There is no time to stop and savour Geelong's win over Port Adelaide in Round 21, with a quick turnaround ahead as the Cats prepare for a Friday night clash with Essendon at GMHBA Stadium. 

The equation remains the same, Geelong simply needs to keep winning with first down to fifth on the ladder all separated by just one game, with three rounds remaining in the home and away season. 

Friday night's match will be the Cats' last at GMHBA Stadium for the 2025 AFL season, also the second meeting between the two sides this year with the Cats cruising to a 95-point victory in the first encounter. 

There is plenty to look forward to on Friday, including Gryan Miers' 150th game and Jeremy Cameron's chase for 100 goals.

Check out all the key storylines and details with The First Look, proudly presented by Villawood Properties. 

KEY DETAILS  

2025 AFL Season - Round 22

Geelong Cats v Essendon

GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

Friday August 8th, 7.40pm (AEST)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Geelong: Gryan Miers

Time really does fly when you are having fun. It feels like yesterday that the young Grovedale product with a unique kicking action and long dreadlocks joined Geelong, but Gryan Miers is set to reach his 150th AFL game on Friday night. 

Into his eighth season at the club, Miers has become one of Geelong's most important players with his elite kicking skills and high football IQ, pushing up the ground and playing a vital role in the Cats ball movement each week. 

The clever forward has accumulated a number of accolades along the way including the goal assist record in a home and away season (2023), a top three finish in the Carji Greeves Medal (2023) and of course, he became a premiership player in 2022. 

Miers has been a crucial part of Geelong's structure this year, averaging numerous career high's including disposals (22.6 per game) and marks (5.9), still having an impact in the forward half with an average of 6.8 score involvements per game. 

Essendon: Archie Roberts

The Bombers have had an unfortunate run with injuries this year, but one impressive factor in their 2025 season has been the emergence of young defender, Archie Roberts. 

One of just five Essendon players to feature in every game this year, Roberts ranks in the club's top three players for disposals, marks, rebound 50s and intercept possessions, despite being in just his second season at the top level. 

His consistency has also been impressive collecting 20 disposals or more in 14 of his 19 games this year, also finishing with 27 possessions and a goal in the Round 14 meeting between Geelong and Essendon. 

RECENT HISTORY - Geelong v Essendon

Geelong will be looking to extend their dominance over the Bombers on Friday night, winning the last eight consecutive games between the two sides by an average of 56 points. 

The Cats last loss to Essendon came in Round 9 of the 2018 season, while their most recent loss to the Bombers at GMHBA Stadium came all the way back in 1990. 

Clearly evident in the recent clashes has been Geelong's scoring prowess, kicking 105 points or more in each of their last five games against Essendon. 

VENUE HISTORY - GMHBA Stadium

Geelong have built another strong campaign at home this year, winning seven of their nine games at GMHBA Stadium to this point of the 2025 season. 

The average winning margin in these seven victories is 49 points, with the Cats exceeding 100 points in six of their nine matches at home so far. 

Geelong and Essendon have only squared off at GMHBA Stadium twice since 1993 with the Cats triumphing in both matches, the Bombers last win at the venue coming in Round 18 of the 1990 season.

VFL CATS | Round 20

Geelong V Essendon
Saturday 9th August
Bounce: 12:05pm AEST
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

TICKETS

Tickets are available for Friday night's game at GMHBA Stadium, secure your seat through Ticketmaster so you don't miss a minute of the action as Geelong take on Essendon. 

If you have any questions about AFL ticketing or membership please contact Geelong Cats Membership Services here.

WHERE TO WATCH 

Geelong's Round 22 clash with Essendon will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7 from 7.30pm AEST, ahead of the opening bounce at 7.40pm. 

The match will also be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo from 7.30pm. 

K rock will be covering the match and all the pre-game build up from 6.00pm, tune into 95.5FM, krockfootball.live or the AFL app to follow along. 

Make sure to follow @GeelongCats social media channels for updates pre, during and post game.

Broadcast Details: 2025 AFL Broadcast Guide