With five games remaining in the home and away season, perhaps the biggest clash remaining on Geelong's schedule awaits this weekend as they head to the MCG to take on Melbourne. 

It is a Friday night blockbuster with so much at stake, the Cats looking to build on their victory over St Kilda last Thursday, with still only two games separating fourth on the ladder down to Geelong in ninth. 

This week's opponent, Melbourne, are one of the teams Geelong are chasing with the Demons currently occupying sixth position on the ladder, adding extra importance to Friday's clash. 

It will mark the first game of an MCG doubleheader for the Cats over the coming fortnight, with a clash against Collingwood also looming in Round 21. 

Take a first look ahead to this week's pivotal clash between Geelong and Melbourne, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 04: Gryan Miers of the Cats and Trent Rivers of the Demons compete for the ball during the 2025 AFL Round 04 match between the Geelong Cats and the Melbourne Demons at GMHBA Stadium on April 4, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 20

Melbourne v Geelong Cats

MCG, Melbourne

Friday July 24, 7.40pm AEST

LAST TIME WE MET

It has been a substantial amount of time since Geelong last squared off against Melbourne, with the last clash coming in Round 4 of the 2025 season, the Cats prevailing by 39 points in a tough contest at GMHBA Stadium. 

Only 16 points separated the sides at three quarter time, but Geelong were able to gain control in the final term and kicked the last four goals of the match, closing out an impressive victory in front of a strong Cats crowd. 

No star shone brighter in the Round 4 clash than the skipper, Patrick Dangerfield who finished the contest with 20 disposals, a game-high three goals and ultimately the three Brownlow votes. 

Gryan Miers (26 disposals) was also among the Cats' best with his ball use and creativity, while Zach Guthrie (30 disposals) helped to repel numerous Melbourne attacks with a commanding performance across half back. 

08:04

AFL Highlights | Round 4

The Cats and Demons clash in round four of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

PLAYER TO WATCH

Oisin Mullin

The Irish sensation claimed another big scalp last week as he put the clamps on Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, adding to an ever-extending list of successful tagging jobs he has done so far in 2026. 

Not only has he been brilliant defensively, but Mullin has also found ways to be potent in attack, averaging more than 13 disposals, four tackles and three score involvements per game, helping to keep his opponents accountable. 

Mullin completely nullified Wanganeen-Milera's influence last Thursday, keeping him to 21 disposals and three score involvements, his lowest disposal tally since Round 1. 

Facing Melbourne this week, the likely matchup will be against superstar Kysaiah Pickett who has been in remarkable form, and could set up an enthralling contest between the two pivotal players. 

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 11: Oisin Mullin of the Cats in action during the 2026 AFL Round 05 match between the Geelong Cats and the West Coast Eagles at Norwood Oval on April 11, 2026 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

VFL CATS

This sentence seems almost unfathomable, but Geelong's VFL team have already secured a top-two finish and a home Qualifying Final, with still four rounds remaining in the home and away season. 

It has been an extraordinary year, the Cats winning their 11th consecutive game on the weekend and taking their record to 14-1, still 10 points clear of Werribee on top of the ladder. 

With the action completed on the weekend and most teams having three games remaining, no side from third on the ladder down can catch the Cats, who now only need one more victory to secure the minor premiership. 

It was a different looking contest on the weekend, with Geelong doing enough to stave off a strong challenge from St Kilda in a low-scoring affair at RSEA Park, eventually prevailing by 26 points on Saturday afternoon. 

The Cats will head to Casey Fields on Saturday to take on the Demons, searching for their 12th consecutive victory. 

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Tickets for Cats fans heading up the highway to Friday night's game are available, follow the link below to secure your seat at the MCG.

Get Tickets

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 20 clash with Melbourne will be broadcast on Channel 7 from 7.30pm AEST, before the game commences at 7.40pm. 

The match will also be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo, with the coverage starting from 7.30pm.

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.