Geelong Cats play host to a Richmond Tigers side who are desperate to get the 2026 season over and done with. 

The Cats beat North Melbourne 125-110 last Saturday to climb out of the Wildcard positions and into sixth. It wasn't straightforward, either. Geelong were jumped in the opening term and conceded seven goals to one before responding with nine majors of their own in the second quarter.

Veteran Cat Mark Blicavs was central to the turnaround, booting three goals for just the second time in his career. Another win for Geelong this weekend should lock in a top-six finish and a rest next week. 

Richmond's season has been well and truly over since April, a combination of injuries and setbacks have seen the Tigers slump to just three wins from 22 starts in 2026. To make matters worse they copped another hiding last week in a 94-45 loss to the Saints. 

The last meeting between these two came in the corresponding round last season, when Geelong won 103-64. On current form, the Cats will be expecting something even more comfortable than that.

One side is fine-tuning for September. The other is counting down to Mad Monday. That gap in intent tends to show up on the scoreboard.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Geelong Cats vs Richmond Tigers Round 24 prediction and preview below.

Geelong Cats vs Richmond Tigers Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Geelong get a lovely warm-up here before either a Wildcard weekend date or a week off heading into a home elimination final.

The Tigers celebrated Broad and Prestia last week and will likely arrive down the highway without much spark left, which hands the Cats a big chance to win by a gigantic margin.

All eyes will be on Jeremy Cameron and whether he's ready to go, or whether Chris Scott would rather roll him out fresh in a big final. That decision shapes how ugly this gets, but only at the edges.

Margins and stats are about all that's on show here.

Head-to-head prediction: Geelong Cats by 81 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Latest reports have Jezza Cameron returning for the Cats this weekend, and gosh as footy fans we just love to see it.

There's good value in the veteran hitting his straps and marking his return with an early goal against the second-last side in the competition. Richmond's defence has been leaking all year, and Cameron doesn't need many looks to convert one.

If he runs out, Jezzas the play. 

Betting tip: Jeremy Cameron.

Most Disposals Prediction

Bailey Smith has gone 35, 28, 27, 38 and 34 in his last five, and he's averaging 32.3 disposals for the season.

This one's a no-brainer. He's set to tear the Tigers' midfield apart on a ground he knows better than anyone in the contest, against an opponent with nothing left to throw at him.

Don't overthink it.

Betting tip: Bailey Smith.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Jeremy Cameron 2+ goals, Geelong Cats by 40+, Bailey Smith 30+ disposals, Ollie Henry 4+ goals, Mark Blicavs anytime goal scorer.

Odds are subject to change. *

Geelong Cats vs Richmond Tigers Predicted Teams

Geelong Cats Predicted Team List

FB: Mark O'Connor, Connor O'Sullivan, Tom Stewart

HB: Tanner Bruhn, Jack Henry, Zach Guthrie

C: Mark Blicavs, Bailey Smith, Oliver Dempsey

HF: Oliver Wiltshire, Oliver Henry, Gryan Miers

FF: Jeremy Cameron, Shannon Neale, Shaun Mannagh

FOLL: Mitchell Edwards, Tom Atkins, Oisin Mullin

I/C: Lawson Humphries, Jhye Clark, James Worpel, Brad Close, Patrick Dangerfield

Richmond Tigers Predicted Team List

FB: Nathan Broad, Ben Miller, Kye Annand

HB: Nick Vlastuin, Sam Banks, Tom Brown

C: Patrick Retschko, Tim Taranto, Judson Clarke

HF: Seth Campbell, Dion Prestia, Hugo Ralphsmith

FF: Sam Lalor, Tom Lynch, Mykelti Lefau

FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Jack Ross, Taj Hotton

I/C: Luke Trainor, Jayden Short, Sam Grlj, Steely Green, Harry Armstrong

Geelong Cats vs Richmond Tigers Match Details

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026.

First Bounce: 7:45pm AEST

Location: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports