Things move quickly in the football world and so do the Cats, with another opportunity awaiting as they return home this weekend to take on North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium.
It will be a chance for Geelong to bounce back after a disappointing trip to Adelaide in Round 7, but they still sit in a relatively strong position on the ladder with an exciting run of games upcoming.
The challenge this week will not be a simple one however, with a resurgent North Melbourne team in strong form to start the 2026 season, falling narrowly short of their fifth win against GWS last Sunday.
Geelong have certainly had the better of this battle in recent history, winning their last 14 consecutive clashes against the Kangaroos dating back to 2016, but it will not be a game they can take lightly against an ever-improving opponent.
Take a look ahead to a big Saturday afternoon at the Cattery, proudly presented by Villawood Properties.
KEY DETAILS
2026 AFL Season | Round 8
Geelong Cats v North Melbourne
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Saturday May 2, 4.35pm AEST
LAST TIME WE MET
It was Jezza's world and we were all just living in it the last time Geelong faced North Melbourne, as the superstar forward became the first Cats player since Gary Ablett Senior to reach 10 goals in a game.
Cameron kicked a career-high 11 goals in the Round 20 clash last year, guiding the Cats to a 101-point victory at Marvel Stadium after a relatively even start to the contest.
Bailey Smith (43 disposals, 13 clearances) ran riot through the midfield, Max Holmes (29 disposals, 11 score involvements) was equally impressive and Shaun Mannagh (19 disposals, nine inside 50s) provided a great connection between the forwards and mids.
HOW TO GET TICKETS
Tickets are on sale for Saturday's clash with the Kangaroos, follow the link below to secure your seat through Ticketmaster.
There are also plenty of great Membership options available for this weekend or for a different way to experience the game, check out all of Geelong's Corporate Hospitality options.
WHERE TO WATCH
Geelong's Round 8 match will be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo from 4.30pm AEST, ahead of the opening bounce at 4.35pm.
Cats fans can also listen to all the action on K rock from 3.00pm 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.
VFL CURTAIN RAISER
Five rounds of the VFL season have passed and despite losing their last game, Geelong still sit perched handsomely on top of the ladder with three wins from their first four games.
After enjoying a bye week to reset, the VFL Cats will be back in action on Saturday afternoon in a curtain-raising clash with North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium.
The match will kick off at 12.45pm AEST and will be followed by the AFL game at 4.35pm, so make sure to arrive at Kardinia Park early to catch all the action.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Shaun Mannagh
Geelong struggled to transition the ball from defence to attacking 50 against Port Adelaide, particularly missing the creativity of Gryan Miers and if any player is going to fill that void, expect it to be Shaun Mannagh.
The clever Cat bounced back from a quiet two-week stretch with a brilliant display against the Western Bulldogs, but he was limited to 13 disposals and a goal against the Power on Saturday afternoon.
In last year's clash with North Melbourne, Mannagh was brilliant collecting 19 disposals, nine inside 50s and two goal assists, while also laying five tackles inside 50 to put plenty of pressure on the Kangaroos defence.
Geelong will be looking to bounce back and Mannagh is often a barometer for the team, so keep an eye on him to put together a strong performance on Saturday afternoon.
