With their final interstate trip in the regular season in the rearview mirror, Geelong will return home to GMHBA Stadium for a crucial clash with St Kilda on Thursday night. 

The Cats will need to bounce back after suffering their fifth defeat in the last six games, fading out in a 13-point loss to the GWS Giants at ENGIE Stadium. 

The most recent loss has seen Geelong slip to ninth position on the ladder, now in a battle to avoid the Wildcard Round and two games adrift of the top four. 

St Kilda are hot on their heels in 10th spot, coming off back-to-back victories following their bye and most recently seeing off a strong challenge from Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium. 

The Cats will need the support of their loyal fans this week and to begin the build up, take a look ahead to Thursday's important clash with the Saints, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

00:46

'He's kicked a goal with his pants down': Mannagh magic exposes Giants

Shaun Mannagh shocks everyone as he manages to thread a magnificent major after his shorts were stripped in the tackle

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 19

Geelong Cats v St Kilda

GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Thursday July 16, 7.30pm AEST

LAST TIME WE MET

In the corresponding round of the 2025 season, Geelong welcomed St Kilda to GMHBA Stadium and held on in a close fought contest, claiming a 31-point victory. 

The Cats kicked away early in the match and built a strong lead in the opening term, but had to fend off a Saints challenge in the second quarter as they closed the gap, before building an unassailable lead shortly after half time. 

Max Holmes was dominant throughout the match collecting 32 disposals, eight inside 50s and five clearances, ultimately taking out the three Brownlow votes for his stellar performance. 

Shaun Mannagh (24 disposals, three goals) was also brilliant, while Jeremy Cameron continued his charge to the Coleman Medal with another five-goal haul. 

08:51

Big Win At Home | Round 19 Game Film

The Cats defeated St Kilda by 31 points at GMHBA Stadium to keep a foothold on a top four finish.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Oli Wiltshire

With the Cats opting for a taller forward structure over the past six weeks, the importance of pressure in their attacking half has never been more critical and based on Chris Scott's recent line-up, Oli Wiltshire is the key figure in that space. 

The young forward has gained valuable experience at the elite level this year, featuring in the last five consecutive AFL games and showing some strong signs, kicking seven goals over the past four weeks. 

He was kept reasonably quiet against the Giants but his speed and pressure will be vital this week, coming up against a St Kilda outfit that loves to run and carry off half back to spark their ball movement. 

Brad Hill in particular has been impressive for the Saints, amassing 37, 42 and 39 disposals in the past three weeks, comfortably among the best players on the ground in each of those games. 

Wiltshire could be one player that might get the job on Hill but however he is deployed on Thursday night, both his attacking and defensive skills will be important to Geelong's hopes of returning to the winner's list. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Oliver Wiltshire of the Cats kicks the ball 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 CATS

There are not many superlatives left to describe Geelong's VFL team this year, as they cruised to another thumping victory over Richmond at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

The Cats were certainly tested despite the final scoreline, trailing a spirited Tigers outfit midway through the third quarter before flipping the script, piling on a flurry of goals in the final 45 minutes of the game to register their 10th straight win. 

Now holding a 13-1 record, Geelong remain 10 points clear on top of the ladder with four games remaining in the home and away season, meaning two wins will secure the minor premiership. 

Just as important however is the chance to finish in the top two and secure a home Qualifying Final, which with their incredible percentage, the Cats will only need one more victory to lock in. 

The VFL Cats will also be taking on St Kilda this week, with the game set to take place from 12.05pm AEST on Saturday afternoon at RSEA Park. 

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets are available for Thursday's crucial clash with St Kilda, follow the link below to secure your seat through Ticketmaster. 

You can also purchase a Two Game Flexi Membership, which provides general admission tickets to Cats matches in Melbourne or Geelong in 2026. 

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 19 clash with St Kilda will be broadcast on Channel 7 from 7.00pm AEST, before the game commences at 7.30pm. 

The match will also be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo, with the coverage starting from 7.00pm.

Cats fans can also tune in via K rock from 6.00pm, listen via FM 95.5 across Geelong & the Surf Coast, delay-free via the K rock app, or the AFL app.