KEY PIECES OF JIGSAW FOR TILT AT THE FLAG

GEELONG will play its eighth preliminary final in 11 seasons tonight.

While that is testament to the talent on the Cats’ list, it also speaks volumes about the club’s list management.

But how have the Cats managed to stay near the top of the tree?

Looking at the team of 2017, it is clear some shrewd acquisitions in the trade and free agency period have helped the Cats maintain their lofty status.

Success has meant list manager Stephen Wells has found it tough to get into the draft early in recent years — Joel Selwood and Andrew Mackie remain the club’s highest draft picks at selection 7.

While Geelong’s recent premiership sides of 2007, 2009 and 2011 were predominantly built on drafting and development (Brad Ottens being a notable exception), Wells and his recruiting team have had to be crafty.

Perhaps the Cats took a good hard look at the recent Hawthorn model, which saw Alastair Clarkson’s men romp to a three-peat with the likes of Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Shaun Burgoyne, James Frawley, Jack Gunston and Ben McEvoy playing pivotal roles.

Of the Geelong team that defeated Sydney to advance to another preliminary final, seven players were once on rival AFL lists.

And with the Cats reportedly eyeing Gary Ablett, Devon Smith and Jake Stringer, the 2017 trade period might be a busy one for Wells and his colleagues.