Preview The return of the Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats Preview (Round 3, Post-Alfred!)

[Dalions]

Remembering that time the Gabba roof disassembled itself in a storm when, fortunately, no spectators were there.

View attachment 2238452

Right over where our membership tickets were at the time too.
We were without a roof for the full season I think. It sucked!

 

[Lion_LegacyXL]

I was going to drive down from the Sunshine Coast, I'll see how the weather develops over the next few days. If it does hit as projected I hope it's postponed until the weekend.

 

[MSB ROYS]

Right over where our membership tickets were at the time too.
We were without a roof for the full season I think. It sucked!

Just googled it and the storm was in November 2008, so it must have been during the 2009 season. I was still living OS at the time and I had never heard about it until today!

 

[Grasshopper17]

Someone also suggested to delay the game to when both teams have the bye. The storm certainly has hallmarks of it being much better being home rather than being out and about SE Qld. Except if you try to surf the cyclone swell LOL.

I think this means we would play Geelong two weeks in a row! Which would be interesting I guess. The only other time this would have happened before would be a Grand Final into Round 1, or the final round into the first week of finals.

 

[Section 5]

Swap Sun v Bombers games Round 1 and round 17
Swap Lions Cats games R1 and round 15
No need to change any time slots.

 

[Jirik13]

Swap Sun v Bombers games Round 1 and round 17
Swap Lions Cats games R1 and round 15
No need to change any time slots.

Unless there is forecast change, it does not look like Suns game would have to be moved. 2 days later, yes still windy and some showers but nothing terrible.

 

[Elixuh]

Cancel the game. Give us the 4 points.

 

[PattyKwasagun]

As others have said, surely the easiest solution would be to play it on Saturday March 29 in Round 3, where both teams currently have a bye.

 

[Tom14]

I think this means we would play Geelong two weeks in a row! Which would be interesting I guess. The only other time this would have happened before would be a Grand Final into Round 1, or the final round into the first week of finals.

Rd 3 bye for both teams.

 

[Grasshopper17]

As others have said, surely the easiest solution would be to play it on Saturday March 29 in Round 3, where both teams currently have a bye.

Oh, THAT bye. I thought people were referring to the bye we are due to have in Round 15 or whatever.

Yes, this makes much more sense.

 

[lion64]

They'll wait until Tuesday to call it, I reckon. But safety will prevail.

On SM-G781B using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Perrip]

Well that's a new graphic for a Brisbane weather forecast.

 

[Grasshopper17]

Well that's a new graphic for a Brisbane weather forecast.
View attachment 2238512

Yes. We have liftoff



First time in 33 years I read just now. So very rare. But not unprecedented. Some of us probably remember this

 

[Elixuh]

You'd assume they'll be proactive and cancel this. Can't have 37k people, staff, ambos, police, public transport drivers etc out with the forecast the way it is. Cats will fly up on Tue arvo, so need to make a call prior to then.

 

[Grasshopper17]

You'd assume they'll be proactive and cancel this. Can't have 37k people, staff, ambos, police, public transport drivers etc out with the forecast the way it is. Cats will fly up on Tue arvo, so need to make a call prior to then.

I agree with you in principle, but I would anticipate Geelong flying up on the Wednesday. I think most teams tend to fly up the day before game day, with an exception being when the non-WA teams travel to Perth.

 

[Vdubs]

AFL 2025 Opening Round Preview: Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
Time: 6:50 PM AEST
Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports

A Preliminary Final Encore… or a Cat’s Revenge?

The AFL is serving up a mouthwatering Opening Round clash as the reigning premiers, the Brisbane Lions, host the Geelong Cats in a highly anticipated rematch. This game comes just months after Brisbane shattered Geelong’s premiership dreams in the 2024 Preliminary Final, a match that will forever haunt the Cats' faithful.

That night at the MCG (Oh what a night) the Lions overcame a 25-point third-quarter deficit to snatch a 10-point victory (95-85), booking a redemption Grand Final appearance after the demoralising 2023 Grand Final loss to Collingwood. They then rode that momentum to claim the 2024 Premiership for their first Premiership in 21 years, leaving Geelong wondering what might have been.

Now, with a new season upon us, the Cats have their chance at early season revenge. But with Brisbane raising the Premiership flag at The Gabba before the game, will the Lions continue their dominance? Or will Geelong spoil the party?

Head-to-Head: The Recent Rivalry

Over the past five encounters, the Cats have had the better of Brisbane, winning three out of five. However, one of the losses was the most crucial one for the Lions—the 2024 Prelim, where Brisbane finally broke their 20 year hoodoo against Geelong outside of Queensland.

