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

 

[Mr Meow]

So I was much more nervous last week than I am this. But for a strange reason. Last week I could not see a logical reason that the Hawks could beat us - they have 4-5 good players and we were always going to be able to stop 3 of them. We were a far superior team which made me not sleep going into the game as the loss would have been two lost opportunities in two years. On top of that it was the Hawks - and with these new young forwards they are even a worst version if that is possible. So the stress of an illogical loss was too much (lucky I am not a player!)

This week I think I am more relaxed as I can see how Brisbane can beat us. They are a very good side with a dozen stars. And they have a (high risk) formula that if they pull it off they can get through out defence. And Harris Andrews who is just flat out good. So I am not stressed about the loss being a disaster.

Of course it will be extremely disappointing as I believe we are a better team. Some stars but also more depth, more ways to beat them (they really just have one), a master coach (who has some tricks still to play) and players in good health. Nerves will build as I do expect us to win, but I am not carrying the weight as a fan in terms of just see how we lose (2008 style)…

What a club we support to give us this chance again to risk disappointment or bask in the glory

CHAWKS is back?

 

[CHAWKS2]

Or it could be somewhere in between the giant gulf that exists between getting smashed and winning 12 coaches votes out of 10.

I think that is the point for sure. We should NOT get suckered into the narrative that Stanley is in to play first ruck for the whole game and blitz used elsewhere. Stanley gives us an OPTION (which we didn’t have and luckily didn’t need over past few weeks) to use Blitz to fix any problems we have (defence, Andrews, midfielder and ruck)…if ruck is our biggest problem Blitz will ruck more.

We can cope with Stanley spending more time on the bench in that circumstance - just means others play slightly more on ground. But if one of those other issues become huge we can get Stanley to do his best - of course he can’t get clearances like Blitz but…

I love the flexibility here for the best coach to be able to problem solve…

 

[CHAWKS2]

CHAWKS is back?

It is not about me…but I couldn’t resist a little cameo given how special it is.

You won’t believe it but I did miss a lot of you posters. Indeed it was one of the reasons I shut off (did it a dozen times but usually cancelled before the cooling off period) - was getting a bit addicted…although more so as I was getting too sensitive to criticism of players…

I was becoming bailey smith (I love him!) complaining about being in the spotlight whilst posting everyday. My equivalent was getting emotional about posts when I didn’t have to read them. And certainly didn’t have to reply - I did a couple where I started to react to people and decided I was going down a hole.

But I have kept reading and love the passion of (most) posters.

Anyway…again not about me…back for a week and fingers crossed it is a good one

 

[Mr Meow]

I think that is the point for sure. We should NOT get suckered into the narrative that Stanley is in to play first ruck for the whole game and blitz used elsewhere. Stanley gives us an OPTION (which we didn’t have and luckily didn’t need over past few weeks) to use Blitz to fix any problems we have (defence, Andrews, midfielder and ruck)…if ruck is our biggest problem Blitz will ruck more.

We can cope with Stanley spending more time on the bench in that circumstance - just means others play slightly more on ground. But if one of those other issues become huge we can get Stanley to do his best - of course he can’t get clearances like Blitz but…

I love the flexibility here for the best coach to be able to problem solve…

Yeah I think we had to pick Stanley so that Blicavs can be used elsewhere if we are suffering. Stewart out gives us one less interceptor and Henry with an issue means we are one problem in defence away from it being a real vulnerability. If Henry is not right during the match for instance we would be in trouble. If we can swing Blicavs back we have our plan B.

The Blicavs to Andrews move is probably more of a luxury but one I expect we'll see at some stage. If Stanley only ends up playing just over half the game on the ground that's fine. But we have him if we need more

 

[Mr Meow]

It is not about me…but I couldn’t resist a little cameo given how special it is.

You won’t believe it but I did miss a lot of you posters. Indeed it was one of the reasons I shut off (did it a dozen times but usually cancelled before the cooling off period) - was getting a bit addicted…although more so as I was getting too sensitive to criticism of players…

I was becoming bailey smith (I love him!) complaining about being in the spotlight whilst posting everyday. My equivalent was getting emotional about posts when I didn’t have to read them. And certainly didn’t have to reply - I did a couple where I started to react to people and decided I was going down a hole.

But I have kept reading and love the passion of (most) posters.

Anyway…again not about me…back for a week and fingers crossed it is a good one

It's great to see you back mate, even if it's just for a few days.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

It is not about me…but I couldn’t resist a little cameo given how special it is.

You won’t believe it but I did miss a lot of you posters. Indeed it was one of the reasons I shut off (did it a dozen times but usually cancelled before the cooling off period) - was getting a bit addicted…although more so as I was getting too sensitive to criticism of players…

I was becoming bailey smith (I love him!) complaining about being in the spotlight whilst posting everyday. My equivalent was getting emotional about posts when I didn’t have to read them. And certainly didn’t have to reply - I did a couple where I started to react to people and decided I was going down a hole.

