Alan Geelan joined Canterbury in 1978 as a five-eight.

The son of Col Geelan, Alan joined the team late in 1978 and became a regular member of the Under 23 team.

In 1979, Alan moved to lock and after spending most of the season in Under 23s, was promoted to reserve grade and played in the Grand Final against Parramatta. 

In 1980, Alan was a regular member of the reserve grade team and received the opportunity in first grade against Western Suburbs as a replacement. He played in the reserve grade Premiership winning team against Parramatta.

In 1981, Alan spent time in first grade when Garry Hughes was injured but returned to reserve grade and played in the Preliminary Semi-Final against St George.

Alan joined Easts (Roosters) in 1982 to play one first grade game before joining Newtown in 1983 to play 18 games including the last Newtown first grade team.

In 1984, Alan joined Western Suburbs to play 85 games from 1984 to 1989. He often played either centre or wing for Western Suburbs.