Saturday night blockbuster confirmed for Cats

Sports Media Image / Marcel Berens

The Cats will host the Western Bulldogs on the Saturday night to wrap up the home and away season, with the AFL releasing the match times for Round 24.

In what’s set to be a hugely important game for both clubs, Geelong will be taking on the Dogs from 7.25pm on Saturday, August 26, at GMHBA Stadium.

A win against Port Adelaide in Round 21 has seen the Cats give themselves a red-hot chance of making the finals, with the Bulldogs also in contention after a solid win against the Tigers.

Geelong has won 21 of its last 24 encounters against the Bulldogs, with the Dogs winless at Kardinia Park since 2003.

Essendon will take on current ladder-leaders Collingwood at the MCG to open the round on the Friday night, with the AFL opting not to schedule a Thursday night fixture.

Carlton will play fellow finals contenders GWS at the unusual time of 6.10pm Sunday at Marvel Stadium, in another matchup that’s set to determine several teams final positions.

Saturday afternoon sees North Melbourne host the Gold Coast SUNS at Blundstone Arena and Hawthorn and Fremantle matching up at the MCG before the West Coast Eagles host the Adelaide Crows on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.

The Brisbane Lions and St Kilda play the twilight slot at the GABBA.

The remaining matches for the last day of the home and away season will have Port vs Richmond at Adelaide Oval, immediately followed by the Sydney Swans hosting Melbourne at the SCG, ahead of the Blues-Giants game.

Round 24 (All times in AEST).

Friday, Aug 25
Essendon vs. Collingwood – MCG (SEVEN) 7:50pm

Saturday, Aug 26
North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast SUNS – Blundstone Arena (FOX) 1:45pm
Hawthorn vs. Fremantle -MCG (FOX) 1:45pm
Brisbane Lions vs. St Kilda – The Gabba (FOX) 4:35pm
Geelong Cats vs. Western Bulldogs – GMHBA Stadium (SEVEN) 7:25pm
West Coast Eagles vs. Adelaide Crows – Optus Stadium (FOX) 8:10pm

Sunday, Aug 27
Port Adelaide vs. Richmond – Adelaide Oval (FOX) 12:30pm
Sydney Swans vs. Melbourne – SCG (SEVEN) 3:20pm
Carlton vs. GWS GIANTS – Marvel Stadium (FOX) 6:10pm