Back to GMHBA Stadium for the final time in the 2025 AFL season on Friday night, with Geelong preparing to take on Essendon in Round 22 as they look to continue the momentum they have gathered over the past three weeks. 

Sitting inside the top four with three games remaining in the regular season, the Cats will be looking to solidify their spot this weekend before taking on Sydney in Round 23 and Richmond in the lead up to September. 

Star Cat, Gryan Miers will reach his 150th AFL game on Friday night, another milestone in an incredible journey for the brilliant player. 

Catch up on everything you need to know heading into Geelong's clash with the Bombers. 

KEY DETAILS  

2025 AFL Season - Round 22

Geelong Cats v Essendon

GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Friday August 8th, 7.40pm (AEST)

TEAM SELECTION

KEY PLAYER TO WATCH

Ollie Dempsey

Just quietly going about his business, Ollie Dempsey's terrific 2025 campaign was recognised this week when he was selected in the AFLPA's 22Under22 squad for the second straight year. 

The young star is still averaging a very solid 16.6 disposals per game, but has also had an extraordinary impact in the forward half kicking 25 goals and dishing off 12 goal assists. 

His elite running capacity and incredible knack of finding space on the wing has been a game changer for Geelong, with Dempsey set to be very important once again on Friday night. 

RECENT HISTORY - Geelong v Essendon

Geelong have enjoyed plenty of success against Essendon in recent history, winning the last eight consecutive matches by an average of 56 points dating back to 2018. 

The Bombers have not ventured down the highway very often, with only two trips to Kardinia Park to face the Cats in the past 32 years. 

Geelong's lowest score in their past seven games against Essendon is 98, eclipsing the 100 point mark in six of those matches and consistently finding multiple avenues to goal. 

VENUE HISTORY - GMHBA Stadium 

The Cats will be looking to add to their strong record at home in 2025, winning seven of their nine games at GMHBA Stadium including the last three in a row. 

Geelong have capitalised on the home ground advantage and have found multiple avenues to goal, exceeding 100 points on six different occasions and recording an average winning margin of 49 points. 

As previously mentioned, Essendon have only squared off with Geelong twice at GMHBA Stadium since 1993, with the Cats prevailing in both matches. The Bombers last win against Geelong at the venue came in Round 18 of the 1990 season. 

VFL | Round 20

Geelong V Essendon
Saturday 9th August
Bounce: 12:05pm AEST
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

TICKETS

Tickets are available for Friday night's game at GMHBA Stadium, secure your seat through Ticketmaster so you don't miss a minute of the action as Geelong take on Essendon. 

If you have any questions about AFL ticketing or membership please contact Geelong Cats Membership Services here.

General Admission Areas

General Admission areas for this match are:

• Gate 1 - Joel Selwood Stand, A42 - A44 
• Gate 5 or 8 – Players Stand, A14 - A15
• Gate 5 or 8 – Family / Dry Area, A10 - A13

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 22 clash with Essendon will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7 from 7.30pm AEST, ahead of the opening bounce at 7.40pm. 

The match will also be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo from 7.30pm. 

K rock will be covering the match and all the pre-game build up from 6.00pm, tune into 95.5FM, krockfootball.live or the AFL app to follow along. 

Make sure to follow @GeelongCats social media channels for updates pre, during and post game.

Broadcast Details: 2025 AFL Broadcast Guide