. Sadly, he departed the club for North Melbourne at the end of the 1972 season, playing a further 59 games for 223 goals and becoming just one of five players to surpass the 1000-goal mark. Doug was a member of North Melbourne’s inaugural premiership side in 1975, although he will always be remembered as one of the greatest Cats of all time.
Two years younger than his brother Ian, Bruce Nankervis gave sterling service to the Cats for well over a decade, clocking up 253 games. Along with Ian, Bruce was recruited from Geelong League club Barwon, breaking into the Cats’ senior side midway through 1970. Bruce’s career took off in 1973 when coach Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer released him into an on-ball role. Determined, tenacious and persistent, Bruce developed into a highly effective nullifier of opposing teams' star players. He won back-to-back best and fairest awards in 1973-4 and was club captain for two years from 1976. He also wore the Big V a total of 12 times, the same number as brother Ian. Bruce retired at the end of the 1983 season, after contributing significantly to the excitement at Kardinia Park over a 14-year career.
Gareth Andrews joined the Cats from Geelong College, winning the goal-kicking in his first senior season in 1965. With the return from injury of Doug Wade, Gareth was moved to centre half-forward, while also spending time on the ball and in the backline across the course of his 136-game career.
Crossing to Richmond in 1974, Gareth played 31 games for the Tigers and was a member of their 1974 premiership side.
During his post-football career, Gareth has demonstrated as much versatility as in his playing days, working in the media, football administration, sales and marketing, real estate, along with the health and fitness industry.
In 2011 he established Life Again, a company aiming to inspire and connect men during times of change.
Notably, he served as Vice President of the Geelong Football Club for a decade and a half, enjoying the fruits of his labour with the 2007, 2009 and 2011 premierships.
Recruited from North Geelong, Bill Goggin developed into one of the Cats’ greatest ever players chalking up 248 games in the blue and white.
A dual best and fairest winner, he was also a premiership player and captain of the club for 84 games.
Bill Goggin’s commitment to Geelong far exceeded his illustrious playing career as he also coached the club from 1980-82, following a little over two years at the helm of Footscray and premiership success in the VFA with Geelong West.
Selected in Geelong’s Team of the Century, Bill Goggin is a member of the AFL’s Hall of Fame, also coaching Victoria in state-of-Origin football from 1989 to 1993.
Recruited from local Geelong club, Barwon, this week’s guest Ian Nankervis played for 17 seasons from 1967 to 1983 chalking up an incredible 325 games along the way.
Ian captained the Geelong Football Club from 1978 to 1981, and again in 1983.
The career of Ian Nankervis can be viewed as being comprised of two quite separate phases.
Originally a forward pocket-rover, he booted 203 goals before being shifted into defence where he combined wonderfully with younger brother Bruce.
A three-time Carji Greeves Medal winner, Ian Nankervis also represented Victoria on 12 occasions.
Recruited from local football nursery St Joseph's, Barry Stoneham’s 241 matches traversed 15 seasons from 1986-2000.
He co-captained the club in 1996 with Gary Ablett Senior, and held the reins himself in 1997–1998, playing at centre-half forward, in the ruck and sometimes at centre-half back.
Barry was at the peak of his powers from 1989 to 1992 as a mobile centre-half forward and relief ruckman, playing several State games in this period, winning the Geelong best and fairest in 1990 and All-Australian selection in 1992.
Sadly, Barry suffered a serious injury in August 1994, breaking his leg after landing awkwardly from a ruck contest in a game against Fitzroy at Princes Park.
The injury and complications kept him out of action for the entire 1995 season.
Barry made his comeback in round 1, 1996 and courageously fought his way through another 87 games for Geelong before retiring at the conclusion of the 2000 season.
Drafted to Geelong from Gippsland Power in the 1993 AFL Draft, Craig Biddiscombe made his debut with the Cats in 1995.
Craig earned a Rising Star nomination in 1996, playing against the soon-to-be-defunct Fitzroy in round 7, but, unable to cement a spot in Geelong’s blue-chip midfield, he was traded to Richmond after just 34 games with the Cats.
