Geelong have done it again. In front of a buzzing MCG crowd, the Cats overpowered Brisbane by 38 points (112–74) to claim yet another home prelim. That makes it 14 preliminary finals in the past 19 years — a dynasty by any measure.
Here’s what stood out.
🏆 Geelong’s Spread Too Deep
This wasn’t about one superstar. It was about all of them. The Cats had 13 different goalkickers. Their midfield bullied Brisbane, and their defensive system cut off supply. Even when they missed early chances, Geelong absorbed the pressure and slammed the door shut after half-time.
🔥 The Umpiring Storm
Everyone’s talking about those two late free kicks to Cam Rayner before the half. Twitter, BigFooty, and the MCG crowd all blew up. Did it flip momentum? Maybe for a few minutes. But the Cats came out after the break and buried any chance of a Lions surge.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 05: Lachie Neale of the Lions is seen with medical staff during the AFL Second Qualifying Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 05, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
💔 Neale’s Calf = Brisbane’s Nightmare
The sight of Lachie Neale limping off is the image Brisbane fans will dread. He’s their Brownlow medallist, their heartbeat. If he’s sidelined, September gets very short, very fast. Pair that with Eric Hipwood’s quiet game and the Lions suddenly look fragile.
🍀 Mullin Magic
Not everything was headline doom and gloom. Irish recruit Oisín Mullin kicked his first AFL goal in his 41st game. The Cats swarmed him, fans roared, and it was one of those small but unforgettable finals moments.
📱 Final Word
Geelong look complete, ruthless, and ready for another shot at glory. Brisbane look bruised, banged up, and maybe broken. September is cruel — and Friday night proved it.
