Cats set to pay tribute to Polly

THE Geelong Cats will pay tribute to the late Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer at the club’s last home game of the season at GMHBA Stadium.

The Cats will wear the club’s indigenous guernsey as a tribute to Farmer (pictured) when they take on Carlton this Saturday afternoon.

The guernsey, designed by indigenous player Quinton Narkle, was previously worn in Rounds 10 and 11. It includes Farmer’s famous number 5 on the front and back as a sign of respect to the legend.

A pre-match tribute will be shown on the big screen, the AFL Record will feature Farmer on the cover and include a liftout poster as a keepsake.

After the passing of Farmer last week, Geelong’s CEO Brian Cook paid tribute to the legendary ruckman.

“Polly Farmer was a pioneering figure in both Australian Football and in changing Australian culture,” Cook said yesterday.

“Polly’s record as a footballer stands among the greatest that the game has known.

“The fact that Polly, who last played with the Cats in 1967, remains an iconic figure today for the Geelong faithful speaks to the impact he had on the club, our supporters and the region.

“The Geelong Football Club will forever be better due to the fact Polly played and coached us.”

Fans will have an opportunity to farewell Farmer at a public memorial service at GMHBA Stadium next Friday, August 30. The service will begin at 2pm in the Social Club, level 2 of the Charles Brownlow Stand.

Farmer was one of the original legends inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. He died on August 14, aged 84.