For the third time in the 2026 season, the Cats are set to head to Adelaide as they look to bounce back from last week's defeat, taking on the Adelaide Crows in a big Thursday night battle. 

Geelong remain in the top four despite falling to Carlton on Friday night, this week a chance to respond with three games remaining before the mid-season bye. 

They were defeated in their last visit to the City of Churches but Geelong historically hold a strong record at Adelaide Oval, winning seven of their last nine matches at the venue. 

The two sides have already met once this year, with Geelong prevailing in a tight battle at GMHBA Stadium back in Round 3. 

Adelaide will be fresh coming off their bye in Round 12, currently sitting in eighth position on the ladder with a 6-5 record. 

It is shaping up as a pivotal midseason battle for both teams and Geelong will be hoping to reestablish their winning ways. Take a look ahead to Thursday's big match, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Gryan Miers of the Cats kicks the ball during the 2026 AFL Round 03 match between the Geelong Cats and the Adelaide Crows at GMHBA Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 13

Adelaide v Geelong Cats

Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Thursday 4 June, 7.30pm AEST

LAST TIME WE MET

On a wet and wild night at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong prevailed in a hard-fought battle with Adelaide, overcoming inaccuracy inside 50 to clinch an eight-point victory in Round 3. 

The Cats controlled nearly every major statistic including disposals (+80), inside 50s (+22), contested possessions (+32) and clearances (+7), but struggled to capitalise on the scoreboard in difficult conditions. 

Despite being in front for most of the match, Geelong briefly relinquished the lead early in the final term before Jack Martin had a say, kicking his third goal of the night to cap off a stellar performance and seal the victory for the home side. 

Bailey Smith was immense, finishing the game with 40 disposals, 10 tackles and seven inside 50s, while Shaun Mannagh (24 disposals, one goal) also handled the conditions brilliantly. 

08:12

Highlights: Geelong v Adelaide

The Cats and Crows clash in round three of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

HOW TO GET TICKETS

For Geelong fans heading to Adelaide for Thursday's blockbuster clash, tickets can be purchased through Ticketek. 

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

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Thursday night clash with Adelaide will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7 from 7.00pm, with the game set to commence at 7.30pm. 

The match will also be broadcast through Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo from 7.00pm. 

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.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Connor O'Sullivan

The young defender has been in impeccable form recently and that certainly continued into last Friday night, with O'Sullivan firmly among Geelong's best players as he builds a terrific campaign. 

With Carlton applying plenty of pressure throughout the night, the emerging star stood tall taking five intercept marks and three contested marks, both season-highs to this point in 2026 to go with eight spoils. 

O'Sullivan sits first at Geelong for spoils this year and second for both intercept possessions and intercept marks, while winning 82.9% of his contested defensive one-on-ones which is a remarkable feat for a player in his second full season at the top level. 

Adelaide will present an entirely new challenge this weekend with their potent forward combination, something that O'Sullivan and Geelong's defensive unit will need to be on top of during Thursday night's big clash.