The VFL Cats return home this weekend for a big curtain raiser clash against Footscray, with second and third position on the ladder set to do battle at GMHBA Stadium.  

Geelong recorded a tough win against a plucky Collingwood outfit last week, trailing at the main break before kicking nine goals to four in the second half to close out a 29 point win. 

The Bulldogs fought out a nine point win over Carlton last weekend, an important win after losing three of their previous four matches. 

The Cats have dropped two of their last four games by a combined three points, maintaining their strong form to cement themselves in third position on the ladder.  

Match Details  

Geelong v Footscray 
3.40pm AEST, Saturday 20 July  
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong 

Ladder   

Geelong: 3rd (10-4) 
Footscray: 2nd (11-3) 

Points For  

Geelong  - 1258 
Footscray - 1265

Points Against  

Geelong  - 974 
Footscray – 1043 

What it Means 

The Cats can take second position from the Bulldogs with a win this weekend, with only four points separates the two sides, with Geelong holding a healthier percentage.  

A win for the Cats can also start to extend their lead over the chasing pack, with only one game separating Geelong in third position all the way down to Williamstown in eighth.  

With only four games left, this will be the Cats’ final game against a side currently in the top 10.  

Last Time We Met  

Geelong last faced Footscray in Round 11 of the 2023 season, going down by 58 points in a tough day at Avalon Airport Oval. 

The Cats had seven AFL-listed players in the side, compared to the Bulldogs 17 as Geelong failed to kick a goal in the opening half, trailing by 62 points at half time.  

Marcus Herbert picked up 26 disposals, Jye Chalcraft kicked two goals from his 26 possessions while Brandon Parfitt was strong with 24 touches.  

Key Players  

Ted Clohesy continues to build his strong form, collecting 31 disposals and booting two goals in the big win over Collingwood last weekend.  

Brandon Parfitt is averaging 28 disposals per game across in his last three, winning 36 possessions and nine clearances last Saturday.  

George Stevens is progressing well after picking up 30 disposals against the Magpies, while Mitch Hardie continued to do his thing booting two goals and collecting 27 touches.  

Broadcast   

All matches in the 2024 Smithy’s VFL and VFLW seasons are also live streamed free via the AFL website, AFL Live Official App and VFL App.