Geelong still in the hunt despite mixed form

GEELONG’S Premier Men face an uphill battle to remain in finals contention after an inconsistent opening to the 2025/26 season.

As the Cats break for Christmas, they sit in the middle of the 18-team pack, but a shot at moving beyond the home and away fixtures is not out of reach.

After winning their first two matches, Geelong failed to fire against established opponents like Prahran and Melbourne and endured a three-game losing streak.

Even a record-breaking seventh-wicket partnership between Eamonn Vines and Arjun Sehrawat was not enough to prevent a defeat against the True Blues, with the Cats unable to defend a commanding total.

Form continued to fluctuate beyond Round 5, with Geelong finding it difficult to build consistency across both one-day and T20 fixtures.

The draw offers some encouragement in the new year, with Geelong set to face Casey South Melbourne, Fitzroy Doncaster, Dandenong, Frankston Peninsula and Greenvale, clubs which are all currently sitting in the lower half of the ladder.

Their biggest test, however, comes immediately, hosting ladder leaders St Kilda in their first match back.

The Cats’ Seconds have enjoyed a strong start to the season, stringing along some nice wins to see them well in finals contention.

They also have a strong opportunity to make a premiership push, thanks to a fixture that will see them play multiple struggling sides.

In the Thirds, Geelong are also well-placed for a finals tilt, while the Fourths sit in the middle of the pack and will need a lot to go right if they are to move into the top eight.