The season is perched in an intriguing spot heading into Round 18, as Geelong prepares to take on the GWS Giants at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday. 

With seven games remaining in the home and away season, the Cats sit in seventh spot on the ladder and after four defeats in their last five games, will be looking to reverse form and gather momentum heading into September. 

The Giants have found form of their own, however, and pose an interesting challenge this week, fresh off a dominant victory over the ladder-leading Fremantle Dockers last Saturday. 

They are also a team that has caused headaches for the Cats in recent years, with GWS winning the last four clashes and seven of the last nine between the two sides. 

In preparation for Saturday's important clash, take a look at everything you need to know as Geelong heads to ENGIE Stadium, proudly presented by Lee Kum Kee. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 18
GWS Giants v Geelong Cats
ENGIE Stadium, Sydney
Saturday 11 July, 4.15pm AEST

TEAM SELECTION

LEE KUM KEE - PIVOTAL MATCH-UP

Bailey Smith v Clayton Oliver

Two of the best midfielders in the competition will go head-to-head on Saturday, when Bailey Smith and Clayton Oliver represent their sides in an important on-ball battle. 

Smith has been brilliant once again in 2026, averaging the second-most disposals per game of any player in the AFL (32.2), while also ranking second for inside 50s, eighth for goal assists and 14th for contested possessions. 

The star Cat has been ultra consistent this year too, collecting 30 disposals or more in 12 of his 15 games, while also ranking fourth for metres gained and able to break games open with his running capacity. 

Oliver has also impressed in his first year at GWS, ranking third in the AFL for total disposals, second for clearances and first for contested possessions. He also collected 32 disposals and 10 clearances last week, playing a pivotal role in the Giants' big win over Fremantle. 

Winning the clearance battle will go a long way to controlling proceedings on Saturday afternoon, and there are no players more important to that than Smith and Oliver for either team. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Bailey Smith of the Cats in action during the 2026 AFL Round 17 match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at GMHBA Stadium on July 2, 2026 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

VFL

Geelong's VFL team continued their remarkable form last Friday night, kicking away late to register a strong 52-point win over Frankston at Kinetic Stadium. 

Incredibly, it was the Cats' 10th win by 44 points or more this season, maintaining their healthy percentage that currently sits at nearly 180 through 13 games. 

Not only is their percentage strong, but Geelong's 12-1 record has them 10 points clear on top of the ladder, two and a half wins ahead of Werribee in second position. 

With five games remaining in the home and away season, Geelong only need three more victories to officially secure top spot, while two wins will lock in a top four finish. 

The VFL Cats will return home this Saturday for the first time in three weeks, set to take on Richmond at GMHBA Stadium from 12.05pm AEST. 

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets are available for Geelong fans heading to Saturday's game against the GWS Giants, follow the link here to secure your seat through Ticketmaster. 

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 18 clash with the GWS Giants will be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo, with the coverage starting from 4.00pm AEST ahead of the opening bounce at 4.15pm. 

Cats fans can also tune in via K rock from 3.00pm, listen via FM 95.5 across Geelong & the Surf Coast, delay-free via the K rock app, or the AFL app.