GMHBA Stadium is calling on what shapes as another monumental day for the Geelong Football Club, with the Cats set to conclude their 2026 home-and-away season against Richmond on Saturday. 

Entering Round 24, Geelong sit in the top six on the ladder and are in the box seat to secure at least a home Elimination Final, which would importantly see them avoid the Wildcard Weekend and earn a bye week. 

The Cats have found a rich vein of form at the right time of year, winning their last five consecutive games and looking for a sixth when they tackle Richmond, following a stirring comeback victory over North Melbourne last Saturday. 

Saturday will also see another exciting double-header take place for Geelong, with the AFLW Cats in action from 5.00pm AEST before the AFL clash at 7.45pm. 

Take a look at all the key details and information ahead of a big day at the Cattery, proudly presented by Lee Kum Kee. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Round 24
Geelong Cats v Richmond
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Saturday 22 August, 7.45pm AEST

TEAM SELECTION

LAST TIME WE MET

The two sides have not met since the final round of the 2025 regular season, with the Cats clinching a top-two spot on the ladder when they defeated Richmond by 39 points at the MCG. 

It was a tale of two halves as Geelong did the damage early, opening up an unassailable 63-point buffer by the main break, before cruising home late as the Tigers marginally closed the gap. 

Bailey Smith was extraordinary, clinching the three Brownlow votes after finishing the match with 34 disposals, seven clearances and 10 inside 50s. 

Jeremy Cameron finished with 14 score involvements, Tom Stewart led all players with nine intercept possessions, while Tom Atkins (27 disposals) and Max Holmes (26 disposals) were both strong throughout the contest. 

LEE KUM KEE - PIVOTAL MATCH-UP

Bailey Smith v Tim Taranto

Two of the competition's best midfielders will go toe-to-toe on Saturday night, as Bailey Smith squares off with Tim Taranto in what is set to be a fascinating battle. 

Geelong's superstar on-baller has been sensational this year, averaging over 32 disposals, five clearances and seven inside 50s per game, while also having a strong impact at both ends of the ground. 

Taranto has been brilliant for Richmond also, leading his club for disposals, inside 50s, tackles and score involvements, while ranking in the AFL's top 12 players for clearances and contested possessions. 

The winner of this battle will have a big impact on Saturday night's result, but it will be intriguing to see whether they spend time lined up on one another as the game unfolds. 

AFLW

As part of Saturday's double-header, Geelong's AFLW team will kick off all the action at GMHBA Stadium, as they prepare to take on St Kilda. 

The Cats commenced their 2026 season last week and took on the toughest challenge in North Melbourne, ultimately falling short against the back-to-back reigning premiers. 

Under the leadership of Mick Stinear and new co-captains Becky Webster and Nina Morrison, Geelong will be looking to open their account against a dangerous Saints outfit on Saturday. 

The match will kick off from 5.00pm AEST, before the AFL clash at 7.45pm. 

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Another blockbuster double-header awaits for the Geelong Football Club on Saturday, with the AFL team set to conclude their home-and-away season, while the AFLW team will play their home opener for 2026. 

Tickets are available for a big day of football, with a ticket providing access to both games at GMHBA Stadium. Follow the link below to secure your seat. 

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 24 clash with Richmond will be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo, with coverage starting from 7.30pm AEST ahead of the opening bounce at 7.45pm. 

Cats fans can also tune in via K rock from 5.00pm 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.