Geelong's 2026 season continues and this week will bring another blockbuster battle, as the Cats head to Optus Stadium for the second time this year to take on Fremantle. 

The Cats extended their winning streak to seven with a big victory over Carlton in last week's Elimination Final, staving off an early challenge to storm home late and progress to the third last week of the season. 

They have already faced Fremantle twice in the campaign, with both teams recording one win apiece, but both games were absolute nail-biters decided by under two goals. 

There will be plenty at stake once again, with the winner to progress to a Preliminary Final against Sydney, while the loser will be eliminated. 

Take a look ahead to Friday night's colossal clash in the wild west, as Geelong prepares to take on Fremantle, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

KEY DETAILS 

2026 AFL Season | Semi-Final

Fremantle v Geelong Cats

Optus Stadium, Perth

Friday September 11, 8.10pm AEST

LAST TIME WE MET

Geelong headed to Perth before their mid-season bye to take on the red-hot Dockers in Round 15 and despite missing some key personnel, the Cats pushed the home side all the way before eventually falling nine points short. 

The Cats piled on a run of seven unanswered goals between the first and second quarters, stunning the ladder leaders to build nearly a five-goal buffer in the shadows of half time. 

Fremantle struck back to take control of the contest, but Geelong continued to fight until the final siren despite the absence of Bailey Smith and Tom Stewart, kicking three of the last four goals before falling narrowly short. 

Max Holmes and Tanner Bruhn provided a spark through the midfield, while Lawson Humphries and Connor O'Sullivan were solid in defence. 

PLAYER TO WATCH

Brad Close

Geelong's high forwards were instrumental in their comeback victory over the Blues last week, and Brad Close was a big part of that as he helped to bring immense pressure in the Cats' front half. 

Close finished the match with 17 disposals, a goal and seven score involvements, but also laid four tackles and applied 11 pressure acts throughout the contest. 

The premiership Cat is certainly no stranger to this time of year, having played 12 Finals across his seven seasons at the elite level. 

Forward pressure will also be important this week against the likes of Jordan Clark, who was one Docker that impressed in their Qualifying Final, so watch for Close to bring that same intensity on Friday night. 

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Member On-sale Information

On-sale: Monday 7 September, 12pm - 4pm AEST / 10am - 2pm AWST

Ticket link to purchase: Click here 

General Public On-sale Information

On-sale: Monday 7 September, from 5pm AEST / 3pm AWST

Ticket link to purchase: Click here

Check out Geelong's Finals Hub 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