Surely Geelong can’t win the 2024 flag?

The competition is not designed for that to happen.

Geelong skipper Patrick Dangerfield is hungry for a second flag.Credit: AFL Photos

They have played in qualifying finals 13 of the past 17 years. They have won four flags in that time.

Since the Cats beat Essendon in 2004, a week after the Bombers experienced their most recent finals win, Geelong have enjoyed 23 finals wins, an average of more than one finals win a year.

And here they are, the only Victorian club in the top six and on track to finish top four again in 2024 if they win their final two matches, against St Kilda (who have beaten Geelong in their past two encounters at Marvel Stadium and are a genuine danger) and West Coast.

They are making AFL equalisation look as effective as a supermarket soft-plastic recycling system.

Jeremy Cameron has kicked 46 goals this season as the Cats contend again.Credit: Getty Images

Dual premiership Cat Harry Taylor says the question is asked at the start of each season to whether everyone is up for the fight and once the answer is yes, as it inevitably is, they are all in from start to finish.

“The club just always returns to the simple things that work and keeps at it,” Taylor said.

Former Cat and respected analyst Brenton Sanderson says, of course, Geelong can win the flag.

“It could be one of those years when anyone wins it,” Sanderson said.

Anyone but Geelong, many supporters might say, but why would the club listen to the doubters?

Patrick Dangerfield wants to join his three predecessors, Joel Selwood, Cameron Ling and Tom Harley as a Geelong premiership captain. The 34-year-old’s final quarter against........

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