Geelong will look to bounce back this weekend as they return home for the first time in 2026, set to take on Fremantle in a crucial Saturday afternoon clash. 

While Opening Round did not go the Cats' way, there will be plenty to learn from as they look to secure their first win of the season with a bye coming up in Round 2.

The challenge ahead gets no easier for Chris Scott and his side, preparing for a battle with the Dockers who are tipped by many to be a premiership contender this year. 

Take a look below at all the key details for Geelong's Round 1 match, to make sure you do not miss a minute of the action. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 1

Geelong Cats v Fremantle

GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Saturday March 14, 4.15pm AEDT

LAST TIME WE MET

Nearly 12 months to the day prior to Saturday's clash, Geelong kicked off their 2025 season with an identical clash against Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium on a scorching hot Saturday afternoon. 

The Cats raced out of the blocks with a barnstorming first half, taking a 54 point lead into the main break but they had to weather a third quarter storm, as a Murphy Reid inspired burst pulled the Dockers back within 21 points at three quarter time. 

But determined to start their season on a positive note, Geelong roared back to life in the last term with a 10 goal quarter, ultimately running away with an emphatic 78 point victory to begin their campaign. 

Bailey Smith (32 disposals) was incredible in his club debut, while Sam De Koning (25 disposals, 18 hit-outs) and Jack Henry (24 disposals, 14 marks) were sensational and helped to stem Fremantle's momentum at pivotal points of the match. 

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets are selling fast for Saturday's game, but there are still options available to make sure you see all the action at Geelong's 2026 home opener. 

Follow the link here to head to Ticketmaster and secure your seat for Saturday afternoon.

Alternatively, you can also follow the link here to view all hospitality options for a different way to experience the Round 1 clash. 

With 10 home games ahead at GMHBA Stadium in the 2026 season, there has never been a better time to sign up as a Geelong Cats member with plenty of options available to suit all fans. 

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 1 match against Fremantle will be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo. 

The coverage on both platforms will commence at 4.00pm AEDT, ahead of the opening bounce at 4.15pm from GMHBA Stadium. 

You can also catch all the action on K rock from 3.00pm AEDT, listen via 95.5FM, the K rock app or the AFL app. 

OPENING ROUND TAKEAWAYS

It was a tough outing for Geelong in their Opening Round debut, falling to the Gold Coast Suns by 56 points at People First Stadium. 

The lead blew out beyond 80 points in the third quarter but the Cats were able to finish strongly, kicking six of the last seven goals and gathering momentum that they can take into Round 1. 

A big positive to come from the night was the return of Tanner Bruhn, who collected a team-high 31 disposals and six score involvements to go with six intercept possessions in a brilliant display. 

Tom Atkins fought hard all night and finished with 26 disposals and six clearances, while Ollie Dempsey picked up where he left off with four goals. 

PLAYER TO WATCH

Shaun Mannagh

He has developed into a real asset for the Cats with an ability to play through the midfield and up forward, with Shaun Mannagh expected to be ultra important once again in 2026. 

Coming off a season where he averaged career-highs in several categories, Mannagh's greatest influence last year was his scoreboard presence finishing with 31 goals and 20 goal assists. 

After kicking Geelong's opening goal of the 2026 campaign, Mannagh was held reasonably quiet by Gold Coast for the rest of the night finishing with 10 disposals and four score involvements. 

For a player with as much skill and class as Mannagh, expect a big response out of him against Fremantle on Saturday afternoon.