First Geelong part ways with 25 year volunteer veteran, Steve Sobey aka 1/2 Cat. Now we have lost perhaps one of our games most celebrated and well known fans in the AFL. What on earth is going on down at the Cattery? 

Troy “Catman” West, also a 25 year hospital volunteer, is well known in the AFL community for being the face of the Geelong Cats Cheer Squad. He was loud, proud and passionate - he wore his heart on his sleeve for a club he has loved since his Geelong premiership full back father Roy West pulled on the boots.

He was adored by many supporters of not only the Geelong Football Club, but supporters of opposition clubs as well. Having a chat, making kids and adults smile before, during and after the game while posing for selfies was a usual game day for Troy. When he wasn’t dedicating his time to loyal fans, he was funding and hand making equipment to make Geelong Cheer Squad the most visually appealing and presentable squad in the AFL. We miss his leadership, direction and spark. We miss him! He is an extremely important and integral part of the Geelong Cheer Squad. 

Troy also spends his time sending signed autographed pictures to fans and funding postage off his own bat. He inspires and empowers young fans too to dress up and be themselves. One young fan he inspired was 14 year old Tiger boy from the Richmond Cheer Squad. 

Troy has not only been the victim of an agenda driven campaign which I personally witnessed by select individuals, he was also harassed and trolled online which has sadly and ultimately lead to him walking away from the club he loves. Whether internal or external, I think we can all agree alleged targeted bullying and homophobia is not acceptable. There is only so many battles one can fight until it drains you and affects your mental health. Troy deserved to be celebrated and protected by our club. As paid members, we deserve to know why this never happened! He could do amazing things with the Geelong Football Club if they were open to utilising him to his full potential. 

Please sign this petition to show your love and support for Troy/Catman and leave comments to show Geelong Football Club the impact meeting Troy has made on you, your family and your football experience and why they should do everything in their power to encourage him to return to the club in his rightful place within the Cheer Squad where he belongs. Most clubs have iconic fans. In an ever changing game, we need some traditions to stay. It is a travesty on this great game if our iconic, favourite fan identities are driven away. Geelong, the members and general public signing this petition implore you as a family club with strong core beliefs and values to act now. Thanks in advance.