But I have kept reading and love the passion of (most) posters.

Anyway…again not about me…back for a week and fingers crossed it is a good one

Welcome back!

 

[ndduyk6]

i see certain things in our game that Brisbane can't stop... margin for error would be small for them which means probability is low. We can win in lots of ways like slog fest shoot out etc. Gotta control it in the forward half and dominate clearance like we did in QF just make it hard for them to move the football.We will score with our forwards we've got alot of weapons that brisbane will have a hard time to stop.

 

[Play it Sam]

If Andrews gets off the chain we have a backup we didn’t have in the Qualifying. I reckon we will give Neale a chance (he got beaten last time but not as bad as the times before) and see if it is hurting us - and then pull the trigger on Blitz forward as soon as we need

Why not both?
Send Jezz further up, even though I was never a fan of that, he's done some constructive work off half back. I can't see Shannon effectual on the wing, except rucking. Our smalls will be the key. Neale will wake up this time, if not, I expect Scott to move heaven and earth, but not quite to the extent Mitchell did (without effect )

BTW: Really fantastic that anyone has that level of introspection and then discipline. You should realise though, it's not an abyss on here, people have good memories, and miss your level of knowledge and banter. So maybe we could urge you to keep it to one day or something, for us it's better than No Chawks!

 

[CHAWKS2]

i see certain things in our game that Brisbane can't stop... margin for error would be small for them which means probability is low. We can win in lots of ways like slog fest shoot out etc. Gotta control it in the forward half and dominate clearance like we did in QF just make it hard for them to move the football.We will score with our forwards we've got alot of weapons that brisbane will have a hard time to stop.

Agree with that.

They really only have one way to beat us - and it is high risk. But if it comes off it is very hard to beat given their talent. Hawks tried to beat us in a similar (albeit not as fast) way but they just don’t have enough talent to pull it off. Brisbane can but not if we put the same pressure on as last game.

As shown on a couple of shows though our pressure only just worked a couple of times (finger tips to knock the ball) - if it was a few cm above the fingers they would have been out. The proverbial game of inches. Probabilities are definitely with us but just hoping we get our fair share of luck (unlike that third qtr prelim last year)

 

[CHAWKS2]

Why not both?
Send Jezz further up, even though I was never a fan of that, he's done some constructive work off half back. I can't see Shannon effectual on the wing, except rucking. Our smalls will be the key. Neale will wake up this time, if not, I expect Scott to move heaven and earth, but not quite to the extent Mitchell did (without effect )

Yep. We have lots of options. And Jezz/Dempsey swap is not new but could be used more depending on what is needed.

No way they given Dempsey same space as last time (although good Berry not playing as he would be good match up) so he is going to either be a decoy or focus on other value add - including mixing it up with Jezza

We have an amazing amount of flexibility. It is why we get a 6-6-6 warning every game and wouldn’t be surprised if we get a free kick…there are times when players are very confused as to where they are supposed to go! Love it

 

[standupand]

Half of the Brisbane Lions players are first round picks. They play like billionaires but not as a team. Geelong is full of ragtag players who play as a team. That's why Geelong should win.

Can't agree with this.
Brisbane's team is not stacked with top draft picks any more than ours is.
They have the Ashcrofts, McCluggage, Rayner and Ah Chee. That's about it.
We've got Jez, Danger, Smith, Bowes, O'Sullivan.
The sides in general are evenly matched and play a solid brand.
The reason we win will be because we are in better shape than they are at this stage of the season.
They have been playing their cutthroat finals since Rd 23 against the Hawks. We have been tuning up for a good many weeks and ready to peak.
Bring it on.

 

[Mattttty]

Nice work. You'd imagine it must be SOOO wasteful each year the tends of thousands of losing side posters that get destroyed.

They should print them double sided. Not as neat, but no excuse for that kind of waste in 2025.

 

[thegerman]

Is it time yet

 

[standupand]

So I was much more nervous last week than I am this. But for a strange reason. Last week I could not see a logical reason that the Hawks could beat us - they have 4-5 good players and we were always going to be able to stop 3 of them. We were a far superior team which made me not sleep going into the game as the loss would have been two lost opportunities in two years. On top of that it was the Hawks - and with these new young forwards they are even a worst version if that is possible. So the stress of an illogical loss was too much (lucky I am not a player!)

This week I think I am more relaxed as I can see how Brisbane can beat us. They are a very good side with a dozen stars. And they have a (high risk) formula that if they pull it off they can get through out defence. And Harris Andrews who is just flat out good. So I am not stressed about the loss being a disaster.

Of course it will be extremely disappointing as I believe we are a better team. Some stars but also more depth, more ways to beat them (they really just have one), a master coach (who has some tricks still to play) and players in good health. Nerves will build as I do expect us to win, but I am not carrying the weight as a fan in terms of just see how we lose (2008 style)…

What a club we support to give us this chance again to risk disappointment or bask in the glory

CHAWKS returns! Welcome back.