Craig proceed to play a further 44 AFL games with the Tigers, before joining forces with North Ballarat in the VFL.
Also a highly-successful local level cricketer, Craig has more recently forged a reputation as a leading business mediator as Owner and Principal Facilitator with Elite Team Dynamics.
Rising through the ranks of the TAC Cup competition, Aaron Lord joined Geelong in 1994, playing 32 games for the Cats before venturing to Hawthorn.
It was at the Hawks that he enjoyed his most prolific form up-forward booting 136 goals in 93 games.
After five years with Hawthorn, Aaron returned to Kardinia Park where he was welcomed with open arms for a further two seasons producing 25 games and 30 goals.
After football, Aaron lived in France, gaining international diplomatic experience as the Australian Sports Attaché at the Australian Embassy in Paris.
It was during this role that he began to flourish as a writer, penning stories on a range of international sports.
When he returned to Australia Aaron worked as the Senior Adviser for two Victorian Sports Ministers, in addition to working for Cricket Victoria.
He has long been involved with ABC Grandstand as an expert commentator.
A five-time leading goal-kicker for the Cats, Ronnie Burns was as mercurial as he was magical. Recruited to Kardinia Park as the 49th pick in the 1995 AFL draft he immediately filled the void left by Gary Ablett Senior as Geelong’s excitement machine. Possessed of lightning speed, sharp reflexes and a capacity to nail goals from seemingly impossible angles, Ronnie booted 239 majors from his 134 games in the hoops before venturing to Adelaide for two further seasons. A WAFL premiership player for West Perth in 1995, he was also a three-time state-of-origin representative for the Allies. Join Anthony Petkovic, Mark Brunger, Megan Holz, Gus Smarrini and Wes Cusworth as they take a trip down memory lane with Ronnie Burns.
Jason Snell's story is as triumphant as it is tragic. Despite sustaining a shocking, career-ending injury on Queen's Birthday 2001, the now 43-year old has retained an unquenchable optimism to build an inspiring story of post-football success. Listen in as he joins Megan Holz, Anthony Petkovic, Mark Brunger and Wes Cusworth to talk about his journey.
Remarkably, Larry Donohue doesn't count himself among the great forwards of the '70's, but anyone that saw the 21-year old powerhouse boot 105 goals in 1976 would beg to differ. Join Gus Smarrini, Anthony Petkovic, Mark Brunger and Wes Cusworth as they talk to the former Cat who went within five majors of a second ton just two years later. Even more remarkable is the fact that the popular bigman was finished with VFL football just another two seasons on, preferring to return to local football for premierships with Thomson and Newcomb. This colourful program also features Gus Smarrini's Team Talk - 'The Bearded Wonders'. Enjoy!
The move from St Kilda to Geelong was a transformative time in the football career of Springbank-raised former Cat Sean Simpson. Father of current-day swingman, Sam, the original Simpson developed into an early-incarnation run-with player at the prescription of former coach Gary Ayres. Listen in as he tells of his terrific football journey to Gus Smarrini, Mark Brunger and Wes Cusworth.
Two games for the West Coast Eagles provided a brief entree to Derek Hall's AFL career, with the versatile swingman eventually finding his feet at Kardinia Park with a further 74 matches in the hoops. Listen in as Megan Holz, Mark Brunger, Gus Smarrini, Anthony Petkovic and Wes Cusworth talk through Hall's experiences that emerged from the foundation of an elite junior-level basketball career in regional Western Australia. The panel also discusses the Geelong Advertiser's 'Best of the West' team of gun Western Australian footballers, as pieced together by journalist Josh Barnes.
Former Geelong captain Damian Bourke joins The Cats' Whiskers crew to provide an amusing and candid account of his 10-year stay at Kardinia Park. The 102-game Cat led the hoops into the 1989 grand final and was also at the forefront of the AFLPA battle with the AFL to protect players' rights, before venturing north to join the Brisbane Bears.
