Game Day QF2: Geelong vs Brisbane, Friday 5th Sept 7:40pm at MCG

[cats_09]

I hoping the boss isn't typing this up at the same time I am, but it now being less than 8hours until the first bounce I thought we may appreciate kicking this off

It's been 350 days since Brisbane ended our 2024 campaign and while we may not have got the points against them in 2 encounters during the H&A season, tonight is the rematch we've all be looking towards

When the team was announced last night we had 2 not really surprising omissions alongside one disappointing out due to injury with Stanely set to miss due to a hamstring complaint - it'll be the second time this year his missed with a hamstring complaint with the earlier injury keeping him out for a couple of weeks

But if we're going to go into a qualifying final without our #1, then this is likely the best of the match-ups in which to do so - Brisbane is without Oscar McInerney

46

Oscar Mcinerney

Age

31

Ht

205cm

Wt

110kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.1

2star

K

4.1

2star

HB

3.9

3star

CL

1.4

4star

HO

14.3

5star

D

6.9

1star

K

4.1

2star

HB

2.7

2star

CL

1.9

4star

HO

16.4

5star

D

7.6

2star

K

4.0

2star

HB

3.6

3star

CL

0.4

3star

HO

11.2

5star

, while they'll also be missing 204cm focal target up forward Eric Hipwood

30

Eric Hipwood

Age

28

Ht

204cm

Wt

94kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

10.0

3star

K

7.4

3star

HB

2.6

2star

M

3.9

4star

T

1.3

3star

G

1.5

5star

D

11.1

3star

K

8.4

3star

HB

2.7

2star

M

4.1

4star

T

1.1

2star

G

1.1

5star

D

10.6

3star

K

8.4

4star

HB

2.2

2star

M

3.6

4star

T

1.6

4star

G

2.4

5star

; so this may allow us to make the best the situation in which we find ourselves and throw a bit of a different look at Brisbane

The key tonight will be the battle of the midfield, with us Cats fans getting the first chance to see the Dash Brothers going at in September and in a night made that slightly be more special with the younger Dash Brother lining up in game #100

While it's going to be important to get the ball into hands of Bailey & Max to clear from the contest tonight, just as bigger watch will be the impact that the likes of Atkins, Mulling & O'Connor have in bringing the pressure and locking down on the dangerous Brisbane mids & forwards - important to not let the likes of McCluggage, Neale & Rayner not get easy ball, with time & space to hit up the leading forwards. If we bring the pressure through the guts, it'll help with bringing the pressure in the defensive 50, rather than leaving our defenders to be inundated with a mountain of incoming ball

But if there's one thing we've learnt about this Geelong team over recent seasons it is that the coaches have developed a game plan that's designed to play to our strengths on the wider ground of the MCG, and to bring our game style in the month that matters the most - tonight is the first step in winning our way through to the big dance on 27 September. And while Collingwood's win last night means that theoretically not having to leave Vic regardless of tonights result, the more satisfying option is to win tonight and keep playing as the home team throughout this finals series

Lets make the MCG our September fortress - cheer loud and help bring home the win for the boys in the blue & white hoops

 

[cats_09]

 

[fpm84]

Over to you, Mr September

Bazlenka, you beauty: Mr Smith becomes Mr September

How does Bailey Smith's 2021 finals campaign stack up against other young guns from years gone by?

www.afl.com.au

 

[cats_09]

For those who like me will be utilising the train from Geelong this afternoon - this one is easier to read

V-LINE FOOTY SERVICES​

Geelong Line passengers travelling to the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions AFL Qualifying Final at the MCG on Friday night will have access to five extra trains, in addition to regular scheduled train services on the Geelong Line.

To get to the game, fans can catch a Geelong Line train approximately every 10 to 15 minutes, and extra services are scheduled to depart Wyndham Vale Station at 5.19pm and 5.46pm to boost capacity along the line.

After the game, extra services will depart Southern Cross at 11.10pm, 11.22pm and 11.45pm running through to Waurn Ponds. There will also be extra carriages added to the scheduled trains from Southern Cross to Waurn Ponds at 11.30pm and 12.15am for fans to get home.

