Attention quickly turns to Geelong's second interstate trip in the 2026 season, as they prepare to head west for a Gather Round clash against West Coast on Sunday afternoon.

Since its inception in 2023, Gather Round has been an enjoyable weekend for the Cats with three consecutive victories, including hard-fought wins over the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide in the most recent two editions. 

The first AFL Gather Round was another clash with West Coast where Geelong prevailed, but this time the two teams will venture to Norwood Oval, the first time that the Cats have played for premiership points at the venue in the club's history. 

Geelong will also be looking to extend their strong history over West Coast, having won the last six consecutive clashes with their most recent loss to the Eagles coming back in 2020. 

Always an exciting occasion, take a look ahead to Geelong's important clash with West Coast at Gather Round, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Shannon Neale of the Cats competes in a ruck contest with Matt Flynn of the Eagles during the 2025 AFL Round 12 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Geelong Cats at Optus Stadium on June 1, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 5

Geelong Cats v West Coast

Norwood Oval, Adelaide

Sunday April 12, 12.30pm AEST

LAST TIME WE MET

With Geelong fighting for a spot in the top four and the Eagles languishing near the bottom of the ladder, not many predicted the Round 12 clash in 2025 between the two teams to be an enthralling affair, but that was exactly how the game turned out. 

The Cats started strong but the plucky Eagles outfit refused to lie down, remaining within 11 points at half time and maintaining the same gap heading into the final quarter. 

But after an early goal pulled West Coast back within a kick, Geelong flexed their muscle and reeled off seven of the last eight goals in the match, inspired by a four-goal burst from Jeremy Cameron to close out the night. 

It finished as a 43-point victory for Geelong, Bailey Smith leading the way with a 38-disposal outing to claim the three Brownlow votes, while Cameron (five goals) and Gryan Miers (26 disposals, two goals) were heavily influential. 

08:12

Highlights: West Coast v Geelong

The Eagles and Cats clash in round 12 of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Click here to view all ticketing information ahead of the 2026 AFL Gather Round in South Australia. 

Geelong fans can also purchase a Digital Plus Membership for the year ahead, which provides a 12-month subscription to Kayo so you can watch all the action from home. 

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Gather Round clash will be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo, which will be covering all the action from 12.30pm AEST at Norwood Oval. 

Cats fans can also listen to all the action on K rock from 11.00am AEST, tune in via FM 95.5 across Geelong & the Surf Coast, the K rock app or the AFL app.

Make sure to follow @GeelongCats social media channels for updates pre, during and post game.

ROUND 4 TAKEAWAYS

It was an incredible contest where neither team led by more than 13 points, but the Cats fell on the wrong side of the ledger by the narrowest of margins in another Easter Monday classic against Hawthorn. 

The loss leaves Geelong with two wins from their opening four games of the season, not a bad result considering the strength of their opponents in those four matches. 

Shannon Neale (four goals) impressed inside 50 and looked strong aerially, Bailey Smith (33 disposals) continued his strong form with another brilliant showing, while Tom Stewart (22 disposals, nine intercepts) helped control the game across half back. 

08:16

Highlights: Hawthorn v Geelong

The Hawks and Cats clash in round four of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

PLAYER TO WATCH

Jack Bowes

After impressing at VFL level and earning his spot back in Geelong's AFL team, Jack Bowes quickly proved why he was selected for Easter Monday with a damaging display against the Hawks. 

Somewhat surprisingly, his impact was felt most inside forward 50 as he kicked two goals and dished off two goal assists in the first half alone, going on to finish with three goal assists for the match. 

Bowes was also able to bring the pressure, laying two tackles inside 50 and four tackles for the match, achieving all of this despite playing just 62% game time. 

After adjusting to the elite level in his first game back for the 2026 season, expect Bowes to build from here and be a dangerous asset for the Cats this weekend against the Eagles.