First recruited to Collingwood, Geoff 'Joffa' Miles eventually saw the error of his ways and ventured west only to miss his ultimate destination of Geelong by 3,398 kilometres, landing at the West Coast Eagles. A member of the Eagles' inaugural side in 1987, Joffa played 71 games for West Coast before returning east in 1992 at the invitation of coach Malcolm Blight. Miles played just one season, 20 games for the Cats, but certainly made his mark with a 23-goal purple patch over a five-week period. He has since gone on to make a significant mark on the local football scene with the Barwon Heads Seagulls. Here, the modest 58-year old takes 'The Cats' Whiskers' crew through a colourful career featuring it's share of both triumph and disappointment. It's definitely worth a listen.
Recruited from Echuca as a high-flying forward, Paul Brown enjoyed his moments in the sun in front of goals for the Cats, before playing the bulk of his 84 games down back. A member of the 1994 and 1995 grand final sides, he competed alongside some of the biggest names in the club's history including Gary Ablett Snr, Billy Brownless, Garry Hocking and Paul Couch. The much-loved and often comical Brown is now enjoying watching the development of his talented children, including daughter Millie, the first player selected Father-Daughter in the 2019 AFLW draft.
The leading full-back of his era, Gary Malarkey joins The Cats' Whiskers team of Wes Cusworth, Gus Smarrini, Anthony Petkovic and Mark Brunger to reflect on his 172 games in the Geelong colours. A life member of the Cats, Malarkey was selected All-Australian in 1979 and in the VFL Team of the Year in 1983.
This week's episode features a man who kicked 331 goals over a 12-year career at Kardinia Park, Terry Bright.
Recruited from VFA-side Geelong West, Terry Bright was a highly effective goal-kicking forward who began his career in 1976.
He topped the Cats’ goal-kicking list three times, enjoying a season-high 59 goals in 1980.
Along with an extensive coaching career in the Geelong Football League, Terry was a premiership coach with the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup in 1992, a three-year assistant-coach under Gary Ayres at Geelong before aiding Damian Drum for three more years at Fremantle.
The high-flying defender of the '70's and early '80's joins The Cats' Whiskers crew to share a detailed walk through his spectacular 182-game career. The Finley-product also shares a personal take on the development of son, Tom, a two-time premiership player with the Cats.
The Cats' Whiskers team enjoyed a catch-up with the man once described as 'The Steam-Train in the Geelong Guernsey' Ray Card. Join Wes Cusworth, Megan Holz, Mark Brunger and Gus Smarrini as the current Geelong Football Club Past Players Association President reflects on his 110-game career in the hoops.
This week The Cats' Whiskers crew catches up with former Geelong midfielder Liam Pickering. Originally from Stawell, but traded to the Cats by North Melbourne, Pickering clocked up 102 games in the hoops, collecting the 1997 Carji Greeves Medal along the way. Since retirement midway through the 2000 season, he has forged a two-decade career in player management, while also settling into a successful media career in both television and radio.
Former Cat Shannon Byrnes shares his football journey outlining his ascension from the Murray Bushrangers, through the rookie draft, to becoming a two-time premiership player at Kardinia Park. Byrnes outlines the turning point in Geelong's collective psyche that led to the drought-breaking 2007 premiership success. In a candid interview, Byrnes, who now works in player management at Melbourne, speaks honestly about the perils of social media, and media scrutiny at large, and the impact that is having on player welfare.
Episode 2 of The Cats' Whiskers features an interview with 288-game player and 1998 Carji Greeves Medallist Peter Riccardi, as he reflects on a stellar career in the hoops. Join Wes Cusworth, Anthony Petkovic, Megan Holz, Mark Brunger and Gus Smarrini as they talk all things Geelong Football Club.
The Cats' Whiskers crew - Wes Cusworth, Anthony Petkovic, Gus Smarrini, Megan Holz and Mark Brunger - catch up with former Geelong speedster Darren Morgan as he reflects on his 92 games for the Cats during the halcyon years of the 1980's.