Geelong have selected their team for the first time in 2025, naming a strong side that will face Fremantle this Saturday afternoon at GMHBA Stadium.  

There are a number of changes to the Cats team that took on Brisbane in last year's Preliminary Final, most notably an injection of youth with Connor O'Sullivan, Mitch Knevitt and Jhye Clark all named, alongside Sam De Koning in the ruck. 

New recruit Bailey Smith will pull on the Hoops for the very first time and has been selected on a wing. 

It will be the first look at Geelong's new forward set up in the post-Hawkins era, with Cats captain Patrick Dangerfield named in the forward six alongside Shannon Neale, Jeremy Cameron and small forwards Tyson Stengle, Brad Close and Gryan Miers. 

Despite losing Zach Tuohy at the end of 2024 there will still be a significant Irish flavour in the Cats team, with Oisin Mullin and Mark O'Connor also named to face the Dockers. 

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.