The Geelong Cats are set to face off with Essendon in Round 22 of the 2025 Australian Football League season on Friday at the GMHBA Stadium.
The Cats started the 2025 home-and-away season in somewhat inconsistent fashion as they managed to face five wins and four losses through their opening nine clashes before their form suddenly transformed.
Geelong have tasted nine wins and just suffered two losses through their last 11 matches, and they have pushed themselves to the fourth spot on the ladder, on the back of a three-match winning run.
Essendon have had a torrid time this home-and-away season as their season has not gone very well. They have managed to grab only six victories in 18 games and currently sit 15th on the AFL ladder. They head into the game against the Cats on the back of a nine-game losing streak.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Geelong vs. Essendon free live stream, free-to-air channel
- Live Stream: Kayo, Foxtel
- TV Channel: Fox Footy, 7plus
- Free-to-air: Channel 7
Kayo, 7plus and Foxtel are providing both live and catch-up coverage of the match. The clash will also be available to watch on Fox Footy and Channel 7.
Fans can stream Geelong vs. Essendon on Kayo which is currently offering a free trial for new subscribers so you can essentially watch this game and others this week for free. The match will also be streamed on the AFL website.
Geelong vs. Essendon start time
- Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
- Start Time: 7:40 p.m. AEST
- Venue & Location: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
The AFL Round 22 game between the Geelong Cats and Essendon will be played on Friday, August 8 at 7:40 p.m. AEST.
It will be played at the GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, Victoria.
Here's how that kick-off time translates to the various Australian time zones:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Friday, August 8 | 7:40 p.m. |
| Australian Central Standard Time | Friday, August 8 | 7:10 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Friday, August 8 | 5:40 p.m. |
AFL 2025 fixture schedule this week
Thursday, August 7
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Livestream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn Hawks vs. Collingwood | MCG | 7:30 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge |
Friday, August 8
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Livestream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geelong Cats vs. Essendon | GMHBA Stadium | 7:40 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge |
Saturday, August 9
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond vs. St Kilda | MCG | 1:20 p.m. | Fox/ Kayo |
| Brisbane Lions vs. Sydney Swans | Gabba | 4:15 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
| Carlton vs. Gold Coast SUNS | Marvel Stadium | 7:35 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
| Port Adelaide vs. Fremantle | Adelaide Oval | 8:10 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
Sunday, August 10
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| GWS Giants vs. North Melbourne | Corroboree Group Oval Manuka | 1:40 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
| Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs | MCG | 3:15 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo |
| West Coast Eagles vs. Adelaide Crows | Optus Stadium | 5:10 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |