Preview AFL GF 2025: Geelong V Brisbane Sat 27th Sept MCG 2:30 pm

[cats_09]

Resource Post - I'll endeavour to update this post with info and links relevant to what's happening over the coming week

- Meet Up, Live Sites & Viewing Party discussion

Meet Up - 2025 Meet Up Thread - Grand Final Edition... including Live Sites info

https://gardenstatehotel.com.au/ 101 Flinders Lane. It opens at noon on Sunday.

www.bigfooty.com

- Grand Final Ticket discussion (please don't start separate threads for ticket sales)

Resource - 2025 Finals Ticket Discussion - Grand Final ticket discussion

Where can I find my Cats Membership Barcodes? OR When do we get Cats Membership Barcodes? Checked online : geelongcats.com.au website and Cats Mobile App

www.bigfooty.com

 

[Vdubs]

Fagan on 360 now:

• no decision on Neale, needs to get through and pull up well from Thursday’s main training to be named
• sounds like Berry won’t play, Fagan said he be given an opportunity to train but said there is a risk of shoulder popping out again

Speaking of Fagan, he has been named coach of the year??
CS has never won that , despite 2 flags.

 

[joe444]

This Caro?

 

[you pick one]

So whos go to Neale

My question would be how does he avoid BROOM BROOM in carnage mode.

 

[joe444]

2011 vibes perhaps?

More like 2001 / 2004 vibes, tbh.

And on a side-note: it's okay to be confident going into this match if not for the fact that if we can't beat a Brisbane side this baddly hobbled & cobbled ... how shit must we be?

 

[bluskyreamin]

 

[calder_daddy]

View attachment 2435723

This Caro?

View attachment 2435735

If she tips us we’re doomed

 

[Mr Meow]

It's not an extraordinary decision at all. They've got a long injury list with very few other options.

The likely replacement is James Tunstill who's played 11 games in 4 seasons and has played about 10 minutes of footy since round 7. Thinking a top 10 player in the game going at 80% is more likely to stand up in a GF than a kid who would be close to being delisted is a no brainer.

This isn't bringing in a 100+ gamer who played every home and away game when fit like when we brought in Parfitt for Holmes in 2022.

Despite receiving serious overs on Brownlow night, Neale has not been that amazing this season. Their midfield without him have dominated teams with McCluggage, Dunkley, Washcroft, Bailey and sometimes Rayner stepping up. Washcroft especially seems to go to another level without Neale.

Breville on the wing and Tunstill as sub would have been fine. But I guess they feel that Berry going out has forced their hand.

 

[Cursed Cat]

Saw vision of Lachie Neale

9

Lachie Neale

Age

32

Ht

177cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

27.0

5star

K

11.5

4star

HB

15.5

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

3.7

5star

CL

5.9

5star

D

28.3

5star

K

13.9

5star

HB

14.4

5star

M

4.6

4star

T

4.0

5star

CL

5.9

5star

D

12.0

3star

K

4.6

2star

HB

7.4

5star

M

2.0

3star

T

1.0

3star

CL

0.4

3star

training this evening, he looked pretty good, changing direction etc in some type of match sim drill.
I expect him to play at close to his best.
It's going to be a really tough day; yes we rolled them a few weeks ago but they've already proved that they can put together elite Finals performances as per their campaign last year. They've got belief.

We just have to attack, attack, attack the game like we always do, with no let up whatsoever. Wish we had Stewart, hopefully we'll have enough.

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Hey everyone. I have made a Geelong v Brisbane Promo for the GF this weekend. I hope you all enjoy and Go Cats!!

Sensational Matt!

I’m even more excited now.

Love the music too!

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Why do players just rehab a soft tissue in home and away but when finals come around they hop onto the hyperbaric chamber.

If it's so effective why not do it all.the time

Think of iron + oxygen mixed with water = rust

 

[bluskyreamin]

Gee it's close

Cats:
188cm
86.3kg
27.1yr
129gm

Lions:
188cm
85.7kg
26.3yr
131gm

 

[Vdubs]

Gee it's close

Cats:
188cm
86.3kg
27.1yr
129gm

Lions:
188cm
85.7kg
26.3yr
131gm

Teams have been named already?

 

[joe444]

If she tips us we’re doomed

I want to know who Bec Goddard tips. She makes things happen....

From The Age 23/9/22

BEC GODDARD
Geelong out to a fast start with Tyson Stengle hitting the scoreboard early. Sydney will hold space in attack for Buddy to carve up the MCG centre, however Geelong’s offence will be too strong
Prediction: Geelong
Norm Smith: Isaac Smith (Geelong).

 

[bluskyreamin]

Teams have been named already?

No those are the prelim teams, slight change to the GF numbers you'd expect, but you couldn't get closer in the real world.

