107 reasons why Jean's the Cats' biggest fan!

Footy scarf on. Banner raised high. Jean watches the Geelong Cats take a mark and kick the winning goal for the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final. Her beloved blue and whites are victorious and she couldn’t be happier.

These days, Jean doesn’t make the trek to the MCG, but our team at Highton Gardens Care Community in Geelong, Victoria, have brought the game to her.

Aussie Rules for Jean

Over 8.9 million Australians support an AFL club. For many Australians it’s a true passion, but few can claim Jean’s unwavering dedication. She’s been a firm fan for most of her 107 years. Raised by a footy mad father, Jean’s been cheering on the Cats for over a century!

“I still remember my first ever game and the excitement I had,” Jean says.

“Growing up, my father worked on the railways. I remember we would pack sandwiches and a thermos and go to the football with the family – my mother, father and two sisters,” Jean says.

She’s watched thousands of players over the years but when it comes to her favourite, she’s clear. It’s ‘God’.

“Gary Ablett Snr,” says Jean without hesitation. “Great player and sportsman.”

Celebrating milestones

In honour of our many Cats fans at Highton Gardens Care Community, the club recently brought the AFL Premiership Cup to visit our residents. A television news crew from Channel 7 came along to film Jean and her friends admire the trophy.

The visit preceded Jean’s 107th birthday, so our team gifted her a very special surprise - a Geelong Cats guernsey with the number 107 on the back.

Wrapped in her Geelong Cats scarf and wearing her new footy gear, Jean held the cup with pride.  She counts the win and the visit as one her best memories.

“It was such a proud moment in my life,” Jean says.

“To be part of and to watch Geelong win the Premiership Cup in 2022 was fantastic. The things that bring meaning and purpose to my life are being with my family… and football!”