The moment has arrived and Geelong are set to embark on another September campaign, as they prepare to take on Carlton in a blockbuster Elimination Final on Friday night. 

It is a Finals match-up that has been 31 years in the making, with the Cats and Blues last Finals meeting coming all the way back in 1995. 

Geelong will be fresh after enjoying the weekend off, while Carlton carry plenty of momentum after toppling Melbourne in the inaugural AFL Wildcard Round. 

The stakes could not be higher, with the winner to progress to a Semi Final against either Fremantle or Hawthorn, while the loser's season will come to an end. 

With so much to look forward to, take a first glance ahead to a monumental clash at the MCG on Friday night, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Elimination Final

Geelong Cats v Carlton

MCG, Melbourne

Friday September 4, 7.40pm AEST

WHAT'S ON

Finals Fan Zone - Presented by Ford

  • Friday 4 September
  • Federation Square - Birrarung Marr Walk
  • 4.00pm
  • Giveaways, fun activities and more

March to the ‘G

  • Friday 4 September
  • Federation Square - Birrarung Marr Walk
  • 5.30pm meet
  • 6pm march begins

PLAYER TO WATCH

Tom Atkins

There is no Cat that better embodies what September is all about than the tough and ever-reliable Tom Atkins. 

It is that time of year where the pressure is ratcheted up through the roof, with intensity around the contest and tackling at an absolute premium. 

An experienced Finals campaigner, Atkins knows what it is all about and is rated as one of the top pressure players in the AFL once again in 2026, set to play a crucial role against the likes of Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh. 

Atkins has been fantastic this season, averaging 18 disposals, six tackles and four clearances per game, bringing the defensive pressure that allows the likes of Bailey Smith to get dangerous offensively. 

Geelong will be looking to strike that balance on Friday against one of the league's most in-form midfield units, and Atkins will be pivotal to that notion. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 29: Tom Atkins of the Cats handpasses the ball with Nic Newman of the Blues during the 2026 AFL Round 12 match between the Carlton Blues and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 29, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos)

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Member On-sale Information

On-sale: Monday 31 August, 10am-2pm AEST

Tickets per Club Member: 1

Transaction Limit: 10

Ticket link to purchase: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=ELIMP0126

Members, check your email for your barcode/s and for all the on-sale details.

General Public On-sale Information

General Public ticketing on-sale information will be confirmed on Monday August 31.

Accessible Bookings

Available online for Ticketek matches. Members can select tickets best suited to their needs online during the member pre-sale (subject to availability). Click here for more information.

WHERE TO WATCH 

All matches in the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven Network.

2026 AFL Broadcast Guide