Here’s a look at their last five matchups:

Year	Round	Winner	Score	Venue
2024	Preliminary Final	Brisbane	14.11 (95) - 12.13 (85)	MCG
2024	Round 06	Geelong	9.9 (86) - 4.13 (37)	The Gabba
2023	Round 19	Brisbane	9.10 (64) - 7.11 (53)	The Gabba
2022	Preliminary Final	Geelong	18.12 (120) - 7.7 (49)	MCG
2022	Round 4	Geelong	11.14 (80) - 11.3 (69)	GMHBA Stadium

The Lions may have turned the tide in 2024, but history suggests Geelong is always a tough opponent. And are the Lions coming in a little underdone?

With a short Pre-season and many players appearing to be a bit underdone and being managed through pre-season.

Last year I feel we came into the season Physically ready but not mentally ready after a Grand Final loss and having to start all over again, where this year I feel we are Mentally ready after winning the Premiership, but are we Physically ready?? Time will tell, and this game may tell us a lot!

Key Matchups: Where the Game Will Be Won and Lost

Lachie Neale vs. Patrick Dangerfield
Two Brownlow Medalists. Two midfield warriors. Two captains who will be pivotal to their team's success. Neale's clean ball use and ability to accumulate possessions will be crucial, but can he match the explosive bursts of the aging but still dangerous Dangerfield? (Not that they will be matched up together but are still each teams best mids). Hopefully Dunks can shut Danger out of the game.

Charlie Cameron vs. Jed Bews
Charlie Cameron loves a big game—and he really loves playing in Brisbane, didn’t have his best year last year but he does typically play well against the Cats, in the Prelim last year he kicked Two goals, and Jed Bews, will have his hands full trying to contain his pace and goal sense. Really backing a fitter Charlie to have a big year.

??(Key Tall) and Eric Hipwood vs. Geelong’s Key Defenders
With Joe now retired this is the biggest question mark on the Lions year. Who will stand up and support Hipwood and Oscar in the Ruck? Logan Morris has talent in Spades and young Academy tough nut Ty Gallop may support Hippy but I would be tempted to give Day or Fort (if ready) first chance as a bit more support for Oscar or Smith for the longer term. Can Geelong’s defenders like Sam De Koning, Jack Henry and Tom Stewart keep them quiet? It could be up to the smalls this year.

Oscar McInerney vs. Rhys Stanley (Ruck Battle)
McInerney played a heroic role in the Lions’ Preliminary Final win, despite carrying a shoulder injury. With an interupted preseason behind him, he and Day or Smith or Fort Will be looking to dominate the hit-outs against the Cats’ ruck brigade.

The Gabba Factor: A Brisbane Fortress

Since 2020, the Lions have turned The Gabba into an impenetrable fortress, losing just five home games in the past four seasons.

Meanwhile, Geelong has struggled a little at the venue in recent years, but their last win at The Gabba did come early in 2024 on a soaked field. If the Cats want to pull off an upset, they’ll need to overcome both Brisbane’s midfield dominance and the hostile crowd with the Premiership flag in pocket.

What’s New in 2025? Fresh Faces & Tactical Shifts

Brisbane:

• The Lions have retained most of their premiership squad, with young guns like Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher primed for bigger roles. And possibly even young Bro Levi to debut.
• Expect Cam Rayner to play more midfield minutes as Brisbane looks to increase their clearance power.

Geelong:

The Cats added speed and youth in the offseason, with their 2024 first-round draft pick, a highly-rated midfielder, set to debut.

• After being overrun late in last year’s Prelim, expect Chris Scott to tweak the Cats' defensive structures.

Fun Fact: A Feline Curse at The Gabba?

Did you know? The last time Geelong defeated a reigning premier in Round 1 was way back in 2009 when they knocked off Hawthorn.

Meanwhile, the Lions haven’t lost a Round 1 game (ignoring last years opening round shamozle) at The Gabba since 2018. If history holds, it could be another long night for the Cats.

Predictions & Final Thoughts:
Prediction: Brisbane by 16 points.

The Lions are at home. They’re the defending premiers. They’ve got a rock-solid midfield and one of the AFL’s most dangerous forward lines. While Geelong will put up a fight, expect Brisbane’s pace and pressure to wear them down in the second half.

Bold Call: Charlie Cameron kicks four goals, and the Brisbane crowd erupts with “Country Roads” before the final siren.

Probably my favourite game of the Finals and season last year
Watch Last Year’s Prelim Final Highlights Here:
Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats - 2024 Preliminary Final Highlights

Possible Lions line up:
B: Answerth, Payne, Lester
HB: Zorko, Andrews Wilmot
C: Fletcher McCluggage, Berry
HF: AhChee, Hipwood, Rayner
F: Cameron, Day, Lohmann
Fol: McInerney, Neale, Dunkley

Int: Bailey, W Ashcroft, McKenna, Morris
Sub: L Ashcroft

Emergencies: Gallop, Fort, Brain, Reville, Joyce

We could play Levi or we could hold him back until Round 1 or 2 and Lincoln could be a possibility for Sub if we hold Levi back.

