After falling short in the 2025 AFL Grand Final against Brisbane, the Geelong Cats enter the 2026 season with clear ambitions to reclaim their place at the top of the competition. With a mix of seasoned veterans, strategic signings, and promising young talent, Chris Scott’s side is shaping up as a team with both point to prove and the tools to deliver.
KEY MATCHES THAT WILL DEFINE THE SEASON
The Cats’ draw features several pivotal clashes that could set the tone for their campaign and determine their finals fate.
Round 1 vs. Brisbane Lions (MCG)
The season kicks off with a blockbuster rematch of last year’s grand final. As reigning premiers, the Lions arrive as the team to beat, making this early showdown a critical test of Geelong’s adjustments and mental resilience. A strong performance here would signal the Cats are ready to compete for the flag.
Round 5 vs. Sydney Swans (GMHBA Stadium)
Sydney is widely tipped as a top-four contender, bringing a fast, possession-heavy style that will challenge Geelong’s trademark territorial game. Playing at home, the Cats will look to use their familiar ground to control tempo and assert their dominance against a key rival.
Round 12 vs. Fremantle Dockers (Optus Stadium)
Fremantle’s formidable home record and emerging midfield core make this road trip one of the season’s toughest assignments. The match will test Geelong’s endurance and ability to adapt their game plan to unfamiliar conditions.
Round 18 vs. Western Bulldogs (Marvel Stadium)
Adding extra narrative weight, this clash sees Bailey Smith face his former club for the first time in a high-stakes match that could shape finals positioning. The Bulldogs’ aggressive style will push the Cats to match their intensity across the ground.
Round 23 vs. Collingwood Magpies (MCG)
The regular season closes with a traditional blockbuster against the Magpies. Likely to decide top-eight seeding or double-chance eligibility, this match will demand peak performance from every player in Geelong’s lineup.
TRANSFERS & LIST MANAGEMENT: BALANCING EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH
Geelong’s list changes for 2026 focused on recalibrating rather than rebuilding, ensuring continuity while injecting fresh talent.
Incomings
– James Worpel (Hawthorn, unrestricted free agent): The hard-edged midfielder was brought in to strengthen contested ball wins and reduce the workload on veteran leaders like Patrick Dangerfield. His grit and clearance ability add depth to the engine room.
– Harley Barker (No. 7 pick, 2025 AFL Draft): A tall, versatile midfielder with exceptional composure and clean hands, Barker is viewed as a long-term cornerstone for the club.
– Hunter Holmes (No. 22 pick, 2025 AFL Draft): A speedy small forward/wingman recruited to boost Geelong’s transition game and add pace to the forward half.
– Nick Driscoll (No. 38 pick, 2025 AFL Draft): A promising key defender with strong intercept marking skills, groomed to support veteran backman Tom Stewart.
Outgoings
– Mitch Duncan (Retirement): After over 300 games in the hoops, the club legend’s leadership and skill in the midfield and forward line will be sorely missed.
– Patrick Retschko (Traded to Gold Coast): The young defender sought more senior opportunities elsewhere, allowing Geelong to free up list space.
– Cameron Guthrie (Delisted): The veteran utility’s role was phased out following midfield reinforcements, though his experience remains a resource for the club’s development program.
– Mark Blicavs (Role Shift): Retained on the list but transitioning full-time to ruck duties to address depth concerns in that position.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: WHO WILL STEP UP IN 2026?
Several key figures will be instrumental in Geelong’s push for glory.
Bailey Smith
In his second season with the Cats, Smith is primed to become a midfield pillar. The 24-year-old has bulked up over the off-season and focused on improving his clearance efficiency and defensive accountability. Targeting averages of 25+ disposals and 5+ tackles per game, his chemistry with Worpel and Dangerfield will be central to Geelong’s midfield success.
Jeremy Cameron
The 32-year-old spearhead is coming off a 58-goal 2025 season, but a late hamstring injury hampered his grand final performance. He has refined his lead patterns to create more one-on-one opportunities and will benefit from Tyson Stengle’s return to full fitness, which will draw opposition defenders away. A haul of 70+ goals is well within reach if he stays healthy.
Harley Barker
While expected to start the season in the VFL, Barker has impressed coaches with maturity beyond his years in pre-season matches. His ability to win contested ball and use it cleanly under pressure suggests he could earn senior selection by mid-season, potentially filling the creative void left by Duncan’s retirement.
Tom Stewart
The All-Australian defender remains the backbone of Geelong’s backline, taking on greater responsibility in 2026 as a leader and playmaker from half-back. With Blicavs shifting to ruck, Stewart’s intercept marking and distribution will be even more critical to maintaining the Cats’ defensive structure and launching attacking transitions.
As the season unfolds, Geelong’s ability to balance experience with youth, execute their game plan under pressure, and keep key players fit will determine whether they can turn their grand final heartbreak into a return to glory.
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