All roads in the 2026 VFL season lead to GMHBA Stadium, as the Cats prepare to commence their post-season campaign with a blockbuster Qualifying Final against Tasmania on Saturday. 

Geelong stormed through the home-and-away season with an impressive record, finishing well clear on top of the ladder and claiming the minor premiership, giving them the chance to host their first final this weekend. 

The Cats will take on Tasmania, a team they have not played against since the Devils were reintroduced into the competition, with a spot in a home Preliminary Final awaiting the winner of Saturday's game. 

There will be an abundance of talent taking the field for Geelong, ranging from experienced premiership players to emerging youngsters, with a healthy combination that will create an enthralling spectacle. 

Tickets are available for the match and Cats fans are encouraged to get down to Kardinia Park and support their team, as they look to win their first Finals match since 2013. Keep reading for more information on ticketing. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 VFL Season | Qualifying Final
Geelong Cats v Tasmania
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Saturday 29 August, 12.05pm AEST

THE STATE OF PLAY

Geelong finished the home-and-away season with a remarkable 16-2 record, sitting 10 points clear of second place and wrapping up the minor premiership with three rounds still left in the regular season. 

It means that the Cats secured a home Qualifying Final at GMHBA Stadium and now control their own destiny, with a potential win this Saturday progressing them to a home Preliminary Final, just one win away from the decider. 

The task will certainly not be a simple one however, as Geelong prepares to take on a Tasmania team that impressed throughout the regular season, finishing with an 11-6-1 record to secure fourth position. 

The two teams did not meet during the regular season after the Devils re-entered the competition, meaning there is no form guide to go off and creating plenty of intrigue heading into the match-up. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jamieson Ballantyne

What a sensational season it has been in front of goal for Jamieson Ballantyne, one of the big surprise packets that has helped lead Geelong into a commanding position this season 

The brilliant forward had a slow start to the year, held goalless in his season opener, but that would then spark a terrific run of form that saw him finish second on the Cats' goal-kicking table. 

Across his remaining 16 games for the season, Ballantyne was only held goalless on one occasion, finishing with a tally of 34 goals which included 11 separate occasions where he kicked two goals or more. 

He also showed an ability to win plenty of the footy, as highlighted in Round 16 when he collected 22 disposals against Richmond, making him one to keep an eye on in Saturday's big game. 

George Stevens

There have not been many players more dominant in the VFL this year than George Stevens. 

The tough on-baller has been perhaps the most influential and consistent player for Geelong in 2026, finishing the home-and-away season with an average of 30.6 disposals, 7.8 clearances and 5.1 tackles per game. 

He collected 20 possessions or more in all but one game this year, finishing the season with three consecutive games of 30+ disposals, while also setting a new career-high in Round 10 with a 41-disposal outing against Carlton. 

What also impressed was Stevens' ability to hit the scoreboard, kicking 11 goals to add a new dynamic to his game, and he is set to continue to be a prime mover in Finals for Geelong. 

TICKET INFORMATION

Geelong hosts Tasmania in the first qualifying final at GMHBA Stadium, where the Cats are chasing their first VFL finals win since the 2013 preliminary final against a Devils’ outfit which finished fourth in its debut campaign.

For matches played in Victoria during wildcard finals through to the preliminary finals, admission prices will be adults $15, concession/pensioners $10 and children under 15 free.

Tickets can be purchased from midday Tuesday each week of the 2026 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series via www.intix.com.au/org/vfl.

WHERE TO WATCH 

All Smithy’s VFL and VFLW matches are to be streamed live and free on AFL platforms via AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.