Geelong are carrying plenty of momentum after taking down Brisbane at the Gabba last Thursday, but the big challenges keep coming as they return home to take on Sydney in Round 11. 

With three consecutive wins, the Cats have ascended to third position on the ladder with a 7-3 record, currently in ominous form offensively with five scores of 117 points or more in the last six weeks. 

But this week they will welcome the hottest team in the competition, with Sydney currently sitting on top of the ladder and on a seven-game win streak of their own. 

This weekend will mark the second time that Geelong have faced the Swans at Kardinia Park since the start of 2020, the Cats also set to wear the blue iteration of their 2026 First Nations Guernsey to celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round. 

With plenty of exciting activations, a blockbuster clash and a VFL curtain-raiser, take a look ahead to a big Saturday afternoon at GMHBA Stadium, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

08:15

Highlights: Brisbane v Geelong

The Lions and Cats clash in round 10 of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 11

Geelong Cats v Sydney Swans

GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Saturday May 23, 4.15pm AEST

LAST TIME WE MET

The stakes were high when Geelong headed to the Emerald City in the penultimate round of the 2025 regular season, but the Cats were certainly up for the challenge as they all but secured a top-two spot on the ladder with a 43-point victory over the Swans. 

Geelong were tested early as Sydney raced out of the blocks, but neither team was able to build a sizeable lead and the Cats managed to take a nine-point buffer at half time. 

But it was all one-way traffic after the main break, with the Cats kicking eight goals to three in the second half to secure a big victory at the SCG. 

30 disposals and five clearances were enough to secure Bailey Smith the three Brownlow votes, Shannon Neale dominated with four goals before half time, while Shaun Mannagh was brilliant with 19 disposals and three goals. 

06:51

Classy Cats Get The Win | Round 23 Game Film

Take a look back at some behind the scenes action, as Geelong get the win in Sydney.

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets are selling quickly for Saturday's blockbuster clash with the ladder-leading Swans, follow the link to head to Ticketmaster and secure your seat today. 

Fans with a ticket to the AFL match will also gain entry to Geelong's VFL curtain-raiser from 12.05pm. 

Head to the Geelong Cats Membership page to see all available membership options for the remainder of the season. 

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 11 clash with Sydney will be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo from 4.00pm AEST, ahead of the game starting at 4.15pm. 

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.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 22: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats in action during the 2023 AFL Round 06 match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at GMHBA Stadium on April 22, 2023 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

SIR DOUG NICHOLLS ROUND

Rounds 10 and 11 of the AFL season will be Sir Doug Nicholls Round, recognising and celebrating the impact of First Nations people on our great game. 

For the second week, Geelong will wear a special guernsey designed by Meeza and Lawson Humphries titled 'Saltwater Stories Volume 2.' 

There are two iterations of the guernsey, a white version which Geelong wore last week at the Gabba and a blue edition, which will be worn during the clash with Sydney. 

Click here to find out more information on the guernsey.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 14: Oliver Henry of the Cats celebrates kicking a goal during the round 10 AFL match between Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats at The Gabba, on May 14, 2026, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

PLAYER TO WATCH

Zach Guthrie

While his role is not necessarily one that attracts high praise and external recognition, Zach Guthrie has been just as important to Geelong as any other player so far in 2026. 

With the ability to play tall or small as required, Guthrie has been given big tasks on dangerous forwards and quietly goes about his business, leading Geelong for disposal efficiency and sitting in the top five at the club for rebound 50s. 

Guthrie also sits fourth at the Cats for intercept possessions and third for intercept marks, coming off another strong game against Brisbane where he finished with five score involvements and five intercept possessions. 

This week Geelong will face one of the most potent attacks in the competition, which includes dangerous small forwards like Tom Papley and Malcolm Rosas, so Guthrie will be crucial to try and combat their strengths on Saturday afternoon.