Geelong will be looking to regain control of their season as they prepare to take on St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday night. 

After suffering defeats in five of their last six games, the Cats have slipped to ninth position on the ladder, but still have plenty of football ahead with six games to go in the home and away season. 

This week's challenge will be against a Saints side that has found form in recent weeks, recording back-to-back victories to move inside the top 10 and setting the stage for an important match on Thursday night. 

Take a look ahead to Geelong's crucial Round 19 clash at GMHBA Stadium, proudly presented by Lee Kum Kee. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 19
Geelong Cats v St Kilda
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Thursday 16 July, 7.30pm AEST

TEAM SELECTION

LAST TIME WE MET

In the corresponding round last year, Geelong hosted St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium and after a close-fought opening half, the Cats kicked away in the third term to secure a 31-point victory. 

Geelong started strong with a six-goal opening term before the Saints hit back in the second quarter, but the Cats steadied with another five goals in the third term to build an unassailable lead by the final break. 

Max Holmes was everywhere, finishing the day with 32 disposals and 809 metres gained, while Shaun Mannagh was also impactful with 24 disposals, 11 tackles and three goals. 

Jeremy Cameron led the way up forward with a five-goal haul, with Ollie Dempsey (25 disposals, one goal) and Tom Atkins (22 disposals, nine tackles) also among the best on ground. 

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.

LEE KUM KEE - PIVOTAL MATCH-UP

Shannon Neale v Callum Wilkie

In the absence of Jeremy Cameron, the performance of Shannon Neale will become even more important on Thursday night but it is a tough challenge ahead, with Callum Wilkie firmly ranked as one of the top defenders in the competition. 

Neale has had a solid 2026 campaign, leading Geelong for contested marks and kicking 30 goals, while also ranking equal second among all key forwards for goal assists. 

He will be looking to bounce back, however, from a quiet outing against GWS last week, held goalless for just the fourth time in his last 24 games, but also spending more time in the ruck. 

Wilkie has been remarkable this year, ranking first in the AFL for intercept possessions and third for intercept marks, while also averaging nearly 24 disposals per game. 

With Neale set to become Geelong's number one target inside 50, this will be a crucial battle that will go a long way to influencing the final result on Thursday night. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Shannon Neale of the Cats kicks the ball during the round 17 AFL match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at GMHBA Stadium, on July 02, 2026, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

VFL

Geelong's VFL team will hit the road in Round 17 as they head to the other side of Melbourne, set to take on St Kilda at RSEA Park in Moorabbin. 

The Cats extended their winning streak to 10 games last weekend with another big victory, defeating Richmond by 82 points at GMHBA Stadium. 

With a 13-1 record, Geelong remain 10 points clear on top of the ladder and can officially secure a spot in the top four with a victory on Saturday afternoon. 

The Cats also sit four games clear of GWS in third but the Giants do have a game in hand, meaning a Geelong win and a GWS loss will also lock in a top two spot and a home Qualifying Final. 

Geelong will take on St Kilda from 12.05pm AEST on Saturday afternoon, with the game streamed on the AFL website and through the AFL app. 

06:03

VFL Highlights: Geelong v Richmond

The Cats and Tigers clash in round 16

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. 

Get access to this game with a Flexi Membership! For just $44 you can get two General Admission tickets. By purchasing a membership you'll also go in the draw to win a Ford Everest! Link Here

Kids Footy Month

Footy is the place to be, even better - Kids Go Free! Kids aged 14 years and under can enjoy free entry* to this game! More information can be found here: Kids Footy Month | AFL.com.au

*Subject to capacity and availability. 

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.