Number ones: Cats heroes Paul Chapman and Josh Hunt parade through the city streets.
ERIN PEARSON
GEELONG Football Club basked in blue and white glory during a parade through the city’s heart on Wednesday.
The team travelled along Malop and Yarra streets to conclude the Cats’ official premiership celebrations on Geelong’s waterfront.
Players appeared in front of thousands at Steampacket Gardens to thank fans for their ongoing support following the club’s third premiership in five years.
Geelong Mayor John Mitchell honoured veteran defender Matthew Scartlett with the mayoral robes for the day.
Thousands of Cats fans roared their support for the temporary honour.
Cr Mitchell paid tribute to the team.
“We are lucky as a city to have a group of young men that are absolutely fantastic,” he told the crowd.
“The footy club does us proud.”
Cr Mitchell reserved special praise for the player he chose to be mayor for the day.
“I’ve seen (Scarlett) play since his under-13 days and am thrilled to pass him the robes.”
Scarlett declared free parking, a pay rise for the mayor and free drinks for Cat fans at Ling’s waterfront restaurant, The Edge.
Cat Josh Hunt was at the parade with crutches after a knee clean-out following Mad Monday celebrations.
Cats coach Chris Scott said he was “so proud” to be a Geelong person.
Lara’s Sam Purdy, 11, said supporting the Cats was a family affair.
“We all barrack for the Cats, even mum and dad. Today was great – Go Cats.”
