Geelong has made four changes as they prepare to take on Footscray in a Friday afternoon curtain raiser, looking to continue their undefeated start to the season. 

In exciting news, Jacob Molier is set to return for his first game of the season after overcoming an injury. The young Cat featured in six VFL games to end 2025, averaging 10 disposals and more than a goal per game, which included a four-goal haul against GWS. 

Mitch Knevitt is also set to return after being a carry over emergency for Geelong's AFL team, while Kye Annand and Nathan Kreuger round out the inclusions for the big clash. 

James Worpel comes out of the side after making his return to the Cats' AFL team, Jay Rantall will miss this week through injury, while Will Sheahan and Tom Peirce are unavailable. 

The VFL Cats will be in action against Footscray from 3.15pm on Friday afternoon, with the two VFL teams to do battle prior to the AFL match which will commence at 7.20pm. 

Any ticket holder for the AFL game can also attend the VFL match, with Gate 13 to be open from 3.00pm. 

Every game of the 2026 Smithy's VFL season can also be streamed through the AFL app. 

2026 VFL Round 4

Geelong Cats v Footscray
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
3.15pm AEST, Friday April 17

In: Mitch Knevitt, Jacob Molier, Kye Annand, Nathan Kreuger

Out: James Worpel (AFL), Jay Rantall (injured), Will Sheahan, Tom Peirce (unavailable)

Back

 M. Herbert (62) K. Annand (59) N. Driscoll (27)

Half Back

 C. Burke (41) D. Capiron (50) H. Holmes (22)

Centre

 J. Costello (51) L. Hofmann (23) J. Clark (13)

Half Forward

 W. White (52) J. Ballantyne (57) J. Molier (20)

Full Forward

 J. Pike (37) M. Knevitt (10) J. Mellor (25)
Ruck R. Stanley (1) G. Stevens (15) J. Bews (24)
Interchange N. Kreuger (69) M. Williams (54) D. Edmends (53)
  K. George (67) P. Kelly (74)  
23rd player   M. Williams (54)  
Emergencies O. Pollock (70) W. Sheahan (72) H. Wright (56)
  Z. Stevens (78) T. Lewis (66) J. Hose (65)
  C. Green (84) J. Henderson (47)