Geelong is set for Friday's blockbuster clash with the Gold Coast Suns, confirming the team that will feature at People First Stadium in their season opener. 

The Cats will have five changes from their side that featured in last year's Grand Final, among the notable inclusions is James Worpel, who is set to play his first AFL game in the blue and white Hoops. 

Tanner Bruhn will return for his first game since the 2024 Preliminary Final, while Mitch Knevitt and Ollie Henry have both earned an opportunity on the back of a strong pre-season. 

Tom Stewart will captain the side on Friday night, with Gryan Miers also named to take on the Suns. 

Jeremy Cameron will be given an extra week to recover from his quad strain as a precaution, but the club expect him to line up next Saturday. Patrick Dangerfield will miss Friday night's match but like Cameron, he is also expected to take on Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium next week. 

The Cats and Suns will do battle at People First Stadium from 8.05pm AEDT on Friday night, which is set to be Geelong's debut appearance in the AFL's Opening Round. 

Cats fans can watch all the action live and free on Channel 7 from 8.00pm AEDT, with the match also set to be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo.

Do not forget that tickets are also on sale for Geelong's Round 1 clash, as they return home to GMHBA Stadium for the first time this year to take on Fremantle. 

Follow the link here to view all membership offers for the 2026 season, with now the perfect time to join the Cats to make sure you do not miss a moment of the action as the year unfolds.