Geelong will host Carlton at GMHBA Stadium for the first time in seven years, and only the fourth time in three decades, in 2027.
The Blues’ return is the highlight of the Cats’ fixture, with a sellout crowd expected for the Round 19 meeting.
Carlton last appeared at GMHBA Stadium in 2020, but with no crowd due to the COVID pandemic.
However, the Blues’ two trips down the highway in 2018 and 2019, before the construction of Joel Selwood Stand, both drew crowds of more than 31,000.
Other Victorian clubs making the trip down the highway in 2027 include Richmond, North Melbourne, Melbourne, and Essendon.
Geelong makes only six interstate trips in 2027, including the Gather Round meeting with St Kilda, which looms as ruck Rowan Marshall’s first meeting with his former club.
However, the Cats will have to face premiers Brisbane at the Gabba and beaten grand finalists Fremantle at the Gabba and Optus Stadium, respectively.
“There’s a lot to like about our 2027 fixture, and we’re particularly happy with the mix of opponents and timeslots for our 10 home games at GMHBA Stadium, as well as the opportunity to feature in a number of marquee and primetime matches including the season opener and our Easter Monday MCG home game in Round 2,” Geelong’s chief operating officer Marcus King said.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming back Carlton to Geelong, as part of a series of exciting matchups at GMHBA that includes Melbourne and Brisbane as blockbuster Friday night matches.
“With a family-friendly Sunday afternoon timeslot, two primetime Friday night matches and three Saturday twilight games, which has become a great timeslot for fans in recent years, there will be plenty of opportunities for our members and supporters to get along and help us pack out GMHBA Stadium regularly.
“It’s also pleasing to have a strong Melbourne presence in 2027, with seven matches including a blockbuster MCG clash against Collingwood. It ensures our members and supporters in Melbourne have plenty of opportunities to see the Cats throughout the year.
“From a football perspective, the fixture provides a good balance of travel and breaks and a fair spread of double matchups having regard to our top-six finish this year.”
As previously reported, Geelong will travel to Sydney in Round 1 to take on the Swans, with former GWS Giants captain Toby Greene to face his former club at the Sydney Showgrounds in Round 7.
Ex-Essendon defender Jordan Ridley won’t have to wait long to take on the Bombers, with a meeting at the MCG in Round 5.
The Bombers are among the six clubs Geelong faces twice. The Cats have also drawn return meetings with Hawthorn, St Kilda, Carlton, Adelaide and the Brisbane Lions.
Geelong will make two trips to Marvel Stadium to face the Saints and the Western Bulldogs.
X: @krockfootball
2027 GEELONG FIXTURE
| Round | Date | Opponent | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wednesday, March 17 | Sydney | SCG | 7:30 PM |
| 2 | Monday, March 29 | Hawthorn | MCG | 3:15 PM |
| 3 | Sunday, April 4 | Richmond | GMHBA Stadium | 12:30 PM |
| 4 (Gather Round) | Sunday, April 11 | St Kilda | Barossa Park | 3:15 PM |
| 5 | Sunday, April 18 | Essendon | MCG | 12:30 PM |
| 6 | Saturday, April 24 | North Melbourne | GMHBA Stadium | 4:15 PM |
| 7 | Saturday, May 1 | GWS Giants | Sydney Showgrounds | 4:35 PM |
| 8 | Thursday, May 6 | Carlton | MCG | 7:30 PM |
| 9 | Thursday, May 13 | Adelaide | Adelaide Oval | 7:30 PM |
| 10 | Saturday, May 22 | West Coast | GMHBA Stadium | 4:15 PM |
| 11 | Friday, May 28 | Melbourne | GMHBA Stadium | 7:40 PM |
| 12 | BYE | – | – | – |
| 13 | Friday, June 11 | Brisbane Lions | GMHBA Stadium | 7:40 PM |
| 14 | Friday, June 18 | Western Bulldogs | Marvel Stadium | 7:40 PM |
| 15 | Thursday, June 24 | Fremantle | Optus Stadium | 8:10 PM |
| 16 | Saturday, July 3 | Gold Coast | GMHBA Stadium | 4:15 PM |
| 17 | July 8–11 | Hawthorn | MCG | TBC |
| 18 | July 15–18 | Collingwood | MCG | TBC |
| 19 | July 22–25 | Carlton | GMHBA Stadium | TBC |
| 20 | July 29–August 1 | St Kilda | Marvel Stadium | TBC |
| 21 | August 5–8 | Port Adelaide | GMHBA Stadium | TBC |
| 22 | August 12–15 | Brisbane Lions | The Gabba | TBC |
| 23 | August 19–22 | Essendon | GMHBA Stadium | TBC |
| 24 | August 26–29 | Adelaide | GMHBA Stadium | TBC |
