Geelong's VFL team recorded their second straight victory to start the 2025 season, defeating the Northern Bullants by 30 points at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

The Cats had to work hard to secure the win, trailing by one point at three quarter time before kicking five unanswered goals in the last quarter to solidify the result. 

A number of key players had a big impact throughout the game lead by George Stevens through the middle, and Shaun Mannagh as he continues to build match fitness. 

Geelong's VFL team will feature in a curtain raiser this week, kicking off at 3.50pm prior to Geelong and Melbourne doing battle in the AFL match from 7.40pm. Spectators with a ticket to the AFL match can also see the VFL clash, secure your seat through Ticketmaster here. 

Check out the top five notable performances from the VFL Cats big win on Saturday. 

Shaun Mannagh 

Continuing to work back from an injury during the pre-season, Shaun Mannagh has wasted no time as he returned to his brilliant best on Saturday afternoon. 

During his time in the midfield, Mannagh collected 23 disposals and six clearances while also laying six tackles to have a substantial impact. 

But his best work might have been forward of the ball finishing with three goals, two of them coming in the final term to help Geelong secure the result. 

Mannagh's second half in particular was exquisite against the Bullants, pushing his case for an AFL return this weekend against Melbourne. 

Marcus Herbert

Herbert backed up a stellar round one performance with an even better display in round two, just one of two Cats to accumulate over 30 disposals against the Bullants. 

Geelong's vice captain has been given the role as prime distributor off half back, getting increasingly damaging with his penetrating kick through the middle of the ground. 

On Saturday, Herbert also proved strong in the contest laying eight tackles, while pushing forward to register four score involvements. 

This follows on from his round one display where he collected 27 disposals, six clearances and eight inside 50s, a dominant start to the season from the vice-skipper. 

George Stevens

Another player who continued his strong start to the season, George Stevens pieced together a dominant performance through the middle against the Bullants. 

The talented on-baller collected a game-high 34 disposals on Saturday, showing his prowess inside the contest winning 16 contested possessions and nine clearances. 

Stevens work rate is hitting new heights this year, able to push forward and register six score involvements, but also working hard the other way to pick off four intercept possessions. 

This follows on from his 26 disposal and eight clearance performance in round one, Stevens looking like he has developed into a real leader in 2025. 

Rhys Stanley

After a reasonably quiet start to the year by his lofty standards, Rhys Stanley made his presence felt in a brilliant display on Saturday afternoon. 

Winning 39 hit-outs and eight clearances, the experienced ruck had a big impact in the middle but also pushed forward to hit the scoreboard, booting two goals. 

An impressive takeaway from his performance was the reliability with ball in hand, going at 87.5% disposal efficiency. 

Charlie McCartin

It has only taken two games at Geelong for McCartin to have an impact, quickly becoming a defensive anchor that has helped steer the Cats to two consecutive victories. 

The key defender collected 17 disposals and seven marks against the Bullants, picking off a game-high 10 intercept possessions to help stifle their attacks. 

McCartin also recorded eight intercept possessions in the round one win over Sandringham, a very impressive introduction at his new club. 

VFL Round 3 - Geelong v Casey

Prior to Geelong's AFL match at 7.40pm, the VFL Cats will be in action on Friday afternoon as they hunt their third straight win to start the 2025 season. 

The VFL match will commence at 3.50pm, with Geelong supporters getting the opportunity to see plenty of exciting players live and up close. 

Patrons must hold a relevant ticket for the AFL match to attend the VFL, and are required to move to their allocated seats for the AFL match at the conclusion of VFL game.

Gate 13 will be open from 3:20pm for fans to enter. Patrons will be seated in the Brownlow Stand on Level 1, between bays A28 and A33 for the VFL match.