The 2025 AFLW season has arrived and the Cats are ready to commence an exciting campaign, kicking it off with a clash against the reigning premiers, North Melbourne on Saturday afternoon. 

There is plenty to look forward to this year as Geelong looks to return to Finals, with a number of fresh faces joining the Cats during the off-season including Emma Kilpatrick and Piper Dunlop, who will both make their debut this weekend. 

Take a look at everything you need to know ahead of Saturday's season opener at GMHBA Stadium. 

Match Details | AFLW Round 1

Geelong Cats v Kangaroos 
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Saturday 16 August 2025  
First Bounce: 3:35pm AEST

Last Time We Met

Geelong and North Melbourne played out a thrilling contest at Arden Street in Round 2 last year, both sides producing moments of magic before the match ended in a draw. 

The Cats trailed by 18 points at half time but mounted a charge after the main break, Nina Morrison and Mikayla Bowen both kicking sensational goals late to level the scores, with Geelong ultimately the only team to take points off the Kangaroos in the entire 2024 season. 

Amy McDonald (27 disposals, 13 clearances) was at her brilliant best through the midfield, as was Nina Morrison (20 disposals, one goal) and Zali Friswell (18 disposals, seven tackles). 

07:05

Game Film Week 2 | Nail Biter At Arden Street

Come behind the scenes in this exclusive look at Geelong's Week 2 clash with North Melbourne.

Team Selection 

Geelong Cats v Kangaroos

Round 1 •

GMHBA Stadium, Geelong • VIC

Key Player To Watch

Amy McDonald

It is crazy to think that a three-time best and fairest winner might be flying under the radar, but with the numerous storylines to keep an eye on for the Cats in Round 1, Amy McDonald has just quietly put herself in a strong position to attack the 2025 season. 

The star midfielder started the 2024 season in extraordinary form, averaging 22 disposals and nine clearances per game across the first four games of the year before a hamstring injury derailed her campaign. 

After a minor injury setback in the pre-season, McDonald returned to action in Geelong's practice match against the Gold Coast and showed plenty of postive signs, re-establishing one of the competition's most dominant midfield trios alongside Georgie Prespakis and Nina Morrison. 

While the Cats star studded on-ball division will get plenty of attention from opponents this year, they can ill-afford to take their eyes of McDonald as she looks to make an impact early in the 2025 season. 

Tickets & Membership

Tickets are still available for Saturday's game at GMHBA Stadium, secure your seat through Ticketmaster today. 

The best way to catch all the action this season is through a Geelong Cats AFLW membership, follow the link here to view all the options so you do not miss a minute of the action. 

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

Broadcast  

Geelong's Round 1 clash with the Kangaroos will be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo from 3.30pm AEST, ahead of the opening bounce at 3.30pm. 

Broadcast Guide