Returning home from a dominant display at Gather Round, attention quickly turns to Friday night footy as the Cats prepare for another big clash against the Western Bulldogs. 

With a 46-point victory over the Eagles on Sunday, Geelong ascended into the top eight for the first time this year recording their third win in the last four weeks. 

The Bulldogs present a very unique challenge. They started the season with four consecutive wins but were comfortably beaten by Hawthorn at Gather Round, with a number of their key players racing the clock to be fit for Friday night. 

These two teams played out one of the most entertaining games of the year in 2025, with the Cats prevailing in a thriller as Bailey Smith squared off against his old side for the first time. 

With so much to look forward to, take a glance ahead to Geelong's monumental clash with the Western Bulldogs, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MAY 22: Shannon Neale of the Cats celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 11 match between the Geelong Cats and the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium on May 22, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 6

Geelong Cats v Western Bulldogs

GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Friday April 17, 7.20pm AEST

LAST TIME WE MET

An incredible contest with storylines everywhere including Mitch Duncan's 300th game and Bailey Smith facing his old side, there was plenty happening when Geelong hosted the Western Bulldogs in Round 11 last year. 

The game lived up to the hype, the Bulldogs started well but the Cats pulled away with six unanswered goals in the second term, before the Dogs clawed their way back into the contest with a strong finish to the third term. 

Scores were level 20 minutes into the final quarter before Shannon Neale stamped his authority, kicking two goals in quick succession before Tyson Stengle nailed the dagger, with the Cats securing a 14 point victory in front of a loud crowd at GMHBA Stadium. 

Neale and Jeremy Cameron kicked 11 goals between them, Max Holmes (33 disposals) and Smith (33 disposals) were immense through the middle, while Gryan Miers (23 disposals) was also instrumental in the big win. 

08:16

Highlights: Geelong v Western Bulldogs

The Cats and Bulldogs clash in round 11 of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets are selling fast for Friday night's blockbuster clash against the Western Bulldogs, follow the link here to secure your seat through Ticketmaster today. 

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 Round 6 clash will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7 from 7.00pm AEST, ahead of the opening bounce at 7.20pm. 

You can also catch the game on Fox Footy or stream it through Kayo from 7.00pm. 

Cats fans can also listen to all the action on K rock from 6.00pm AEST, tune in via FM 95.5 across Geelong & the Surf Coast, the K rock app or the AFL app.

ROUND 5 TAKEAWAYS

Geelong returned to the winner's list with a strong performance against the Eagles on Sunday, closing out a 46-point victory in the club's first V/AFL match at Norwood Oval. 

After an even start to the match, the Cats kicked away with five unanswered goals to finish the opening half, opening up a handy buffer and keeping West Coast at a comfortable distance for the remainder of the game. 

Bailey Smith (34 disposals, 15 inside 50s) was sublime through the middle, Max Holmes (34 disposals) moved to half back and it paid dividends immediately, while Tom Atkins (30 disposals, 11 tackles) and James Worpel's (20 disposals, 11 clearances) work around stoppages was telling. 

Tanner Bruhn (28 disposals, two goal assists) was able to break the game open with his run and carry, while Connor O'Sullivan (19 disposals, 12 marks) stood tall in defence. 

08:12

Highlights: Geelong v West Coast

The Cats and Eagles clash in round five of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

PLAYER TO WATCH

Tom Atkins

If the midfield battle against the Eagles was important, then it is set to be absolutely pivotal on Friday night against one of the best on-ball divisions in the competition. 

Facing the likes of Marcus Bontempelli and potentially Ed Richards, Geelong's defensive midfield focus will be crucial and there is nobody better in the game at that aspect than Tom Atkins.

On Sunday, Atkins collected 30 disposals for just the second time in his career, while also laying 11 tackles and winning six clearances, two statistics he leads the Cats in so far this year. 

The Bulldogs won the clearance battle in their last three wins with a differential of +40, but were well beaten by Hawthorn which highlights the importance of that area this week, and look for Tom Atkins to make his presence felt.