The VFL Cats are back in action on Sunday, as they head to IKON Park to take on Carlton in Round 5.
Geelong will be looking to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the 2025 season, falling to Box Hill by 46-points at GMHBA Stadium last week.
Sitting in fifth position on the ladder, the Cats will take on a Carlton team that is still searching for their first win of the year after suffering three consecutive losses.
Ahead of a big day of football for Geelong, check out everything you need to know for the VFL Cats match at IKON Park.
KEY DETAILS
2025 VFL Season – Round Five
Carlton v Geelong Cats
Sunday 27th April, 11.05am (AEST)
IKON Park, Melbourne
Last Time We Met
The VFL Cats' last meeting with Carlton came in Round 20 last year, with Geelong falling by 23-points at GMHBA Stadium.
Holding a 19-point lead at the main break, the Cats were well held after half time as the Blues booted 10 of the last 13 goals, closing out a 42-point turn around in the second half.
Mitch Hardie (35 disposals, seven clearances) and Mitch Knevitt (32 disposals, two goals) both performed strongly through the middle, while Marcus Herbert (31 disposals) and George Stevens (24 disposals) both worked hard all day.
Team Selection
IN: Jake Kolodjashnij, Ted Clohesy, Xavier Ivisic, Keighton Matofai-Forbes, Brock Williamson, Taj Wyburd, Jamieson Ballantyne
OUT: Jhye Clark, Oli Wiltshire (AFL), Darcy Edmends (injured), Todd White, Will Sheahan, Osca Riccardi, Doyle Madigan (omitted)
|
Back |
Keighton Matafoi-Forbes (31) | Jake Kolodjashnij (8) | Marcus Herbert (62) |
|
Half Back |
Nathan Kreuger (69) | Charlie McCartin (51) | Dan Capiron (50) |
|
Centre |
Patrick Retschko (27) | George Stevens (15) | Jay Rantall (55) |
|
Half Forward |
Jack Sarcevic (52) | Jay Polkinghorne (2) | Xavier Ivisic (25) |
|
Full Forward |
Jamieson Ballantyne (57) | Mitch Duncan (22) | Ted Clohesy (40) |
| Ruck | Joe Pike (37) | Taj Wyburd (54) | Patrick Hughes (64) |
| Interchange | Joseph Chaplin (58) | Tobyn Murray (61) | Patrick Kelly (74) |
| Mitchell Lloyd (56) | Brock Williamson (47) | ||
| 23rd player | Mitchell Lloyd (56) | ||
| Emergencies | K. Bradtke (48) | O. Riccardi (49) | T. Lewis (66) |
| K. George (67) | W. Sheahan (72) | H. Lucas (82) | |
|
D. Edmends (53) |
E. Borys (68) |
|
Key Player
Jay Rantall
He might have flown under the radar slightly, but Jay Rantall's first three games in the 2025 season have been incredibly impressive.
Geelong's new recruit has accumulated 20 or more disposals in each game so far, while also averaging over seven marks per game and kicking three goals in those three matches.
Rantall has also been able to use his work rate to pick off intercept possessions and collect score involvements, and will be crucial once again in Sunday's clash with Carlton.
Where To Watch
Geelong fans can attend the match at IKON Park, prior to the Cats and Blues doing battle in the AFL contest at the MCG from 3.20pm.
All matches in the 2025 Smithy’s VFL and VFLW seasons will be live streamed free via the AFL website, AFL Live Official App and VFL App.
If you are unable to watch the match live, tune into the Cats website and catch up on all the action through the match report.
