If Geelong is to make its return to the AFLW finals in Mick Stinear’s first year in charge, it will have earned its spot in the top eight.
The Cats, who finished 13th in 2025, will face five of last year’s finalists, including reigning premier North Melbourne, in their 12-round schedule.
Geelong’s meeting with the Roos will be a historic opening to the club’s ninth season.
The match will be played as a double-header at Marvel Stadium ahead of the AFL matchup between the two clubs, which is yet to be scheduled.
The Cats will play six home games, including the now-traditional Thursday night clash with Hawthorn on AFL Grand Final holiday eve.
“For the second year, the opportunity to host six games at GMHBA Stadium across the season is a strong outcome for the Club,” Geelong’s chief operating officer, Marcus King, said.
“Our home fixture features rounds that our fans strongly connect with, including Essendon in Indigenous Round and GWS in Pride Round.
“We’ve also secured anticipated matchups against Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs, giving members plenty to look forward to at GMHBA Stadium.
“The Thursday night game in Grand Final week has proven to be a consistent highlight on the AFLW calendar, and we’re thrilled to see the Cats showcased in the primetime window again during one of football’s biggest weeks.
“Opening against the reigning premiers, North Melbourne, in a double header is a great way to launch the season, united with our men’s program, and to help build momentum for the year ahead.
“There’s real excitement around the team heading into 2026, with a refreshed coaching group, and a strong fixture that gives our members, fans and families plenty of opportunities to get behind the team throughout the season.”
Similar to last year, Geelong’s home schedule is heavily back-ended, with four of its GMHBA Stadium fixtures coming in the second half of the season, including meetings with Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs to finish.
There is the potential for a second double-header with the men in Round 2
The Cats are fixtured to play St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium, with the men also set to host Richmond in a Round 24 clash, with the timing to be confirmed later in the season.
Geelong has avoided meetings with runner-up Brisbane, and preliminary finalists Carlton and Stinear’s former club Melbourne.
They also don’t play Port Adelaide or Sydney.
As there were in 2025, there are three interstate trips, to play Gold Coast, Adelaide and West Coast.
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2026 GEELONG AFLW FIXTURE
ROUND 1
Date & Time TBC
vs. North Melbourne @ Marvel Stadium
ROUND 2
Saturday, August 22
vs. St Kilda @ GMHBA Stadium, 2:05pm
ROUND 3
Sunday, August 30
vs. Gold Coast @ People First Stadium, 3:05pm
ROUND 4
Sunday, September 6
vs. Essendon @ GMHBA Stadium, 2:35pm
ROUND 5
Saturday, September 12
vs. Adelaide @ Thomas Farms Oval, 3:05pm
ROUND 6
Saturday, September 19
vs. Collingwood @ Victoria Park, 12:35pm
ROUND 7
Thursday, September 24
vs. Hawthorn @ GMHBA Stadium, 7:15pm
ROUND 8
Friday, October 2
vs. Richmond @ Ikon Park, 7:15pm
ROUND 9
Saturday, October 10
vs. GWS Giants @ GMHBA Stadium, 5:05pm
ROUND 10
Saturday, October 17
vs. West Coast Eagles @ Sullivans Logistics Stadium, 7:15pm
ROUND 11
Saturday, October 24
vs. Fremantle @ GMHBA Stadium, 3:05pm
ROUND 12
Friday, October 30
vs. Western Bulldogs @ GMHBA Stadium, 7:15pm
*All times Rounds 1-8 AEST, Rounds 9-12 ADST
