Geelong has overcome plenty of big challenges already in 2026, but Thursday night might be the biggest test of all as they head to Optus Stadium for a battle with the ladder-leading Fremantle Dockers.

Fresh off a big victory over the Gold Coast Suns, the Cats have ascended to third spot on the ladder with a 9-5 record, and can further entrench themselves in the top four if they can claim a big scalp this week. 

It will be the final game before Geelong's midseason bye, as they will take the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate before launching into the back half of the season. 

Fremantle are the hottest team in the competition so far this year, perched atop the ladder with a 12-1 record but in good news for Geelong, they are currently the only team to have beaten the Dockers in 2026. 

It is set to be one of the biggest games in the home and away season, so take a look ahead to Geelong's huge clash with the Dockers on Thursday night, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Mark Blicavs of the Cats handballs under pressure from Corey Wagner of the Dockers during the round one AFL match between Geelong Cats and Fremantle Dockers at GMHBA Stadium, on March 14, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 15

Fremantle v Geelong Cats

Optus Stadium, Perth

Thursday 18 June, 8.10pm AEST

LAST TIME WE MET

The two teams met earlier in the 2026 season, in a classic Round 1 clash as Fremantle laid down the challenge early at GMHBA Stadium, before the Cats came storming home to set up a grandstand finish. 

Late in the first half, the Dockers kicked away to a game-high 35-point lead and they remained in front until the nine minute mark of the fourth quarter, but Geelong flicked the switch and kicked 10 of the last 13 goals to clinch a 10-point victory. 

Shannon Neale was immense with five goals, Jeremy Cameron and Shaun Mannagh kicked three apiece, while Max Holmes and Bailey Smith both collected over 30 disposals to help inspire the Cats to a famous win. 

08:15

Highlights | Geelong v Fremantle

The Cats and Dockers clash in round one of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

PLAYER TO WATCH

Oisin Mullin

One of Geelong's most important players in 2026, Oisin Mullin has done some incredible negating jobs on the competition's top players and that continued last Friday, as he limited the impact of Christian Petracca in the Cats' win over Gold Coast. 

It adds to an ever-growing list of superstar players that he has nullified this year, which includes the likes of Marcus Bontempelli and Isaac Heeney, while still able to push hard forward and have an impact offensively. 

This week will be a fascinating watch against a star-studded Fremantle team, boasting players like Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Shai Bolton through the midfield, or a potential candidate could even be Murphy Reid across half forward. 

Wherever he is deployed on Thursday night, Mullin's performance and impact will be absolutely vital if Geelong are to upset the ladder-leaders at Optus Stadium. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 12: Oisin Mullin of the Cats handballs during the round 14 AFL match between Geelong Cats and Gold Coast Suns at GMHBA Stadium, on June 12, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

HOW TO GET TICKETS

For Geelong fans in Perth or those heading west for Thursday's blockbuster clash, tickets can be secured through Ticketmaster. 

There are plenty of great membership options still available for the remainder of the 2026 season, take a look and find the option that suits you best here. 

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's clash with Fremantle will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7 from 7.30pm AEST, with the game set to commence at 8.10pm. The match will also be broadcast through Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo from 8.00pm. 

Cats fans can also listen to all the action on K rock from 7.00pm 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.