Geelong returns to GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon for its second-last home game of the home and away season, hosting Essendon in a blockbuster Retro Round clash.

With just three rounds remaining, every match carries extra significance as the Cats continue their push towards September, while the Bombers arrive looking to finish their season strongly.

Saturday’s contest renews one of the AFL’s most historic rivalries, with two foundation clubs once again meeting in front of the Geelong faithful. The Retro Round setting provides the perfect backdrop, celebrating the rich history shared between the two clubs. 

The Cats will be looking to build on their recent momentum on home soil, where they have once again made GMHBA Stadium one of the toughest venues for opposition teams to conquer.

Key Details

Geelong Cats v Essendon
Saturday 8 August, 4:35pm AEST
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Team Selection

Last Time We Met

The last meeting between Geelong and Essendon came in Round 22, 2025, with the Cats producing a dominant performance at GMHBA Stadium to record a convincing 44-point victory, 15.19 (109) to 10.5 (65).

Geelong laid the foundation early, controlling territory and creating repeat forward entries to build a commanding first-half lead. The Cats’ pressure around the contest forced Essendon into turnovers, while their ball movement allowed them to generate quality scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon.

Jeremy Cameron proved the focal point inside forward 50, kicking four goals as the Cats’ tall forwards capitalised on the supply from midfield. Geelong’s defence also stood tall, limiting Essendon’s scoring opportunities and ensuring the Bombers were never able to mount a serious comeback.

The victory strengthened Geelong’s position in the race for a top-two finish and extended the club’s impressive record over Essendon at GMHBA Stadium.

08:16

Highlights: Geelong v Essendon

The Cats and Bombers clash in round 22 of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

Lee Kum Kee – Pivotal Match Up

Jack Henry v Peter Wright

Essendon have a dangerous two-pronged attack inside forward 50, but Peter Wright is the man in hot form and it will create a fascinating match-up this weekend, a task which will most likely fall to star defender Jack Henry. 

After returning to Geelong's defensive unit, Henry has been rock solid picking off 18 intercept possessions over the past few weeks, helping the Cats to record three consecutive victories. 

Wright has been solid for the Bombers in 2026 but took his game to new heights last week, slamming through six goals against Adelaide and kicking more than half his team's total score. 

Essendon will be relying on Wright once again this week, but Henry will be looking to put a stop to that on Saturday afternoon in what will be an important battle for both teams. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Jack Henry of the Cats attempts to mark in front of Peter Wright of the Bombers during the round 16 AFL match between Geelong Cats and Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 29, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)

Tickets

There's no better stage for Retro Round than a Saturday afternoon at GMHBA Stadium. Cats fans are encouraged to fill the stands, celebrate the club's rich history and get behind Geelong in a crucial clash with Essendon.

Secure your seat for Saturday's Retro Round clash by following the link here.

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.