Footy is back and Geelong are just one day away from their season opener, as they prepare to take on Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

In front of the Cats faithful, Geelong will look to get their campaign away to a winning start despite a scorching heatwave forecasted throughout the match. 

Supporters will get their first look at Bailey Smith as he prepares to pull on the Hoops for the first time, while there will be a injection of youth with Connor O'Sullivan, Mitch Knevitt and Jhye Clark all named in the side. 

See below everything you need to know heading into Saturday's clash with Fremantle. 

KEY DETAILS  

2025 AFL Season - Round One
Geelong v Fremantle
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Saturday March 15, 1.20pm AEDT

TEAM SELECTION

Geelong Cats v Fremantle

Round 1 •

GMHBA Stadium, Geelong • VIC

LAST TIME WE MET

Geelong headed west to take on the Dockers in round 22 last year, coming away with the four points in a nail-biting 11 point win at Optus Stadium. 

The match went back and forth with neither team able to breakaway, Shaun Mannagh sealing the deal with the final goal just 90 seconds before the final siren. 

Geelong were inspired by a brilliant performance from Patrick Dangerfield who finished with 20 disposals and 11 clearances, while Gryan Miers (23 dispsoals, one goal), Zach Guthrie (20 disposals, 11 intercept possessions) and Max Holmes (20 disposals, 677 metres gained) were all instrumental throughout the match.

06:23

Team Highlights | Round 22

Watch the best moments from Geelong's gritty win over the Dockers in Perth.

RECENT HISTORY

SEASON HOME AWAY GROUND
2024 Fremantle 9.8 (62) Geelong 10.13 (73) Optus Stadium
2023 Geelong 9.10 (64) Fremantle 10.11 (71) GMHBA Stadium
2023 Fremantle 16.10 (106) Geelong 11.11 (77) Optus Stadium
2033 Geelong 10.6 (66) Fremantle - 10.9 (69) GMHBA Stadium

One of the more underrated rivalries in recent history, Geelong snapped a three game losing streak against the Dockers when they secured victory at Optus Stadium late last year. 

Across the last 10 meetings the Cats hold a slight advantage winning six games to Fremantle's four, while eight clashes have been decided by 11 points or less dating back to 2010. 

KEY PLAYER TO WATCH

BAILEY SMITH

The pre-season is complete and it is time for the Cats to unveil their star recruit, with Bailey Smith selected on a wing for Saturday's clash with Fremantle. 

With a solid block of training behind him, Smith is set to play in his first match since round 23 in the 2023 AFL season, after featuring in 103 games with the Western Bulldogs. 

Cats fans will get their first look at Smith in the Hoops in a home and away match, with the star midfielder set to bolster Geelong's on-ball division in 2025. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19: Bailey Smith of the Cats poses during the 2025 Geelong Cats Official Team Photo Day at GMHBA Stadium on February 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos)

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Geelong kicks off its 2025 AFL campaign against Fremantle this Saturday at GMHBA Stadium. First bounce is at 1.20pm, with tickets available through Ticketmaster.

At a family-friendly time slot and nice weather expected, there will be plenty of fun and festivities at GMHBA Stadium out on St Mary’s Oval, with food trucks, the AFL Playground, face-painting, giveaways and more from 11am.

Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 12.45pm, with a Macca’s Kick 2 Kick post-game also scheduled.

WHERE TO WATCH

Saturday's match will be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed through Kayo from 1.00pm AEDT, ahead of the opening bounce at 1.20pm from GMHBA Stadium. 

Cats fans looking to watch the round one clash are encouraged to secure their Digital Plus Membership for the 2025 season, which provides 12 months of Kayo Premium so you do not miss any of the action from Geelong's campaign. 

The match will also be broadcast on K rock Football for those listening on radio, tune in via FM 95.5, krockfootball.live or the AFL app from 12.00pm to follow all the pre-match coverage.