Star half-forward Gryan Miers doesn’t expect Geelong to spend much of pre-season looking back at its grand final fadeout.
The majority of the Cats squad has returned for pre-season training after a more than two-month break following the 47-point loss to the Brisbane Lions in the decider, which included a withering burst of seven consecutive goals in the final quarter.
“I’d be surprised if we do, to be honest,” Miers said. “We haven’t ever in the past reviewed a grand final or a prelim loss that I’ve had in my time. It’s kind of ‘new year, new us’ kind of mentality.
“You bring in new faces that will change the way we play. I’ve always said that I don’t play the same way each week, let alone each year.
“So, I’m not too fussed. There’s individual moments that you’d want to take back, and I think you internally review those over the last nine weeks.
“But now that we’re on to next year, I don’t think it really matters what next week will look like.”
Miers says the loss to the Lions won’t be the single factor that motivates Geelong to go one better and win a second premiership in five seasons in 2026.
“Everyone has their own different motivational factors,” he said.
“I remember in 2020, I spoke in a press conference, and I’ll never forget losing 2020. It might help me win another premiership, but I’ll always feel like that’s one that got away.
“I’m grateful I got to win one in between, but I won’t feel like that was an opportunity lost.
“(But) it doesn’t mean I won’t be trying again because I love football and I love winning; We’ll be trying to get that ultimate success again,
“But I am very disappointed that we let that one go, and we didn’t win that one.
“So it’ll always be in the back of my mind: it’s disappointing, but I’ll try and use it as motivation.”
Miers is looking forward to reuniting with Geelong Falcons premiership teammate James Worpel, who has arrived at GMHBA Stadium after 148 games at Hawthorn.
“It’s been great in the last week or so being with him,” Miers said.
“We had dinner when I first got back to Australia, and it’s just kind of that feeling, when you see an old mate again, where nothing’s changed, even though you’ve been apart from each other.
“I think the way he’s going to bring leadership, and (bridge) that barrier between our 30-year-olds and young boys that we kind of need, (and) that little bit more support in that area, as an inside mid, that will help take the bruises, but also lead the boys.
“I think he ticks all those boxes for us.”
Miers’ on-field evolution continued in 2025, spending time at centre bounces.
However, the arrival of Worpel and the return of Tanner Bruhn will strengthen Geelong’s midfield, which could have a knock-on effect for the 26-year-old.
“Maybe that will push me back to half forward, maybe push me out to a wing, maybe I’ll stay in there, I don’t know,” Miers said
“But that’s the exciting part; I think I’m adaptable, that I can play in any of those positions and contribute.
“I don’t rely on one thing, and my team doesn’t rely on one thing.
“So, I’m very pleased with that’s how my career’s kind of gone… I’m not stuck in one position or stuck in one role.”
X: @krockfootball
