Three games remain in the 2026 regular season and the dash to September is shaping up to be one of the tightest in recent history, with Geelong set to play a key part as they prepare to take on Essendon in Round 22. 

With three consecutive wins under their belt and two in a row against fellow Finals contenders, the Cats have risen to seventh on the ladder and now sit just one game out of the top four, after taking care of business against Collingwood last Thursday. 

Geelong's final three games in the home and away season will see them face Essendon, North Melbourne and Richmond, with a chance to push for a top six spot on the ladder or even better, fourth position and a double chance in the post-season. 

There are still plenty of big games ahead that will have a substantial impact on the final standings, but for Geelong the equation is simple: just keep winning when they take on the Bombers on Saturday afternoon. 

The match will also be Retro Round for Geelong, with the Cats to wear a specially designed guernsey celebrating some iconic eras from the club's history. 

Take a look ahead to Saturday afternoon at the Cattery, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 22

Geelong Cats v Essendon

GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Saturday August 8, 4.35pm AEST

THE STATE OF PLAY

It might just be one of the tightest races to September in recent history, with so much still to play for and only three games remaining in the home and away season, along with the addition of the new Wildcard Round which brings in another layer of intrigue for 2026. 

As it currently stands, three teams are tied on 52 points and only percentage separating fourth position on the ladder down to sixth, but Geelong are nipping at their heels in seventh just one win off the pace. 

The Cats can not afford to slip in their final three games but the draw does open up, taking on the bottom two teams on the ladder and North Melbourne who sit in 13th, providing them the opportunity to finish the regular season strongly. 

If Geelong can win out, attention will turn to other crucial games between teams around them on the ladder, such as Melbourne v Fremantle and Brisbane v Hawthorn this week, along with Adelaide v Fremantle next weekend. 

LAST TIME WE MET

Geelong hosted Essendon at GMHBA Stadium in Round 22 last year in what was a surprisingly a hot contest, the Cats kicking away early but having to stave off a third quarter challenge from the Bombers to claim a 44-point victory. 

Kicking seven goals to two in the opening half, the Cats opened up a 37-point buffer at the main break but the Bombers hit back with four unanswered goals to close within 20 points, before Geelong steadied and recorded the last seven scoring shots of the match. 

Mark Blicavs took out the three Brownlow votes with 22 disposals and 17 hit-outs, Bailey Smith impressed with 31 disposals and nine clearances, while Shaun Mannagh was also impactful with 20 disposals and three goals. 

PLAYER TO WATCH

Tanner Bruhn

In the absence of Cameron, Holmes and Dangerfield, Geelong has been able to turn to some other stars in recent weeks and perhaps none have been more impactful than Tanner Bruhn. 

Utilised as a prime distributor and able to roll through the midfield more, Bruhn has had a remarkable 2026 season but has gone to another level recently, collected 22 disposals or more in four of his last five games. 

He was very important last Thursday in the victory over Collingwood, finishing the night with 24 possessions and five intercept possessions, while still going at an impressive 75% disposal efficiency. 

Bruhn has been incredible all year, sitting in Geelong's top five players for disposals, tackles and inside 50s, so look for him to continue his strong form against the Bombers on Saturday afternoon. 

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Geelong return to GMHBA Stadium this week for their second last home game in the regular season, taking on Essendon in the club's Retro Round on Saturday afternoon. 

Tickets are selling quickly through Ticketmaster, follow the link below to secure your seat and make sure you don't miss a minute of the action. 

You can also purchase a two-game flexi membership, providing general admission access to two Cats games in Melbourne or Geelong. 

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 22 clash with Essendon will be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo, with coverage starting from 4.30pm AEST ahead of the opening bounce at 4.35pm. 

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.