 

[Play it Sam]

Yep. We have lots of options. And Jezz/Dempsey swap is not new but could be used more depending on what is needed.

No way they given Dempsey same space as last time (although good Berry not playing as he would be good match up) so he is going to either be a decoy or focus on other value add - including mixing it up with Jezza

We have an amazing amount of flexibility. It is why we get a 6-6-6 warning every game and wouldn’t be surprised if we get a free kick…there are times when players are very confused as to where they are supposed to go! Love it

Haha. i love it too, especially when Mullin starts there and channels the niggling, frustrating, Celtic Hulk. Somehow I'm sensing GF reports. Bring it on.

PS I added to my post a message for you.

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

Surely O’Connor goes to Rayner again.
Maybe Mullin to Ashcroft instead of Mcluggage?

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Grand final bbq game engage

 

[Catman]

Are you sure Cornes tipped against us in the prelim? He’s been tipping a Cats v Bris GF for weeks:

View attachment 2437355

Match Previews Preliminary Finals: Geelong v Hawthorn

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Kane Cornes preview the game between the Cats and Hawks at the MCG

www.afl.com.au

Last 15 seconds.

 

[CHAWKS2]

Surely O’Connor goes to Rayner again.
Maybe Mullin to Ashcroft instead of Mcluggage?

Really interesting…

I don’t know (in case old posters think I do) but I was thinking the same thing.

Does the job Atkins did on Newcome give the coaches the idea to send Atkins to Mcluggage in the same way and then Mullin just take last years norm out of the picture (I reckon Mullin puts him to sleep!)

I love the thought of that but maybe for wrong reason - just want our coach to be creative…

The flip side is that McL is different player to Newc? And McL can hurt you out of stoppages so is more suited to a hard tag? I just don’t know which way they will start?

MOC on Rayner surely is right?

 

[Play it Sam]

Surely O’Connor goes to Rayner again.
Maybe Mullin to Ashcroft instead of Mcluggage?

Ashcroft got done. Some of it was from his own fumbling and lack of luck, but maybe not change a good/bad thing?

ACTUALLY I"M GOING NOW TO WATCH A FULL REPLAY.
Seeya Saturday.

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

Really interesting…

I don’t know (in case old posters think I do) but I was thinking the same thing.

Does the job Atkins did on Newcome give the coaches the idea to send Atkins to Mcluggage in the same way and then Mullin just take last years norm out of the picture (I reckon Mullin puts him to sleep!)

I love the thought of that but maybe for wrong reason - just want our coach to be creative…

The flip side is that McL is different player to Newc? And McL can hurt you out of stoppages so is more suited to a hard tag? I just don’t know which way they will start?

MOC on Rayner surely is right?

I was thinking that but then I thought Atkins on Neale?
But then for McCluggage?
Or who would take Neale? He won’t be 100% but will need minding.

MOC on Rayner will happen and I can’t wait for that rematch.

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

Ashcroft got done. Some of it was from his own fumbling and lack of luck, but maybe not change a good/bad thing?

ACTUALLY I"M GOING NOW TO WATCH A FULL REPLAY.
Seeya Saturday.

It’s a hard one. I almost feel like Mullin can’t play on McCluggage again because he’s going to be expecting it.

We need to do similar but a little different than the QF.

 

[Play it Sam]

Ashcroft got done. Some of it was from his own fumbling and lack of luck, but maybe not change a good/bad thing?

I was thinking that but then I thought Atkins on Neale?
But then for McCluggage?
Or who would take Neale? He won’t be 100% but will need minding.

MOC on Rayner will happen and I can’t wait for that rematch.

I hope a Bris PR guru has taken Rayner aside and pointed out the smart arse harm he's doing his own brand.
If it's good enough for Bailey.

 

[Mr Meow]

Really interesting…

I don’t know (in case old posters think I do) but I was thinking the same thing.

Does the job Atkins did on Newcome give the coaches the idea to send Atkins to Mcluggage in the same way and then Mullin just take last years norm out of the picture (I reckon Mullin puts him to sleep!)

I love the thought of that but maybe for wrong reason - just want our coach to be creative…

The flip side is that McL is different player to Newc? And McL can hurt you out of stoppages so is more suited to a hard tag? I just don’t know which way they will start?

MOC on Rayner surely is right?

I'd keep it simple.

Mullin tags McCluggage
MOC tags Rayner
Atkins head to head with Washcroft

Trying to be clever and releasing McCluggage would be a mistake. He's their destroyer.

 

[CHAWKS2]

It’s a hard one. I almost feel like Mullin can’t play on McCluggage again because he’s going to be expecting it.

We need to do similar but a little different than the QF.

Double bluff? He might now think we wont? Or triple? This is fun!

By the way I don’t think we should assume the obvious sub…