 

[Zouz Kitty]

Ball needs to get kicked ontop of Neale's head if they are one out. If the ball is kicked 15-20m out from goal, Andrew's reads it faster and reacts faster and runs to intercept. It's split second stuff, but he's the best defender in the comp right now, a huge man and very strong. He wants the ball to be dropped short of him as he knows he will get to that ball or contest up in front of him faster than his opponent.

For it to be effective tactics, it needs to be kicked to players around the 50m-60m range, then its drilled in as a lead up pass on the wings (which Andrews cant impact), or a chip kick to a small forward in space around the 40m mark, or pumped over his head to the goal square. Put Andrews in two minds as to whether he has to go forward or back. And no kicking to one on ones with him and Neale unless there is a small forward at their feet.

I’d like to see Scratcher in front, while only 3cm taller than Andrews, because of agility.

I think Scratcher should change his defensive strategy to be more attacking + focus more on his game. Actually, I think he did this in QF. Still, I’d like to see him in front to thwart Andrews’ intercepts. Neale is fast for such a tall guy. Has speed + strength.

With his tremendous leap + improvement in clunking marks, perhaps a crumber at feet thanks Vic) if there’s a spill.

Vic, I like your strategies for Scratcher.

 

[UnitedWarrior93]

Saw vision of Lachie Neale training this evening, he looked pretty good, changing direction etc in some type of match sim drill.
I expect him to play at close to his best.
It's going to be a really tough day; yes we rolled them a few weeks ago but they've already proved that they can put together elite Finals performances as per their campaign last year. They've got belief.

We just have to attack, attack, attack the game like we always do, with no let up whatsoever. Wish we had Stewart, hopefully we'll have enough.

The Brisbane we played 2 weeks ago will be nothing like what we’ll face on Saturday. It’s a genuine 50/50, I think it’s going to be a belter of a GF and one of the best.

 

[Cursed Cat]

The Brisbane we played 2 weeks ago will be nothing like what we’ll face on Saturday. It’s a genuine 50/50, I think it’s going to be a belter of a GF and one of the best.

I'm becoming less confident as the week progresses - but I'm often wrong and my ''vibes'' are too.

Brisbane are eyeing history, they've fought their way to the GF the hard way but this group knows the stage well and they won't roll over (well, Rayner will flop, that's a different thing though).

That same stage is set for Max Holmes, Ollie Dempsey, Shaun Mannagh and of course Bailey Smith to stake their premiership claims, if they can keep up their best run and drive for four quarters they'll achieve their aims.

 

[The_Koulouriotis_Fan]

If she tips us we’re doomed

She's already tipped Brisbane!

 

[bluskyreamin]

She's already tipped Brisbane!

 

[Toe Poke]

Ah CHEE

Bless you

 

[Commando]

Far more relaxed this week personally
Last week was unbearable

 

[LateSelectionCat]

View attachment 2435723

This Caro?

View attachment 2435735

Heard her on the age podcast last week before the prelim Hawks will win it all now on agenda setters tonight she says “ Brisbane will win, I’ve said it all year “

 

[cats_09]

I'm not posting the whole doc (it's 6 pages), but for those who want a read up on this week's Grand Final, the MCG has produced this:

MCC LIBRARY FACT SHEET
SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
AFL 2025 Grand Final
Geelong V Brisbane

GEELONG AND THE BRISBANE LIONS IN GRAND FINALS

Today’s game will be the first time that Geelong and the Brisbane Lions have met in a grand final. Overall, since becoming a founder member of the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 1897, Geelong has played in 19 VFL/AFL grand finals, winning ten and losing nine. [The VFL became the Australian Football League (AFL) in 1990.] Since their establishment in 1997, following the merger of Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears, the Brisbane Lions have contested six grand finals, winning four and losing two. The Brisbane Bears did not make a grand final during their ten years in the VFL/AFL (1987-96). Fitzroy, a foundation club of the VFL, played in 13 grand finals between 1898 and 1944, winning eight and losing five, but did not make a grand final in their last 52 years in the VFL/AFL (1945-96).


One Hundred Years Ago

The pre-grand final edition of the 1925 Football Record previewed the match between Geelong and Collingwood:

“A victory today for Geelong will take the premiership to the seaside city for the first time in the history of the League, but if they are beaten they will be runners-up for the second time. The first occasion was in 1897. Whether Geelong win or are beaten it must be conceded that football has never been so great a part of the life of the townspeople of their fair city as it has been this season. There has been a lot of credit given - and deservedly so, too – to both Geelong and Melbourne for the wonderfully fine ball (sic) both have played this season, and a fortnight ago one heard on all sides opinions that it would be a great thing for the game if either of those sides pulled off the premiership this season. Melbourne have missed it, Geelong’s big chance is ahead of them now.”

For the record, the result of the grand final was a win to Geelong 10.19 (79) to Collingwood 9.15 (69).


