Both reeling from Round 4 defeats, Geelong and West Coast will clash during Gather Round at Norwood Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The Geelong Cats went down to Hawthorn in heartbreaking fashion on Easter Monday, surrendering a six-point lead with less than two minutes remaining to lose by a single point.

Bailey Smith was the star of the show despite the result, racking up 33 disposals and getting under the skin of the Hawks players.

Meanwhile, the West Coast Eagles endured a brutal reality check, thrashed 163-35 by the Sydney Swans at home.

The 128-point demolition was a cold shower for the revitalised Eagles, who had previously enjoyed high-flying wins over Port Adelaide and North Melbourne.

As the AFL circus rolls into the suburban ground of Norwood Oval, Chris Scott will be looking for his experienced campaigners to steady the ship and use clinical ball movement to exploit the smaller dimensions of The Parade.

For the Eagles, it is about pride and finding a way to protect their young talls from a Cats unit that rarely beats itself twice in a row.

The Cats have held the wood over the Eagles recently, winning their past six encounters, including a dominant 43-point victory in their last meeting.

West Coast fans may want to pack some of that Barossa valley chardonnay, because it could be a long night for the Eagles.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles Round 5 prediction and preview below.

Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Geelong and West Coast lock horns on The Parade for a classic Gather Round encounter. The Eagles were smashed to smithereens against Sydney last week, so a response from Andrew McQualter's men is non-negotiable if they want to prove their early-season form wasn't a flash in the pan.

The Cats roll into this on a shorter break, and it will be of interest to see how some of their elite runners handle the tighter boundaries of Norwood Oval.

We have always been keen on the young tall players on the Eagles list and names like Jobe Shanahan, Cooper Duff-Tytler and Archer Reid have shown heaps of potential.

However, Geelong’s ability to find a way in big games is legendary. Based on James Jordon’s successful lockdown job on Harley Reid recently, you’d expect Cat Oisin Mullin to replicate that role and try to dampen the influence of the Eagles' number one pick.

Former Cat Tim Kelly will need a massive performance against his old mob, but Geelong should not have much trouble with West Coast’s kids over four quarters.

The Cats class and seasoned defensive system should be far too potent for an Eagles side still finding their feet in a massive rebuilding phase.

Head-to-head prediction: Geelong Cats by 40 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Jeremy Cameron loves a big stage and, remarkably, the Cats have banked wins this season without Jezza even fully clicking into gear yet. We think he is primed to explode on the smaller Norwood Oval where his elite leading patterns will be a nightmare for the Eagles' young defenders.

Expect the Cats to get off to a strong start, with Cameron leading the way early against an inexperienced West Coast squad. early to establish dominance.

Betting tip: Jeremy Cameron.

Most Disposals Prediction

Bailey Smith has recorded 31+ disposals in each of Geelong's last three matches and is currently in phenomenal form.

Bazlenka was back on his antics and playing his best last week against the Hawks and managed to stir up some drama with the opposition.

He also starred in the corresponding fixture last year with 38 disposals and over 800 metres gained.

Given the clearance battle is where this game will be won, Smith's work rate makes him the safest bet to lead the stats sheet.

Betting tip: Bailey Smith.

Odds are subject to change.*

Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles Teams

Geelong Cats Predicted Team List

FB: Connor O’Sullivan, Sam De Koning, Jack Henry

HB: Zach Guthrie, Tom Stewart, Oisin Mullin

C: Mark Blicavs, Bailey Smith, Oliver Dempsey

HF: Shaun Mannagh, Jeremy Cameron, Oliver Wiltshire

F: Jack Martin, Shannon Neale, Oliver Henry

Foll: Mitchell Edwards, Tom Atkins, Max Holmes

I/C: Lawson Humphries, Mark O’Connor, Tanner Bruhn, Gryan Miers, Jhye Clark

West Coast Eagles Predicted Team List

FB: Brady Hough, Tylar Young, Liam Duggan

HB: Liam Baker, Reuben Ginbey, Tom McCarthy

C: Hamish Davis, Harry Schoenberg, Willem Duursma

HF: Jacob Newton, Jobe Shanahan, Tim Kelly

F: Jamie Cripps, Jake Waterman, Archer Reid

Foll: Matt Flynn, Harley Reid, Deven Robertson

I/C: Josh Lindsay, Cooper Duff-Tyler, Jack Graham, Bo Allan, Harvey Johnston

Geelong Cats vs West Coast Eagles Match Details

Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026

First Bounce: 12:30pm AEST

Location: Norwood Oval, Adelaide

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports