For the third time in the 2026 season, Geelong head west as they prepare for a blockbuster battle against the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night. 

It looms as an important match for the Cats as they look to bounce back from last week's loss, with a big three-game stretch leading into their midseason bye. 

Adelaide are certainly no pushover, the 2025 minor premiers are building into the year nicely and are currently in the top eight on the ladder. 

The Cats will be searching for a victory and looking to improve on their 8-4 record, currently sitting in the top four with a chance to solidify their position on Thursday.

Take one last look ahead to Geelong's clash with Adelaide, proudly presented by Lee Kum Kee. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 13
Adelaide v Geelong Cats
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Thursday 4 June, 7.30pm AEST

TEAM SELECTION

LAST TIME WE MET

The two sides have already met in the 2026 season, with Geelong prevailing by eight points in a hard-fought battle at GMHBA Stadium in Round 3. 

Despite controlling most areas of the game, the Cats could not get reward on the scoreboard in wet and windy conditions at Kardinia Park, doing enough late on the back of a three-goal haul from Jack Martin. 

Bailey Smith (40 disposals, 10 tackles) was a key driver for Geelong, Shaun Mannagh (24 disposals, one goal) was brilliant and Tom Stewart (24 disposals, nine intercepts) spearheaded an impressive defensive performance. 

08:12

Highlights: Geelong v Adelaide

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

LEE KUM KEE - PIVOTAL MATCH-UP

Zach Guthrie v Josh Rachele

When it comes to Adelaide's forward structure, normally most of the attention will focus on their tall targets and their ability to tear games apart. 

But in terms of production and creating opportunities out of nothing, there is no Crows player more damaging than Josh Rachele with his incredible craft inside 50. 

To this point of 2026, Rachele leads Adelaide for score involvements (6.8 per game) but he has also kicked more goals than any other Crow, booting 18 goals from 11 matches and only being held goalless on one occasion this year. 

He is also averaging a career-high 19.5 disposals per game and can push into the midfield as required, which means that he will certainly be one player that Geelong will need to nullify on Thursday night and while he is forward, the job might fall upon Zach Guthrie. 

The reliable defender has collected 20 disposals or more in four of his last five matches, while also having an impact with the ability to take intercept marks and rebound out of defensive 50. 

Guthrie will be pivotal for the Cats on Thursday night and particularly if he spends time on Rachele, so keep an eye on this battle as the match unfolds. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Josh Rachele of the Crows and Mark Blicavs of the Cats compete for 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)

VFL

The VFL Cats continued their scintillating form last week with another thumping win over Carlton, now sitting two games clear atop the VFL ladder with a healthy percentage through nine games. 

Geelong have only lost one game so far this year and now have six wins with a margin of over 40 points, comfortably the highest scoring team in the competition but also conceding the least points to opposition sides. 

This week's task is a trip up the highway, with the Cats set to take on Sandringham on Saturday afternoon. The Zebras sit in 19th position on the ladder with a 3-6 record, but they were victorious in their most recent outing which means Geelong will need to nullify their momentum early in the contest. 

Geelong's VFL clash will also be preceded by a curtain-raiser clash, with the VFLW Cats set to do battle with Sandringham prior to the VFL match. 

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.