<p>The <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl-origin">2026 AFL season</a> is right around the corner, with the Opening Round officially kicking off on Thursday, March 5. Here at the Huddle, we’re continuing our deep dive into all 18 clubs to see who is best placed for premiership glory.</p> <p>Last year’s runners-up, the Geelong Cats, remain a marvel of the AFL, consistently defying the salary cap to remain a perennial contender. After falling short at the last hurdle against Brisbane in the 2025 Grand Final, Chris Scott's men are ready to run it back.</p> <p>Can the Cats make it 20 finals appearances in the last 23 years? Find out in our Geelong Cats 2026 season preview</p> <p>.</p> <h2>Geelong Cats Players 2026</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Geelong’s list remains one of the most stable and experienced in the competition, with minimal personnel changes, Geelong should remain the competition benchmark in 2026.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Geelong Cats Key Signings and Draftees:</h3> <p>Former Hawthorn ball-magnet James Worpel is the only major addition via free agency. Returning to his hometown, ‘The Worpedo’ adds contested-ball winning and clearance depth to the midfield.</p> <p>Midfield hopeful Hunter Holmes joins his brother Max Holmes in the top squad, while highly touted wing prospect and draft 24 Harley Barker was the Cats top draftee.</p> <p>They’re joined by Jesse Mellor and Nick Driscoll, added via the rookie draft.</p> <h3>Geelong Cats Players Lost:</h3> <p>The Cats have bid farewell to some legendary figures in 2026. Premiership veteran and club legend Mitch Duncan has retired and joins West Coast as an assistant coach.</p> <p>Fellow Cats premiership player and former<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl-all-australian"> All Australian</a> Cam Guthrie was delisted after 240 games for the Cats and a horror injury run.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Other departures include Patrick Retschko (traded to Richmond), Ted Clohesy, and Xavier Ivisic.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Geelong Cats Main Man</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Bailey Smith</h3> <p>While Jeremy Cameron remains a superstar and Dangerfield continues to defy father time, Bailey Smith is the man whose form can make or break the Cats flag hopes. After an incredible debut season at the Cattery in 2025, Smith led the AFL with a season average of 30+ disposals per game.</p> <p>His impact was recognised by the best minds in footy, Smith won AFLCA Champion Player of the Year, a top three <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl-brownlow-medal">Brownlow Medal</a> finish and his first All-Australian selection.</p> <p>Ahead of the 2026 campaign, Bazlenka’s dominance has already been acknowledged with selection for Victoria for the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl-origin">2026 AFL Origin match</a>.</p> <p>If Geelong is to go one step further this year, they need the best version of Bailey Smith, if that means he needs to press pause on the influencer life, so be it.</p> <p>Baz will be Geelong royalty as long as he lives if he commits to one of the great lock-ins of all time, lets his footy do the talking and leads the Cats to revenge against the Lions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Geelong Cats Draw Difficulty Rating</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The price of success is a difficult draw, and the Cats have been handed exactly that for 2026. Statistically, they have the hardest run in the league, playing 14 matches against last year’s top eight teams.</p> <p>They face double ups against Brisbane, Collingwood, Adelaide, Fremantle, and the Gold Coast. However, Geelong’s historic record against high-quality opponents means they rarely struggle with a tough schedule.</p> <p>Difficulty rating: Yikes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Geelong Cats Season Prediction 2026</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Cats enter 2026 virtually as a lock for the top 4, consistent, reliable and with a depth of finals football experience.</p> <p>Tanner Bruhn will return with a point to prove, after his absence going unnoticed in Geelong’s run to the 2025 Grand Final. Combined with the emergence of Ollie Dempsey on the wing, this gives the Cat’s midfield a younger, faster profile to support veterans like Atkins and Worpel.</p> <p>Their backline is amongst the best in the league, with Tom Stewart reasserting his role as the competition's premier interceptor alongside the rising Connor O'Sullivan and Sam De Koning.</p> <p>However, there are reasons to believe they may fall just short again. A glaring concern is their ruckmen, where the Cats are still too reliant on Rhys Stanley. Their lack of depth around the bounce leaves Geelong vulnerable with just a few injuries.</p> <p>Additionally, the Cats must manage the ageing bodies of superstars like Patrick Dangerfield across a gruelling season. Even legends are susceptible to breaking down and father time remains undefeated.</p> <p>The Cats are the benchmark, but their squad needs more X factor for them to rise as flag favourites.</p> <p>Expect Geelong to overcome their brutal draw, they don’t do down years. They’ll be right there when the whips are cracking in September.</p> <p>Predicted finish: <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/afl-premiership-winner-2026-9641840">Runners Up</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Geelong Cats Predicted Round 1 Team</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>FB: J.Henry, S.De Koning, Z.Guthrie</p> <p>HB: T.Stewart, C.O’Sullivan, L.Humphries</p> <p>C: O.Dempsey, T.Atkins, G.Miers</p> <p>HF: S.Mannagh, J.Cameron, B.Close</p> <p>FF: T.Stengle, S.Neale, P.Dangerfield</p> <p>FOLL: M.Blicavs, B.Smith, M.Holmes</p> <p>I/C: J.Worpel, M.O'Connor, J.Bowes, T.Bruhn, J.Martin (sub)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Note: Vice-captain Tom Stewart is expected to be available for Round 1 after finishing 2025 in concussion protocols.</p>