Cats look to bounce back at home against Dockers

The Cats were outperformed by a blistering Suns outfit last weekend. Photos: Marcel Berens Sportsmedia

GEELONG will look to shake off a disappointing Opening Round performance as they take on Fremantle in their first AFL home game of the season.

The Cats travelled to People First Stadium on Friday last week to take on Gold Coast and went down by 56 points in a rare off day by their lofty standards.

A blistering Suns outfit came out firing from the first siren, piling on seven goals in the first quarter and getting out to as much as 85 points in the third term to announce themselves as one of the league’s premiership fancies.

Turnovers were the killer for Geelong, with the home side capitalising on uncharacteristic fumbles and mistakes to generate what seemed like endless scoring launches.

Geelong players including (from left) Max Holmes, James Worpel, Bailey Smith and Gryan Miers head out onto the ground.

In his first match since the 2024 preliminary final, Tanner Bruhn was a shining light with a team and career-high 31 disposals, whilst Ollie Dempsey finished with 4 goals.

They now turn their attention to the Dockers, who also look ready to step up into flag contention in 2026.

When they last played almost one year ago, the Cats won by 78 points in a blitzing performance at GMHBA Stadium, but the scores will likely be much tighter this time around.

Fremantle will look to avenge a heartbreaking elimination final loss to Gold Coast last season and boast a star-studded list when healthy.

Gold Coast’s Mac Andrew attempts to take an enormous mark.

The Cats will likely welcome back spearhead Jeremy Cameron and superstar Patrick Dangerfield, who were both sorely missed in their loss to the Suns.

After a career-best year in 2025, Bailey Smith will also look to bounce back from a quiet night as Geelong fans get a look at their side at home for the first time this season.

The clash will start at GMHBA Stadium at 4.15pm