Geelong are set to return to the MCG for the third time this year as they gear up for another big clash, taking on a resurgent Carlton outfit this Friday night. 

The Cats are in fine form heading towards the middle of the season, currently on a four-game win streak after taking down Brisbane and Sydney in the last two weeks. 

Now holding an 8-3 record, Geelong have solidified their position in third place on the ladder, but will need to continue that momentum with a tricky month upcoming on the schedule. 

That month begins with Carlton this week, who have found some form of their own with back-to-back wins over the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide. 

As the Cats prepare to enter the middle portion of the regular season, take a look ahead to Friday night's clash at the MCG, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats is tackled by Sam Walsh of the Blues during the round seven AFL match between Carlton Blues and Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 27, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 12

Carlton v Geelong Cats

MCG, Melbourne

Friday 29 May, 7.40pm AEST

LAST WEEK

The last two weeks have provided perhaps the two biggest tests in football, but Geelong proved they were up for the challenge with two big victories over Brisbane and Sydney in the past fortnight. 

A strong opening half put the Cats well clear at half time on Saturday afternoon, and aside from a 15 minute burst to end the third quarter for the Swans, Geelong looked in complete control as they claimed a 27-point victory at GMHBA Stadium. 

Max Holmes (35 disposals, eight clearances) and Lawson Humphries (33 disposals, 811 metres gained) led the way with a pair of stellar performances, while Jeremy Cameron (21 disposals, three goals) and Bailey Smith (32 disposals, eight score involvements) were both heavily influential. 

08:08

Highlights: Geelong v Sydney

The Cats and Swans clash in round 11 of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets are available for Cats fans heading up the highway on Friday night, click here to head to Ticketek and secure your seat. 

There are also a number of membership options available, like Geelong's Melbourne Flexi Membership. 

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 12 clash with Carlton will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7 from 7.30pm, with the game set to commence at 7.40pm. 

The match will also be broadcast through Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo from the same time. 

Cats fans can also listen to all the action on K rock from 6.00pm 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.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 25: Shannon Neale of the Cats and Liam Reidy of the Blues compete in a ruck contest during the 2026 AFL AAMI Community Series match between the Carlton Blues and the Geelong Cats at IKON Park on February 25, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

PLAYER TO WATCH

Ollie Dempsey

With the level of brilliance that he has sustained over the past two years, Dempsey perhaps has not garnered as much attention in 2026 despite building another strong campaign. 

The dashing Cat finished with 23 disposals and five score involvements against Sydney, while amassing 361 metres gained to continue to test the best sides with his running capacity. 

In 2025, Dempsey collected 20 disposals or more on six occasions and has already done it in five matches so far this year, finding the footy with ease while still kicking 10 goals from 11 matches to impact the scoreboard. 

With his endurance and speed, Dempsey's game is particularly suited to the MCG and the stats back that up, averaging 17.5 disposals and over a goal per game in 18 career appearances at the venue. 

Expect the young star to be important once again on Friday night, looking to continue his strong form and to hopefully help the Cats extend their winning streak.