Geelong’s list:
From what I understand they have a pretty full list to choose from including recruit Bailey Smith who could be a pretty good pick up following a year out with an ACL.

Final Thought:
With both teams boasting serious star power, a storied rivalry, and unfinished business, this season opener has blockbuster written all over it. Strap in, because the 2025 AFL season is about to roar to life in Brisbane!

Buckle Up!

And Go Lions

Excellent preview.
It would appear that Bruhn, Mannagh, Bailey Smith, CGuthrie, Conway will all miss.

 

[Grasshopper17]

Excellent preview.
It would appear that Bruhn, Mannagh, Bailey Smith, CGuthrie, Conway will all miss.

I call bullsh!t on this. Good Brisbane man Chris Scott, no way he wouldn't be up front about all this stuff.

 

[Vdubs]

I call bullsh!t on this. Good Brisbane man Chris Scott, no way he wouldn't be up front about all this stuff.
View attachment 2238555

Hope so, time will tell. Much as we all love CS, he admits to not being all over the medical side of things, but that was a pretty emphatic quote of yours.

 

[Section 5]

Rd 3 bye for both teams.

The Cats play the following Friday round 4. So, what day & time would the game be allocated.
If they make it Saturday that's another win for Kayo and a lot of Brisbane viewers miss out

Times are AEST

THR 6.30
Fri 6.40
Sat 12.20, 3.15, 6.35
Sunday 2.20, 5.10

 

[Perrip]

A tropical cyclone watch will be put in place in the days ahead according to Crisafulli.

Also said he will be in contact with them with official information and up to date advice for them to make their own advice.

 

[Sproj]

If the game does go ahead, I want to see torps all night long with a tail wind. I don't care where they are kicking it to, I want to see balls flying out of the stadium.

 

[Perrip]

Brisbane v Geelong Opening Round clash in doubt due to cyclone

Brisbane is liaising with the AFL about contingency plans as Tropical Cyclone Alfred prepares to hurl destructive 130km/h winds at the city on Thursday during the Lions’ season opener against Geelong.
The Lions and AFL have been in contact as the state’s disaster management committee assesses options for the week should the anticipated forecast eventuate.
Four days out from the game the forecast is four to 40mm of rain but the wind gusts are the issue for the city and the AFL game.
The Bureau of Meteorology says in its forecast: “Destructive wind gusts exceeding 130km/h possible depending on the movement and development of Tropical Cycle Alfred”.
There is still time for that storm to weaken but in a worst possible case scenario the AFL will have to consider other options.
The Lions and Geelong both have round 3 byes, so the AFL could potentially reschedule the game until then.
The AFL told the Herald Sun on Sunday: “We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days and be in step with Government advice.”
But it would be far from ideal given the league’s Thursday contest is the season opener and a centrepiece of the Opening Round which is all based out of Victoria.
The Lions had planned to unfurl the 2024 premiership flag in front of a packed Gabba crowd, with Brisbane champions including Jonathan Brown and Simon Black to participate.
Brisbane premiership star Joe Daniher will not be at the event due to a prior booking after his sudden retirement last year.

 

[Squizz89]

Unfurling the flag at 11.30am on a Sunday in mid March against the Eagles certainly wouldn’t have been what we were anticipating.

 

[PattyKwasagun]

Brisbane premiership star Joe Daniher will not be at the event due to a prior booking after his sudden retirement last year.

That final line is incredible.

 

[AFLQLD]

You'd assume they'll be proactive and cancel this. Can't have 37k people, staff, ambos, police, public transport drivers etc out with the forecast the way it is. Cats will fly up on Tue arvo, so need to make a call prior to then.

This is very likely to be the case based on Emergency Services recommendations early next week. If schools are likely to be declared closed on Thursday for example, it is also likely that any other large movement of people will not be approved in such bad conditions. Getting cars off the road and reducing movement will be a priority.

The cyclone doesn’t just switch off the wind because it is over land. It takes a few hours for the serious conditions to ease. Also if the cyclone does cross to the north of Brisbane, the worst of the weather will still be on the southern side of it sweeping in from the open ocean.

Winds will stay strong for 4-5 hours after crossing the coast making roads extra dangerous. Debris is going to be an issue. Brisbane hasn’t had consistently strong winds over an extended period for a couple of decades, so there are some tree branches that have been just waiting for a good excuse to fall.

Some cyclones, form, develop and then get on with the job with a sense of purpose. Cross a coast somewhere and be done with it. Alfred is a grumpy cyclone (like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli), hovering around, just far enough out at sea to ruin some beaches with the swell, until at the last moment it decides to swoop in and make a bigger mess. Then leave slowly in a sulk of rainy depression.

The next 48 hours will tell us.