The same Record also told us:

“After the match last week a man with a cockatoo on his arm walked into the Collingwood room, and exhibiting the parrot proudly as a representative from Birdland, wished the Birds of Collingwood further success. The cockatoo seemed perfectly at his ease among so many magpies.”

We do feel that the following comments in the Record regarding an umpire and the players would be unlikely to be reported nowadays:

“Jack McMurray carried out his duties as field umpire of the two semi-finals in a manner that deserves praise. The little chap was cheered at the half-time interval and at the conclusion of the match. His job was made easier than it might have been by the splendid spirit in which the players played the game. Melbourne were given 51 and Geelong 53 free kicks, according to the record kept by my friend, Mr. Watson, of the Melbourne club, as fair and impartial club man as has been associated with the Fuchsias. It’s a pleasure to sit alongside him and Mr. Wal Spry, the Melbourne timekeeper, who has watched the clock as Melbourne’s timekeeper for nearly 40 years.”



Rest of the doc is here -

https://mcg.org.au/_/media/files/mcc/library/2025-09-27-gf-geelong-v-brisbane.pdf

 

[Play it Sam]

I'm not posting the whole doc (it's 6 pages), but for those who want a read up on this week's Grand Final, the MCG has produced this:

MCC LIBRARY FACT SHEET
SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
AFL 2025 Grand Final
Geelong V Brisbane

GEELONG AND THE BRISBANE LIONS IN GRAND FINALS

Today’s game will be the first time that Geelong and the Brisbane Lions have met in a grand final. Overall, since becoming a founder member of the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 1897, Geelong has played in 19 VFL/AFL grand finals, winning ten and losing nine. [The VFL became the Australian Football League (AFL) in 1990.] Since their establishment in 1997, following the merger of Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears, the Brisbane Lions have contested six grand finals, winning four and losing two. The Brisbane Bears did not make a grand final during their ten years in the VFL/AFL (1987-96). Fitzroy, a foundation club of the VFL, played in 13 grand finals between 1898 and 1944, winning eight and losing five, but did not make a grand final in their last 52 years in the VFL/AFL (1945-96).


One Hundred Years Ago

The pre-grand final edition of the 1925 Football Record previewed the match between Geelong and Collingwood:

“A victory today for Geelong will take the premiership to the seaside city for the first time in the history of the League, but if they are beaten they will be runners-up for the second time. The first occasion was in 1897. Whether Geelong win or are beaten it must be conceded that football has never been so great a part of the life of the townspeople of their fair city as it has been this season. There has been a lot of credit given - and deservedly so, too – to both Geelong and Melbourne for the wonderfully fine ball (sic) both have played this season, and a fortnight ago one heard on all sides opinions that it would be a great thing for the game if either of those sides pulled off the premiership this season. Melbourne have missed it, Geelong’s big chance is ahead of them now.”

For the record, the result of the grand final was a win to Geelong 10.19 (79) to Collingwood 9.15 (69).


The same Record also told us:

“After the match last week a man with a cockatoo on his arm walked into the Collingwood room, and exhibiting the parrot proudly as a representative from Birdland, wished the Birds of Collingwood further success. The cockatoo seemed perfectly at his ease among so many magpies.”

We do feel that the following comments in the Record regarding an umpire and the players would be unlikely to be reported nowadays:

“Jack McMurray carried out his duties as field umpire of the two semi-finals in a manner that deserves praise. The little chap was cheered at the half-time interval and at the conclusion of the match. His job was made easier than it might have been by the splendid spirit in which the players played the game. Melbourne were given 51 and Geelong 53 free kicks, according to the record kept by my friend, Mr. Watson, of the Melbourne club, as fair and impartial club man as has been associated with the Fuchsias. It’s a pleasure to sit alongside him and Mr. Wal Spry, the Melbourne timekeeper, who has watched the clock as Melbourne’s timekeeper for nearly 40 years.”



Rest of the doc is here -

https://mcg.org.au/_/media/files/mcc/library/2025-09-27-gf-geelong-v-brisbane.pdf

Excellent! Old school language, "the little chap". Very funny.
I will refrain from commenting about the cockortoo.
And the Fuchias!

 

[Play it Sam]

I’d like to see Scratcher in front, while only 3cm taller than Andrews, because of agility.

I think Scratcher should change his defensive strategy to be more attacking + focus more on his game. Actually, I think he did this in QF. Still, I’d like to see him in front to thwart Andrews’ intercepts. Neale is fast for such a tall guy. Has speed + strength.

With his tremendous leap + improvement in clunking marks, perhaps a crumber at feet thanks Vic) if there’s a spill.

Vic, I like your strategies for Scratcher.

Ain't going to happen. Has played from behind/side all season. The one time he didn't, he starred.
Hopefully he's been thoroughly taken through the vision to come up with something for Andrews.
Need him to smash them one for the ages, but I feel it's Cameron going to light up with a bag.