Goals to grooves: Inside Geelong’s game-day soundtrack

If you’ve been to a Geelong Cats home game, chances are you’ve heard bursts of hit songs and old-school classics resonate throughout the stadium after the ball sails through the middle two posts.

Behind the scenes, these moments are a result of a meticulous, finely-tuned operation that has become one of the league’s beloved traditions – player-chosen goal songs.

Whether it’s the groovy saxophone in Tequila by the Champs after Shannon Neale slots a goal, or the familiar chant of Hey Baby by Anton and DJ Ötzi following a six-pointer by Shaun Mannagh, the Cats’ goal songs have become a defining part of the game-day atmosphere.

Carly Flakemore, the club’s executive general manager of brand and stadium experience, said Geelong was among the early adopters of the concept, which has since spread across the league.

“We were actually the first Victorian club to commit to goal songs in 2024,” she said. “In the first season we selected songs for the players, then in 2025 we handed the reins over to them, and the energy and engagement went to another level.

“Our goal was simple – turn every score into a moment. That way, we could bring another layer of entertainment to a game day and add a home ground advantage to the stadium atmosphere.”

The club works with the players to connect their on-field personalities with their off-field music tastes, creating a playlist with something for everyone in the stands.

“You can tell the players who have put a lot of thought into picking something that is in their own rotations,” Flakemore said.

“Others have a bit more fun with it, which is great because it adds to the exclusive personality behind the whole experience. You may be able to pick the dads in the group who lean on their children for inspiration.

“That mix is what makes it entertaining for fans and keeps them guessing heading in to each season.”

The goal songs have already delivered some memorable moments – including Macarena by Los del Río ringing out four times in a row during a Jack Martin onslaught, and The Gambler by Kenny Rogers played 10 times as Jeremy Cameron tore through the Western Bulldogs.

Flakemore said the concept had also proven a strong driver of fan engagement, pointing to the buzz around Patrick Dangerfield changing his goal song for 2026 – a move that briefly had some supporters wondering if a retirement announcement was coming.

“The change to Patrick Dangerfield’s song this year definitely got fans talking and that’s part of the fun,” she said.

“It sparks conversation and gives supporters another way to connect with their favourite players.”

After a shock loss to Port Adelaide last weekend, the Cats return home to GMHBA Stadium for a twilight clash on Saturday against North Melbourne. Fans will be hoping the goal songs keep coming as their side looks to stay in touch with the top eight.

The match will begin at 4.35pm, with Geelong’s VFL side opening the day in a curtain-raiser against the Kangaroos at 12.30pm. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.au