Two games remain in the AFL home-and-away season and there is so much to play for from a Geelong perspective, as the Cats head to Marvel Stadium for the first and only time this year to take on North Melbourne. 

Geelong secured their fourth consecutive win last Saturday with a 67-point victory over Essendon, remaining in the race for the top-six and officially ensuring that they will at least feature in the Wildcard Round. 

But the goal will be simple for the Cats, they just need to keep on winning with the potential still to finish anywhere from fourth to 10th on the ladder, as they take on the Kangaroos this weekend. 

The two sides have already met once this year, with Geelong staving off a strong challenge to record a 49-point victory at GMHBA Stadium in Round 8, led by a four-goal and 18-disposal outing from Shaun Mannagh. 

This weekend will also be historic for the club, with Geelong's AFLW team set to take on North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium from 1.00pm in a double-header clash, as they commence their 2026 season. 

Take a look ahead to what is set to be a big weekend for the club, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 23

North Melbourne v Geelong Cats

Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

Saturday August 15, 3.45pm AEST

THE STATE OF PLAY

It was a bit of a mixed bag of results from a Geelong perspective in Round 22, but most importantly, the Cats prevailed over the Bombers and got the four points they needed to stay in the hunt for a top-six finish. 

Entering the penultimate week of the regular season, the Cats sit just one game adrift of three teams, but were not helped by big victories for Melbourne over Fremantle and Brisbane over Hawthorn. 

The number one goal for Geelong will be to win both their remaining games, starting with a tricky challenge against North Melbourne under the lid at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

But they will also be hoping for one defeat from a team sitting above them, with all eyes set to be on a blockbuster clash between Fremantle and Adelaide on Friday night. 

Click here to see a full rundown of Geelong's possibilities heading into Round 23. 

Position Team Record Points Percentage
4 Brisbane 14-7 56 117.8
5 Adelaide 14-7 56 117.6
6 Melbourne 14-7 56 107.6
7 Geelong Cats 13-8 52 120.6

LAST TIME WE MET

Geelong welcomed North Melbourne to GMHBA Stadium in Round 8 this year, staving off a strong challenge to record a 49-point victory which marked their 15th consecutive win against the Kangaroos. 

The teams could not be separated for a large portion of the game, with the visitors in front at the 25-minute mark of the third term, but the Cats put the foot down with a blistering finish to the game to secure the four points. 

From the 22-minute mark of the third quarter, Geelong hit their straps offensively and piled on 14 goals, including nine in the fourth quarter alone to overcome a big test from North Melbourne. 

Shaun Mannagh was brilliant collecting 18 disposals and kicking four goals, Max Holmes dominated with 29 possessions and two majors, while Shannon Neale also kicked three to help the Cats capitalise in some big moments. 

03:27

Power Players | Round 8 Highlights

A number of Cats polled in the Round 8 champion player of the year award.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Tom Atkins

Continuing to quietly go about his business but building another sensational campaign, Tom Atkins is so important to Geelong's midfield and his defensive attributes are vital in the set-up, particularly against strong opposition. 

In difficult conditions against Essendon, the hard-nosed on-baller was influential again collecting 15 disposals, five clearances dishing off two goal assists, helping the Cats to finish with a +12 clearance differential. 

It continues a brilliant season for Atkins, who is currently averaging over 18 disposals, six tackles and four clearances per game, with his defensive work also helping to unlock the offensive prowess of players like Bailey Smith through the middle. 

His presence will be particularly important this weekend against a star-studded North Melbourne midfield, featuring the likes of Harry Sheezel and Luke Davies-Uniacke who are in red-hot form, so keep an eye on Atkins as the afternoon unfolds. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 30: Tom Atkins of the Cats takes the ball during the round 21 AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on July 30, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Geelong head to Marvel Stadium for the first time this year in what is set to be a historic double-header, with the AFL and AFLW Cats both set to take on North Melbourne this Saturday.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for the big day of football, follow the link below to secure your seat in what is set to be an exciting day for the club.

There are also still plenty of membership options available that you can make the most of, follow the link here to find the best option for you. 

Get Tickets

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 23 clash with North Melbourne will be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo, with coverage starting from 3.30pm AEST ahead of the opening bounce at 3.45pm. 

Cats fans can also tune in via K rock from 1.00pm and catch the action from both the AFL and AFLW games. Listen via FM 95.5 across Geelong & the Surf Coast, delay-free via the K rock app, or the AFL app.