There are not many bigger stages in the competition than a Friday night at the MCG, with Geelong setting themselves for another big clash against Carlton in Round 12. 

On the back of some strong form in recent weeks, the Cats will be looking to further entrench themselves in the top four as they search for a fifth consecutive win. 

It is also set to be their third match at the MCG this year, looking to build on a strong 54-point victory over Collingwood in their last outing at the venue, with still two more matches to come at the 'G in the remainder of the 2026 home and away season. 

Carlton struggled at the start of the year but have found form in recent weeks, knocking off the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide in the past two games to carry momentum into Friday's match. 

Another big occasion and yet another important clash for the Cats awaits on Friday night, take a look ahead to Geelong's clash with Carlton, proudly presented by Lee Kum Kee. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 12
Carlton v Geelong Cats
MCG, Melbourne
Friday 29 May, 7.40pm AEST

TEAM SELECTION

RECENT FORM

Geelong have hit their straps over the last month and are flying heading into Round 12, carrying a four-game win streak which includes victories over some premiership contenders. 

The Cats took down Collingwood in Round 9 and followed that with a dominant performance at the Gabba to defeat Brisbane, before returning home and taking care of business against Sydney last weekend. 

With an 8-3 record, Geelong will be looking to claim another scalp on Friday night heading into an important part of the year, with a month remaining until their mid-season bye. 

08:08

Highlights: Geelong v Sydney

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

LEE KUM KEE - PIVOTAL MATCH-UP

Bailey Smith v Sam Walsh

Two of the hardest runners in the competition and a pair of incredibly talented midfielders, it is set to be an enticing battle as Bailey Smith and Sam Walsh go toe-to-toe on Friday night. 

Smith has been in scintillating form this season, averaging an incredible 32.3 disposals per game (third in the AFL) to go with 5.8 clearances, 6.6 inside 50s (second in the AFL) and 8.0 score involvements. 

His consistency has been remarkable, collecting 30 disposals or more in nine of his 11 games so far in 2026, while also leading the Cats for contested possessions. 

Walsh has been brilliant for the Blues, averaging 27.9 disposals, 5.1 inside 50s and 7.5 score involvements per game, all team-highs for Carlton to this point of the year. 

Both players will be looking to utilise their explosive speed and endurance on the wide expanses of the MCG, with this battle between two superstars set to have a big influence on Friday night's result.  

KEY PLAYER TO WATCH

Tom Stewart

Geelong's champion defender continues to be one of the most important players each and every week, putting together a terrific 2026 season with a number of instrumental performances that have led the Cats to some big wins. 

Last week, Stewart copped plenty of attention in a tag from the Swans but still managed to battle through, finishing the game with 17 disposals, five marks and eight intercept possessions, while keeping James Rowbottom to just 14 disposals. 

It came a week after Stewart's incredible performance in Brisbane, where he collected 28 disposals and 17 intercept possessions in a remarkable display that helped the Cats to take down the reigning premiers. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MAY 23: Shannon Neale of the Cats and Tom Stewart of the Cats pose for a picture during the round 11 AFL match between Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans at GMHBA Stadium, on May 23, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos)

VFL

Geelong's AFL team are not the only ones in red-hot form, with the VFL Cats sitting a game clear on top of the ladder through their opening eight matches, holding a 7-1 record with a strong percentage. 

The Cats will head to IKON Park on Saturday afternoon, set to take on Carlton from 12.05pm AEST as they search for a fifth consecutive victory. 

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.