Geelong are set for a crucial match this weekend, as they take on Carlton at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

After falling to Hawthorn last week, the Cats have slipped back out of the top eight and sit in 10th position on the ladder, heading into the final five games of the home and away season. 

This week they face a Carlton side that is impressed so far in 2025, registering five wins from their seven matches to occupy fifth spot on the ladder. 

Check out the top things to watch on Sunday afternoon, proudly presented by Deakin University. 

Ladder 

Geelong Cats: 10th (3-4)

Carlton: 5th (5-2)

Points For 

Geelong Cats: 290

Carlton: 303

Points Against 

Geelong Cats: 304

Carlton: 255

Recent History - Geelong v Carlton

Geelong's history against Carlton has been far from ideal, defeated in their last three clashes against the Blues with their last victory coming in 2019. 

Last time out was a day to forget, the Cats failing to kick a goal as they slipped to a 24 point loss in Round 3 last year. 

The matches between these two teams are generally defence focused, with 31 points the second highest score across any of the four matches. 

Deakin Performance Stat of the Week - Carlton's Intercept Prowess

While Carlton have not been the highest scoring team this year, they certainly have been efficient defensively with the ability to stifle some of the most dangerous forwards in the competition. 

The standout statistic is their ability to force opponents into turnovers, averaging 69.4 intercept possessions per game this year which is the second highest average of any team in the AFLW. 

This allows them to repel attacking forays from the opposition, averaging 31.1 rebound 50s per game which is the most of any team so far in 2025. 

Geelong rank 12th in the league for converting inside 50s into goals this year, something they will need to improve on against a stellar Carlton backline this weekend. 

Carlton Player to Watch - Harriet Cordner

Speaking of Carlton's backline, there might not be a better defender in the competition right now than Harriet Cordner. 

Some of Cordner's numbers have been phenomenal this year. She ranks first in the AFLW for intercept possessions this year, ninth for spoils, first for marks and fifth for rebound 50s. 

Cordner was impressive in the clash with Geelong last year picking off six intercept possessions, set to be a key player once again on Sunday afternoon. 

Where Geelong Can Improve - Getting the ball Inside 50

The Cats looked solid in transition out of their defensive 50 last week, but they struggled to connect in the forward half and could not get the ball into their attacking half. 

Against Hawthorn, Geelong only registered 20 entries inside their forward 50 which was 17 less than the Hawks managed, converting that into five goals and 10 scoring shots. 

Across the course of the season the Cats have not been too bad in this area, averaging 33.6 inside 50s per game which is the eighth highest average of any team in the AFLW, but they will need to improve drastically on their performance last week.