Geelong will open its VFL campaign with a Friday night clash against Essendon. The Cats will host the Bombers at GMHBA Stadium on March 20 – the same weekend the club’s AFL team will have a bye. Article continues after this ad AdvertisementGeelong won last year’s meeting between the two clubs in Round 20 by 14 points. It will be the Cats’ first standalone Friday night appearance at home since Round 14, 2023, against Casey Demons. The former Geelong AFL player replaced Jimmy Allen at Chirnside Park after the premiership mentor took a role at St Kilda.