A tough stretch of games lies ahead for the Cats and it starts with Round 8, as a resurgent North Melbourne outfit travels down the highway for a big Saturday afternoon clash at GMHBA Stadium. 

Coming off a disappointing loss to Port Adelaide last weekend, Geelong will look to get back on the winners list in front of their home crowd, in what is set to be a brilliant day of football. 

The VFL Cats will also be in action in another exciting curtain-raiser clash, as they take on North Melbourne at the Cattery prior to the AFL match. 

Take a look ahead to Geelong's clash with the Kangaroos, proudly presented by Lee Kum Kee. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 8
Geelong Cats v North Melbourne
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Saturday May 2, 4.35pm AEST

TEAM SELECTION

LAST TIME WE MET

Jezza's day out dominated the headlines in Geelong's most recent clash with North Melbourne, as they cruised to a comprehensive 101-point victory in Round 20 last year. 

Cameron dominated from start to finish and ended with a career-high 11 goal haul, becoming the first Cat since Gary Ablett Senior to reach double digits in a single match. 

Bailey Smith collected a lazy 43 disposals and 13 clearances to have complete control through the midfield, while Max Holmes and Tom Atkins also impressed in the scintillating outing under the roof at Marvel Stadium. 

08:09

Highlights: North Melbourne v Geelong

The Kangaroos and Cats clash in round 20 of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

LEE KUM KEE - PIVOTAL MATCH-UP

Mitch Edwards v Tristan Xerri

Set to be perhaps the biggest test in his young career so far, Mitch Edwards will go toe-to-toe with superstar ruckman Tristan Xerri on Saturday. 

Edwards has been rock solid at the start of his AFL journey, featuring in the last six consecutive games and giving the Cats a new dynamic around stoppages. 

Xerri is widely considered to be one of the top three ruckmen in the competition and the stats back that up, with the Roos big man ranking first in the AFL for average contested possessions per game, third for clearances and second for tackles. 

Geelong were well beaten around stoppages by Port Adelaide last week, so this battle between Edwards and Xerri is set to be crucial to the outcome of Saturday's clash. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 17: Mitchell Edwards of the Cats handballs during the round six AFL match between Geelong Cats and Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium, on April 17, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

KEY PLAYER TO WATCH

Max Holmes

Geelong struggled to produce any significant run and carry last week and if there is one player that can flip that script, it will be Max Holmes on Saturday afternoon. 

While he was not poor against the Power, Holmes was not able to have his usual impact despite collecting 25 disposals and three clearances. 

The star Cat is averaging 28.9 disposals, 5.1 inside 50s and 4.6 rebound 50s per game this year, building a strong and consistent start to the season. 

Look for Holmes to be part of a strong response this weekend, with a strong previous record against the Kangaroos and a brilliant streak of games at GMHBA Stadium heading into another big game. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 26: Max Holmes of the Cats runs with the ball during the round 20 AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Geelong Cats at Marvel Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

VFL CURTAIN-RAISER

Prior to the AFL match, Geelong's VFL team will be in action on Saturday afternoon in a curtain-raising clash, as they take on the Kangaroos from 12.30pm at GMHBA Stadium. 

The Cats enjoyed a bye last week but remain perched on top of the VFL ladder, winning three of their opening four games while being one of the highest scoring teams in the competition. 

All patrons with a ticket to the AFL can also attend the VFL match, with entry available through Gate 13 from 12.00pm. 

For more information, check out Geelong's Match Day Guide. 

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. 

Members, make sure to download your tickets from the Cats app prior to arriving at GMHBA Stadium. 

VFL Ticketing

Ticket holders for the AFL match have entry included for the VFL game. All patrons must hold a ticket to the AFL game to access the VFL match.

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.