The 2025 AFL season is nearly upon us, with less than 30 days until Geelong heads to the Gabba to take on Brisbane in the Opening Round. 

Among an exciting schedule this season for Geelong is 10 games at GMHBA Stadium, a triple header at the MCG and some intriguing road trips. 

But there are also a number of rivalry games that await in 2025, including clashes with some teams that have produced exhilarating matches over the past few years. 

Take a look at the top five rivalry match-ups you can not afford to miss this year. 

1. Geelong v Brisbane - Opening Round @ The Gabba & Round 15 @ GMHBA Stadium

Unfortunately it did not go Geelong's way, but the Preliminary Final against Brisbane was widely regarded as one of the best games from the 2024 season. 

These two teams have been involved in a number of close battles in recent history, with five of the last 10 clashes decided by 10 points or less. 

The Cats will kick off their campaign against Brisbane in the Opening Round, the very first match of the 2025 AFL season. 

Fans will also be treated to a second match-up against the Lions, when Geelong welcomes them to GMHBA Stadium for a Friday night showdown in round 15. 

2. Geelong v Hawthorn - Easter Monday @ MCG, Round Six

This rivalry game needs no explanation. 

Geelong and Hawthorn is a tale as old as time, with plenty of iconic matches over the journey. From Hawkins after the siren to Jimmy Bartel's famous point, there are so many classic wins that Cats fans will never forget. 

Five of the last six clashes have gone the way of Geelong, with the only loss in that span coming in 2022 before the Cats went on their march to the Premiership. 

2025 will offer another enticing Easter Monday clash in round six, the first of three straight games at the MCG for Geelong. 

3. Geelong v GWS - Round Nine @ GMHBA Stadium

There have not been many teams that have had the better of Geelong in recent history, but the GWS Giants have proven to be hard to beat. 

Perhaps the most surprising stat is that the Cats have struggled at home against GWS, losing the last four clashes between the teams at GMHBA Stadium. 

This rivalry may not standout quite as much as others on this list, but Geelong will be keen to stamp their authority in 2025 when the two sides meet at Kardinia Park in round nine. 

4. Geelong v Carlton - Round Seven @ MCG

Geelong recorded their biggest home crowd at a regular season match in V/AFL history, when they met with Carlton early last year in front of nearly 88,000 at the MCG. 

This has been a relatively even matchup in recent years, with both teams winning three of the last six clashes dating back to 2020. 

Two big Victorian clubs, a Sunday afternoon time slot at the the MCG, this will be a game you won't want to miss in round seven. 

5. Geelong v Collingwood - Round Eight @ MCG

The final game in Geelong's triple header at the MCG and it is set to be another blockbuster, taking on Collingwood in round eight. 

Across the last six matches between the two sides, the biggest winning margin has been 22 points with four of those clashes decided by 13 points or less. 

Always drawing a big crowd, this has proven to be an entertaining match-up that has included three Finals games in the past six years.