A fourth flag in 13 seasons would be a remarkable feat.

But, with the silverware secured, one of the most successful clubs of the modern era would then need to revitalise its list with youth and pace.

The Cats' list is laden with plus-30 stars - captain Joel Selwood, Coleman medallist Tom Hawkins, Irishman Zach Tuohy, defenders Harry Taylor and Lachie Henderson, two-time Brownlow Medallist Gary Ablett and eight-time All-Australian Patrick Dangerfield.

Some of those are still at the top of their games, Hawkins potentially in career-best form at 32.

Others, such as Ablett, will retire come season's end.

Those who forge on won't be at the peak of their powers forever and bringing in youth via the draft should be on the Cats' wish list.

But if the rumour mill is true then Sleepy Hollow will be wide awake during the trade period.

Geelong is the envy of many of its rivals, having only missed finals once in 14 years.

But what goes up must come down and the Cats - if they chose to trade in - must do so with a long-term vision.

The Cats have been linked to three inside midfielders - Adelaide's Brad Crouch, Melbourne's Jack Viney and North Melbourne's Shaun Higgins, who would be 33 come the start of season 2021.

Geelong is well stocked in this area, so much so that promising 21-year-old Charlie Constable might look for opportunities elsewhere.

Offloading someone of his age, who has shown promise, for a short-term replacement like Higgins seems short-sighted.

Crouch, at 26, is in the right age bracket but injuries and form have limited him to 95 games since 2013.

He was also caught with an illicit substance on the weekend.

Viney, a former Melbourne captain, is 26 too.

A hard nut who bleeds for his team. It's hard to see him wearing another club's colours.

There are other areas which need replenishing.

Geelong's attention should turn to a ruckman.

Could they prise an emerging tall from another club? Like Carlton did with Hawthorn's Marc Pittonet?

Gold Coast tall Peter Wright was squeezed out of the Suns' best 22 this year.

Two-metre Peter, as he's affectionately known, is a ruck-forward.

He's agile for his size and only 24.

Tuohy, once a staple in the Cats' defence, is spending more time forward in the latter stages of his career.

Should the club target someone to fill his void down back?

Alex Witherden is a Geelong boy with elite skills. Only 22, he's had limited opportunities at Brisbane in 2020 with four-time Hawthorn premiership player Grant Birchall the preferred option.

The Cats have had success via the trade period in recent times - speedy forward Gary Rohan and the returning Gary Ablett, who is tipped to retire at season's end, have made them a better outfit.

But the jury is still out on Jack Steven, who is 30.

They've drafted smartly, bringing in mature-age gems Sam Menegola, Tom Stewart and Tom Atkins.

Of the younger crop, only small forward Gryan Miers, midfielder Brandan Parfitt and defender Jack Henry have cemented their spots.

Quinton Narkle and Jordan Clark, who both have pace, look likely types as does small forward Brad Close.

Speed is an area of concern, especially with the injury-prone Nakia Cockatoo linked to Brisbane.

Geelong fans are eager to see another premiership in coming seasons but some are wary a slide could be on the cards.

That's why it's imperative the Cats invest in the draft to ensure another era of dominance arrives sooner rather than later.