Geelong return home in Round 9 as they prepare for another big challenge, taking on the GWS Giants at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

The Cats head into the clash with plenty of momentum after winning four of their last five games, including a thrilling three-point victory over Collingwood in their most recent outing. 

GWS however will enter the match full of confidence, having beaten Geelong in four consecutive games at GMHBA Stadium. 

Check out all the key stats and figures to watch this weekend, proudly presented by Deakin University. 

Ladder  

Geelong: 7th (5-3)

GWS: 8th (4-4)

Points For 

Geelong - 755

GWS - 675

Points Against 

Geelong - 643

GWS - 587

Deakin Performance Stat of the Week - Stopping the Orange Tsunami

The orange tsunami is a phrase created to describe the Giants' quick, run and gun style of football that sees them move the ball at a rapid pace. 

A feature of this style is GWS' willingness to move the ball by hand, often attempting to transition through the corridor and catching opposition teams off guard defensively. 

This game plan has been particularly evident in 2025 recording more handballs than all eight of their opponents so far, including big differentials against West Coast (+75) and Sydney (+50).

GWS Handball Stats - Last 5 Weeks

This style also leads to the Giants accumulating large numbers of uncontested possessions, with three GWS players ranked in the competition's top four for uncontested possessions this year. 

Plenty of their play starts with Lachie Whitfield off half back, who has amassed the most disposals of any player in the AFL across the first eight weeks of the year. 

Nullifying Sam Taylor's Impact

Giants key defender, Sam Taylor is ranked as the number one interceptor in the competition so far this season. 

Often the one trusted on the last line of defence, Taylor currently sits number one in the AFL for both intercept marks and total intercept possessions through eight games. 

He also finished 2024 with the highest intercept possession average per game of any player, firmly cementing his status as one of the most dangerous defenders in the AFL. 

It has helped GWS to be the third best team in the league this year when it comes to points conceded per game, something Geelong will need to be wary of this weekend. 

Keeping Jesse Hogan Quiet

The Giants forward line has been expertly spearheaded by Jesse Hogan in recent times, the 2024 Coleman Medalist continuing his strong form to start the new season. 

After missing the first three games of the year, Hogan made an impressive return and has booted 18 goals from five matches, including a nine-goal haul against West Coast in Round 4. 

His average of 3.6 goals per game is the highest of any player across the competition in 2025, already into the top 10 on the Coleman Medal leaderboard despite missing three matches. 

Geelong's defensive unit has been in terrific form over the past month, but the challenge will not get any easier against the Giants on Sunday.