It is finally here, football is officially back and the Cats are set to kick off the season in the opening match next Thursday night.
Geelong will head to the Gabba for a blockbuster clash against the reigning premiers, looking to dethrone the Brisbane Lions in the club's Opening Round debut.
Tuesday night provided the Cats with a perfect final pre-season hit-out, as they finished off their preparations against Essendon at GMHBA Stadium.
As the team prepares for next week's season opener, take a look at everything you need to know in the build up.
KEY DETAILS
2025 AFL Season - Opening Round
Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats
The Gabba
Thursday 6 March, 7.50pm (AEDT)
WHERE TO WATCH
For Cats fans looking to watch their team from home, most broadcasters will be covering the Opening Round match live from the Gabba.
Channel 7 will cover the match live and free, with their coverage starting from 7.00pm AEDT ahead of the opening bounce at 7.50pm.
Fox Footy and Kayo will also be broadcasting the match live, while those listening to radio will be able to tune into K rock for all match coverage.
HOW TO GET TICKETS
Geelong fans in Brisbane looking to attend the match still have a chance to secure tickets, which can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Follow the link here to secure your spot at the Gabba for the Opening Round.
Alternatively, Cats supporters can also secure an Interstate Membership for the 2025 season, providing access to tickets and a number of other member perks.
Follow the link here to secure your Interstate Membership for 2025: https://membership.geelongcats.com.au/package/interstate
AAMI COMMUNITY SERIES MATCH STATS
Jack Bowes was a standout for the Cats on Tuesday night, finishing the game with 31 disposals, five clearances, 721 metres gained and a beautiful goal from outside 50.
Following a strong performance against Hawthorn in the match simulation, Gryan Miers continued his hot form against the Bombers accumulating 30 possessions, nine marks and a goal.
Jeremy Cameron (23 disposals, two goals) was everywhere, Mitch Knevitt (22 disposals, four clearances) impressed and Jack Henry (13 intercept possessions) anchored the defensive unit brilliantly.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Geelong: Tyson Stengle
Stengle has impressed throughout the pre-season, performing strongly for the Indigenous All Stars (16 disposals, seven score involvements) and followed up with another solid showing on Tuesday night (16 disposals, two goals).
The crafty forward was brilliant in the Cats last appearance at the Gabba (2024 - Round Six), finishing with 17 disposals, two goals and five score involvements in wet and slippery conditions.
Always able to make the most of his opportunities, look for Stengle to have a big impact next Thursday and play an influential role for the Cats.
Brisbane: Lachie Neale
It goes without saying that Lachie Neale is one of Brisbane's most important players, but that was certainly evident in last year's Preliminary Final at the MCG.
Neale finished the match with 31 disposals, but crucially he also won 12 clearances which was double the next best player on the ground.
The Lions star averages over six clearances per game in 18 appearances against Geelong, something the Cats will need to rectify next week.
VENUE HISTORY
Despite being a notoriously tough ground to play at, Geelong hold a reasonably strong record at the Gabba winning 16 of 28 games (57.1%) across their AFL history.
In more recent history, the Cats record at the venue gets even better winning nine of their last 13 matches in Brisbane (69.2%), dating back to 2014.
The last meeting between the two teams at the venue came in round six last year, with Geelong securing a 26 point win in rainy conditions.
