The Cats fielded the fifth-oldest team in league history in Saturday night's 31-point defeat to Richmond and will lose at least one decorated player - Gary Ablett - to retirement.

Tall defenders Harry Taylor and Lachie Henderson, who had the big jobs on Tigers forwards Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch, could yet follow Ablett into the sunset.

Only four players in the Cats' grand final team - Jack Henry, Gryan Miers, Brandan Parfitt and Sam Simpson - were under the age of 23, while 10 were 29 or older.

Geelong have had only one draft pick inside the top 15 during Chris Scott's reign as coach, but boast three first-round selections this year, including 11 and 13.

Some of the picks may be used at the trade table.

The Cats are likely to be bolstered by the inclusion of in-demand key forward Jeremy Cameron (GWS) next season and are also in the mix for classy midfielder Shaun Higgins (North Melbourne).

Restricted free agent Cameron, the Giants' nine-time leading goal kicker, would form a dangerous partnership in attack with Coleman medallist Tom Hawkins.

The additions would help keep the Cats in the hunt next year as they chase their first flag since 2011.

"We are down but not out," Dangerfield said.

"We will regroup. The strength of us this year has been to stick together and ride the highs and the lows.

"While it is tough and the competition is now over, we will come back bigger, better and stronger."

Geelong's grand final appearance came after four preliminary final losses in the previous seven years, and at the end of a tough campaign in which they endured more than 100 days in interstate hubs.

"It's been a long, long time away from home and it was going to plan (in the first half), but you just have to make sure you finish the job," Cats captain Joel Selwood said.

"It's a step forward (to make a grand final).

"We had a lot of good players play well throughout the year and it's an outstanding effort to be here."

In his post-grand-final press conference, Geelong coach Scott refused to discuss the possible impact of high-profile forward Cameron's arrival ahead of what looms as a busy few weeks of player movement across the competition.

Free agency begins on October 30, while the trade period runs from November 4-12.

Australian Associated Press