Inside Geelong’s celebrations after their 2022 AFL Grand Final triumph

After a six-month marathon of plodding, Geelong could finally indulge themselves after taking a famous big overall win at the MCG, with celebrations kicking off in the sheds on Saturday.

The Cats got off to a blistering start to the showpiece and didn’t look back, dominating the Sydney Swans to take an 81 point win and finish a remarkable season in which they also won the minor premiership.

Their win also silenced countless pundits and fans who cast aside their prime ministerial hopes before a ball bounced back in March, with Chris Scott’s side deemed too old to challenge the all-conquering former Melbourne prime ministers.

And Geelong took the opportunity to revel in their victory after the final siren, as the players were flanked by family and friends on the pitch before heading to the sheds to continue their celebration.

The squad were banded together, arm in arm, in the center of the room next to coach Scott, chanting the club’s famous song as the Premiership cup was passed around for photo opportunities.

Captain Joel Selwood posed alongside Jeremy Cameron and Jed Bews. Young defender Sam De Koning – who has had a breakout season with the Cats – jokingly stuck his tongue out as he was joined by loved ones for a moment with the trophy.

Goal kick machine Jeremy Cameron had a relatively quiet afternoon in the MCG, but fully deserved Saturday’s win, and was pictured holding the trophy with Brad Close and Selwood.

There was also more celebration for the Cats, who made a toast to Zach Tuohy as the Irishman marked his 250th AFL game with a memorable win. He was held aloft as the team left the field and he paid tribute to his old Gaelic Football club by waving a flag as he picked up his medal.

But while Geelong partied, the Swans consoled themselves after a humiliating performance.

Will Hayward was spotted getting a hug from a relative, while Tom Hickey gave his young daughter a tight squeeze on a day when John Longmire’s side would like to quickly banish them from their memories.