The Cats are back after enjoying a bye week to rest and recover, but the challenges keep coming as they prepare to take on Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium. 

Kicking off Round 3 with a Thursday night blockbuster, Geelong will be looking to build on the momentum they gained after a stirring comeback victory over Fremantle in Round 1. 

Adelaide started their campaign with a big win over Collingwood at the MCG, but fell narrowly short last week in an entertaining battle with the Bulldogs. 

With a shorter week ahead in the build up to Thursday night's game, take a look at everything you need to know ahead of the Round 3 clash between the Cats and Crows. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 3

Geelong Cats v Adelaide

GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Thursday March 26, 7.30pm AEDT

LAST TIME WE MET

It turned into one of the best games in the 2025 AFL season, when Geelong rolled into Adelaide and took down the Crows in an epic Gather Round game. 

Adelaide went into the match as one of the competition's hottest teams and opened up a 30-point lead midway through the second quarter, but Geelong refused to roll over and stormed their way back into the contest with a brilliant second half. 

Jeremy Cameron and Patrick Dangerfield combined for five goals in the final term and eight for the match, steering the Cats to an exhilarating 19 point victory over the Crows. 

Bailey Smith (35 disposals) took out the three Brownlow votes, Tom Atkins (23 disposals, nine clearances) was heavily influential and Ollie Dempsey (21 disposals, two goals) utilised his running capacity to keep the Crows accountable. 

03:16

Cats Storm Home At Gather Round | Game Film

In further proof that you can never count the Cats out, Geelong fought back from a 30-point deficit to claim an important four points against Adelaide.

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets for Thursday night's blockbuster clash are available through Ticketmaster, follow the link here to secure your seat today. 

Check out Geelong's Corporate Hospitality options for a different way to enjoy a Cats home game. 

There are also plenty of membership options available to suit your needs, click here to make sure you do not miss a minute of the action in 2026. 

Another reminder to Cats members to make sure you have the Geelong Cats Official App downloaded and updated, so you can download your tickets prior to arriving at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday. 

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 3 match against Adelaide will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7, with coverage starting from 7.00pm AEDT ahead of the opening bounce at 7.30pm.

The game will also be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo from 7.00pm. 

You can also catch all the action on K rock from 6.00pm AEDT, listen via 95.5FM, the K rock app or the AFL app. 

04:09

George Stevens Interview | VFL Round 1

George Stevens spoke to Cats Media after a strong outing from himself and Geelong's VFL team in Round 1. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

ROUND 1 TAKEAWAYS

The Cats would have been slightly concerned after conceding a big lead to Fremantle in the opening quarter of their Round 1 clash, but they certainly made amends as they battled their way back into the contest and secured their first victory in the 2026 season. 

Runs of three unanswered goals by Shaun Mannagh and Shannon Neale at various stages of the game proved to be big momentum shifts, Neale proving to be instrumental as he equalled his career-high with a five goal haul. 

Geelong were also buoyed by the debut of big ruckman Mitch Edwards, who provided some nice moments and proved to be a presence around stoppages against the formidable Fremantle duo of Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy. 

Max Holmes (32 disposals) and Bailey Smith (31 disposals) were prolific, Tom Stewart (27 disposals) was brilliant particularly after quarter time, while Tanner Bruhn (24 disposals) and Jeremy Cameron (23 disposals, three goals) were ultra important in the comeback. 

08:15

Highlights | Geelong v Fremantle

The Cats and Dockers clash in round one of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

PLAYER TO WATCH

Bailey Smith

After a quiet start to the season by his lofty standards, Bailey was back in a big way against the Dockers in Round 1. 

The superstar midfielder amassed 31 disposals and a game-high 673 metres gained, continually testing Fremantle defensively with his run and carry. 

He was also able to have a significant impact heading forward, kicking a goal and registering two goal assists, while also recording six inside 50s and three centre clearances.

Smith was instrumental in Geelong's most recent clash with Adelaide and ultimately claimed the three Brownlow votes, so watch for him to be a key performer once again on Thursday night.