Geelong is set for their season opening clash on Saturday afternoon, as they look to get their 2026 VFLW campaign off to a strong start against Williamstown at Deakin University. 

The Cats will once again be coached by Taylah Hassett in 2026, with Mel Staunton set to captain the side for a second straight season. 

Vice-captain Brooke Borchard will pull on the blue and white Hoops for the first time this weekend, headlining a group of 10 players that will make their Geelong debut. 

Among the line-up for Round 1 is dominant ruck Hayley Peck, who claimed Geelong's VFLW Best and Fairest in 2025 and also featured in the VFLW State Team for Victoria against the SANFL last month. 

The Cats will look to start their season on a positive note as they prepare to take on Williamstown, who were a Semi Finalist in 2025, with the game set to commence at 12.05pm AEST on Saturday afternoon at Deakin University. 

2026 VFLW Round 1

Geelong Cats v Williamstown
Deakin University, Geelong
12.05pm AEST, Saturday May 16

NEW: Jenna Hurring (Western Jets/Point Cook), Axel Oswald (Maroochydore QAFLW), Zali Gallagher (Gippsland Power/Casey Demons/St Josephs), Bindi Crabtree (Southport), Nikita Harris (Dandenong Stingrays/Karingal), Tyla Crabtree (Southport), Isabella Davies (Western Bulldogs VFLW), Xenia Allen (Darebin Falcons/St Marys), Brooke Borchard (Casey Demons/Endeavour Hills), Lucy Massie (Darwin Buffaloes/Maroochydore)