Round 1 of AFL Season 2026 sees Geelong playing host to Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Cats had a nightmare start in the Opening Round, losing 132-69 against the Gold Coast, who are well and truly into their Damien Hardwick era. The Cats looked fatigued and underprepared after years of deep finals runs and an ageing roster.
Their matchup with Fremantle is an intriguing one, as the Dockers enter 2026 with a host of talent, tipped by many to be dark horse contenders for the flag.
The game will be decided in the middle of the field, if the Cats can stifle Fremantle’s transition play, it will go a long way to silencing the Freo faithful back home in the West.
The Dockers will be eager to show they’re not the same team that was bundled out of a home elimination final by Gold Coast.
Last year’s grand finalists will have their work cut-out for them this week after their below-par performance. Will they be able to make the adjustments in time?
Or will Fremantle begin their 2026 campaign by taking one of the biggest scalps in the AFL?
For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Geelong Cats vs Fremantle Dockers Round 1 prediction and preview below.
Geelong Cats vs Fremantle Dockers Prediction and Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
Geelong were embarrassed last week, whilst they did the embarrassing against Freo in the corresponding clash last season, when they downed the Dockers by 78 points.
Freo were saved from the ultimate embarrassment by rookie Murphy Reid, who we now know is a serious prospect after his four-goal burst in that game.
It seems a whole lot can change in just one year of footy, the tables have turned and Freo are red-hot favourites to make a charge to the top four.
But they’ll have to take out last year's Grand Finalists to prove that the hype is real.
While Geelong will be bolstered by the return of veterans Jeremy Cameron and Dangerfield, new recruit James Worpel will miss this one due to a finger injury.
Rhys Stanley may again be needed to solve some ruck issues, particularly as Freo will be rolling out former Pies giant Mason Cox.
While the Cats at home are traditionally a lock, the Dockers’ midfield class is a scary prospect for the depleted Cats.
Freo have a nice recent record in Geelong despite last year’s blip, they’ll be bullish again here. That also might allow Longmuir to have some fun.
This game should go down to the wire, comes close to the match of the round.
Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle by 5 points.
First Goal Scorer Prediction
Jeremy Cameron is back and will be hungry to make an immediate impact after watching his side struggle from the sidelines.
He loves a big stage at home and is the obvious choice to get the Cats on with an early major.
Betting tip: Jeremy Cameron.
Most Disposals Prediction
Caleb Serong has a massive record against the Cats, consistently racking up 25+ disposals in their recent meetings.
A competitor through and through, Serong will rack up good disposal numbers no matter the result of the game.
With Fremantle's midfield expected to dominate the clearance battle, Serong is the most likely candidate to lead the stats sheet here.
Betting tip: Caleb Serong.
Odds are subject to change. *
Geelong Cats vs Fremantle Predicted Teams
Geelong Cats Predicted Team List
B: Connor O’Sullivan, Sam De Koning, Jack Henry
HB: Zach Guthrie, Tom Stewart (c), Lawson Humphries
C: Ollie Dempsey, Max Holmes, Mark O’Connor
HF: Brad Close, Shaun Mannagh, Gryan Miers
F: Ollie Henry, Jeremy Cameron, Jack Martin
R: Mark Blicavs, Tom Atkins, Bailey Smith
I/C: Tanner Bruhn, Shannon Neale, Mitch Knevitt, Jhye Clark, Patrick Dangerfield
Fremantle Predicted Team List
B: Alex Pearce, Luke Ryan, Jordan Clark
HB: Brandon Walker, Heath Chapman, Judd McVee
C: Jeremy Sharp, Andrew Brayshaw, James Aish
HF: Murphy Reid, Sam Switkowski, Josh Treacy
F: Jye Amiss, Luke Jackson, Mason Cox
R: Sean Darcy, Caleb Serong, Hayden Young
I/C: Neil Erasmus, Matthew Johnson, Corey Wagner, Bailey Banfield, Michael Frederick
Geelong Cats vs Fremantle Match Details
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
First bounce: 4:15pm AEDT
Location: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
How to watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports