9th vs 7th for round 8 of the 2026 AFL Season. One of the matches of the round, Geelong host the North Melbourne Kangaroos at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.

Perennial competitors Geelong vs the up-and-coming Roos who are having their best season in recent memory, we’re set for a classic.

No one expected North Melbourne to do anything this season, but they're proving the doubters wrong so far with strong performances and drastic improvement under Alastair Clarkson.

Geelong are coming off a disappointing performance, which ended in a 95-65 upset against Port.

They’ll be aiming to bounce back against North who will be arriving off the back of a similarly upsetting loss to GWS in Canberra last week.

It would be quite the achievement if North Melbourne was to upset the Cats on Saturday, having lost the last 14 head-to-head meetings between the clubs.

Their last six meetings have been decided by an average margin of 75.0 points in favour of the Geelong Football Club.

But this is a new North Melbourne side, full of young talent and optimism about what they can do in 2026.

But considering the last meeting of these two clubs was a 150-49 point decimation in Round 20 last season; this may be a bridge too far for the Kangaroos.

Whatever happens in this one, the loser likely slides out of the top 10.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Geelong Cats vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Round 8 prediction and preview below.

Geelong Cats vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-head-Prediction

The Roos have not won in Geelong since 2015 and, to be fair, have never looked like doing so. Last season’s clash ended with Jeremy Cameron booting a career-high 11 goals.

He already has a 10-goal haul this season. Look out!

But Jezza and his Catsa face a much-improved Kangaroos outfit. North went close to winning in Canberra last week and have played some damn good footy this season.

Defensively, they’ve improved and the personnel has spiked, too. Duursma, Trembath, Stephens, Dovaston and Blamires have all added something to the group.

Geelong get a mulligan for last week. After kicking two goals in two minutes, you thought they’d roll on and win by plenty. But Port’s attitude and effort was relentless and in the end, a 30-point margin was flattering.

Their form coming in was strong; wins over the Crows and Dogs and a close loss to the airborne Hawks, so we’ll give them a pass and watch them closely here.

Betting tip: Geelong Cats

First Goal Scorer Prediction

For the first goal, it’d be madness to go past Jezza Cameron, who is sitting pretty on 20 goals for 2026; fourth on the Coleman Medal leaderboard.

He loves playing at Kardinia Park and remains one of the most dangerous goal scoring threats in the competition from inside, or indeed outside 50.

Betting tip: Jeremy Cameron.

Most Disposals Prediction

The most disposals market will be a toss-up between Bailey Smith and Harry Sheezel, who are two of the biggest contributors to their respective teams in the AFL.

Both are averaging 32 disposals per game in 2026; however, on the fast track at GMHBA Stadium we like Bailey’s explosive power through the middle.

Bazlenka might have the edge over Sheezel in this contest.

Betting tip: Bailey Smith.

Odds are subject to change.*

Geelong Cats vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Team Lists

Geelong Cats Predicted Team List

B: Connor O'Sullivan, Jack Henry, Tom Stewart

HB: Sam De Koning, Zach Guthrie, Jake Kolodjashnij

C: Mark O'Connor, Bailey Smith, Oliver Dempsey

HF: Jeremy Cameron, Shaun Mannagh, Brad Close

F: Patrick Dangerfield, Shannon Neale, Jack Martin

FOLL: Mitchell Edwards, Tom Atkins, Max Holmes

I/C: Lawson Humphries, Oisin Mullin, Tanner Bruhn, James Worpel, Oliver Henry

North Melbourne Kangaroos Team List

FB: Charlie Comben, Griffin Logue, Aidan Corr

HB: Luke Parker, Caleb Daniel, Colby McKercher

C: Dylan Stephens, Finn O'Sullivan, Jy Simpkin

HF: Charlie Spargo, Cooper Trembath, Paul Curtis

FF: Jack Darling, Nick Larkey, Cameron Zurhaar

FOLL: Tristan Xerri, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel

I/C: Lachy Dovaston, George Wardlaw, Zane Duursma, Luke McDonald, Tom Powell 

Geelong Cats vs North Melbourne Match Details

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026.

First Bounce: 4:35pm AEST.

Location: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong.

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.