Geelong has made two changes for their Thursday night blockbuster against Melbourne, with Julia Crockett-Grills and Abbey McDonald both set to make their return in Round 5.    

Crockett-Grills returns after missing the Port Adelaide clash through suspension, with the Cats winger looking to continue her strong early season form.  

The 28-year-old was particularly dominant in the opening round win over the Bulldogs, and will add valuable experience to the Geelong side ahead of a big clash with the Demons.  

11:44

Dan Lowther Presser | Round 5

Dan Lowther spoke to media ahead of the game against Melbourne on Thursday night. Proudly Presented by Viva Energy Australia

McDonald has earned her recall to the starting line-up, selected for the third game of her young AFLW career.  

The 19-year-old was a standout during Geelong’s pre-season, impressing the coaching staff and being awarded her AFLW debut in the first round.

Rachel Kearns will miss the game with a knee soreness as the Club takes a conservative approach, while Brooke Plummer is the other Cat to make way.

The match will be streamed on the official AFLW App and website, while also being broadcast on Fox Footy and Kayo. First bounce is at 6:15pm at GMHBA Stadium, with tickets available through Ticketmaster. 

Latest Videos

  • 01:32

    Team Photo Day | Home Video

    Take a look behind the scenes of our 2025 Team Photo.

    AFL
  • 06:50

    Jack Henry | Press Conference

    Jack Henry spoke to the media ahead of Geelong's Community Series match against Essendon. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

    AFL
  • 03:11

    Jeremy Cameron Mic'd Up | Team Photo

    We mic'd up Jeremy Cameron at this years team photo day. Presented by Simonds.

    AFL
  • 09:39

    James Kelly | Press Conference

    Assistant Coach James Kelly spoke to the media ahead of Geelong's Community Series clash against Essendon on Tuesday. Proudly Presented by Morris.

    AFL
  • 02:08

    Talking to our Members at Match Sim

    We spoke to some of our Geelong Cats Members during our recent Match Simulation against the Hawks

    AFL
  • 02:58

    Match Sim Prep | Ted Clohesy

    Follow Ted Clohesy during our match sim and see what happens in the lead up to a game.

    AFL
  • 06:25

    James Rahilly Press Conference | Match Simulation

    James Rahilly spoke to media following Geelong's match simulation against the Hawks. Proudly Presented by Morris

    AFL
  • 05:39

    Match Sim Highlights | Geelong v Hawthorn

    The Cats and Hawks clash in match simulation

    AFL
  • 00:39

    Young gun Wiltshire works it back to perfection

    Ollie Wiltshire continues to press his case for senior selection with a terrific dribbling goal on the run

    AFL
  • 00:48

    Henry stunning goal from the boundary

    Ollie Henry shows his full bag of tricks with a stunning goal from the pocket in a match simulation against Hawthorn

    AFL
  • 00:42

    Holmes hits one pure with explosive running goal

    Max Holmes shows no signs of slowing down with a brilliant interception and finish on the run

    AFL
  • 00:41

    Stengle’s party trick leads Motlop to the sticks

    Tyson Stengle produces some individual brilliance to set up Jesse Motlop for another electric goal

  • 06:59

    Highlights: Indigenous All Stars v Fremantle

    The Indigenous All Stars and Fremantle clash at Optus Stadium

  • 10:17

    Steven King | Press Conference

    Steven King spoke to media ahead of Geelong's practice match against Hawthorn on Monday. Proudly Presented by Morris

    AFL
  • 03:21

    Mark O'Connor Interview | Off The Track

    Mark O'Connor spoke to Cats Media, ahead of Geelong's first preseason hit out against Hawthorne. Proudly Presented by Ford

    AFL
  • 02:51

    Tyson Stengle | Off The Track

    Tyson Stengle spoke to Cats Media about his pre-season and selection in the 2025 Indigenous All-Stars Squad. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

    AFL
  • 06:11

    Match Sim Training Highlights

    Watch some of the best moments from todays training session.

    AFL
  • 02:39

    Colac & Surf Coast Community Clinic

    Geelong spent some time in our local community checking in with our surf coast and regional fans and members. Proudly Presented by Bulla.

    AFL
  • 08:17

    Lawson Humphries | Press Conference

    on Humphries spoke to the media at our Colac Community Camp

    AFL
  • 01:36

    Oisin Mullin Mic'd Up | Community Camp

    We mic'd up Oisin Mullin on his recent trip to Moriac Primary School during the Geelong Cats Community Camp.

    AFL

AFLW Round 5 Team

In: Julia Crockett-Grills, Abbey McDonald
Out: Rachel Kearns (knee), Brooke Plummer (omitted)

Backs 26. Claudia Gunjaca 44. Melissa Bragg  
Half-Backs 16. Chantel Emonson 11. Meghan McDonald (C) 10. Georgie Rankin
Centreline 9. Nina Morrison (VC) 41. Georgie Prespakis 1. Mikayla Bowen
Half-Forwards 4. Darcy Moloney 5. Jackie Parry 7. Kate Surman
Forwards 45. Aishling Moloney 14. Chloe Scheer  
Followers 46. Erin Hoare 21. Rebecca Webster 3. Amy McDonald
Interchange 12. Renee Garing 20. Zali Friswell 8. Kate Darby
  6. Julia Crockett-Grills 39. Abbey McDonald  
       
Emergencies 19. Brooke Plummer 32. Gabbi Featherston 31. Ingrid Houtsma