Geelong​

Before the game:

• Additional train departs Wyndham Vale at 5.20pm. This train will stop at Tarneit, arriving at Southern Cross at 5.48pm.
  
  
• Additional train departs Wyndham Vale at 5.46pm. This train will stop at Tarneit, arriving at Southern Cross at 6.23pm.

After the game:

• Additional train departs Southern Cross at 11.08pm. This train will stop at Tarneit, Wyndham Vale, Little River, Lara, Corio, North Shore, North Geelong, Geelong, South Geelong, Marshall, arriving at Waurn Ponds at 12.26am.
  
  
• Additional train departs Southern Cross at 11.10pm. This train will stop at Tarneit, Wyndham Vale, Little River, Lara, Corio, North Shore, North Geelong, Geelong, South Geelong, Marshall, arriving at Waurn Ponds at 12.27am.
  
  
• Additional train departs Southern Cross at 11.21pm. This train will stop at Deer Park, Tarneit, Wyndham Vale, Little River, Lara, Corio, North Shore, North Geelong, Geelong, South Geelong, Marshall, arriving at Waurn Ponds at 12.42am.
  
  
• Additional train departs Southern Cross at 11.45pm. This train will stop at Deer Park, Tarneit, Wyndham Vale, Little River, Lara, Corio, North Shore, North Geelong, Geelong, South Geelong, Marshall, arriving at Waurn Ponds at 1.04am.

Ballarat

Before the game:​

• Additional train departs Bacchus Marsh at 5.17pm. The train will stop at Melton, Caroline Springs, Deer Park, arriving at Southern Cross at 6.05pm.

After the game:

• Additional train departs Southern Cross at 11.25pm. This train will stop at Ardeer, Deer Park, Caroline Springs, Rockbank, Cobblebank, Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Ballarat, arriving at Wendouree at 1.02am.
  
  
• The 11.18pm Southern Cross to Wendouree service is altered to depart at 11.18pm. This train will stop at Footscray, Sunshine, Ardeer, Deer Park, Caroline Springs, Rockbank, Cobblebank, Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Ballarat, arriving at Wendouree at 12.56am.

Bendigo

Before the game:​

• The 10.57pm Southern Cross to Bendigo is altered to depart at 11.27pm. This train will stop at Footscray, Sunbury, Clarkefield, Riddells Creek, Gisborne, Macedon, Woodend, Kyneton, Malmsbury, Castlemaine, Kangaroo Flat, arriving at Bendigo at 1.33am.

Seymour​

Before the game: Train services as per usual timetable.

After the game:

• Special footy coach service departs Southern Cross at 11.15pm. Stopping as required, Donnybrook to Seymour stations.
  

Rail Disruptions

• Cranbourne and Pakenham lines – buses replace trains between Parliament, Caulfield and Westall stations until 5am Saturday 6 September.
• Werribee Line - buses replace trains between Newport and Werribee stations from 10:30pm Friday 5 September to 5am Saturday 6 September.
• Gippsland Line - coaches replace trains between Southern Cross and East Pakenham stations from Friday 29 August to Friday 5 September 2025.

Road Disruptions

• Flinders Street (eastbound) is closed between Elizabeth and Swanston streets.
• The Eastern Freeway is closed in both directions between Doncaster Road and Tram Road from 10pm Friday 5 September until 5am Monday 8 September. Delays of up to 90 minutes are expected and motorists are encouraged to avoid the area.

Finals Hub

Geelong Cats AFL Finals Information

www.geelongcats.com.au

 

[iameviljez]

I think the key to this game is to make it ugly, unfortunately. Make it a dog-eat-dog coalface fight, don't let the Lions operate with a half-metre of space, and then use our hard-running half forwards surge onto the footy and run it through space if we managed to force it forward.

Guys like Atkins, Blicavs, Mullin and O'Connor are big, strong, tough boys, but don't have the ball use skills of their direct opponents.

The Lions have so much quality in depth through the middle - if it becomes a free-flowing, classic game, then they will cut us up through the corridor. We won't win a beauty contest; we might win a street fight.

 

[cats_09]

AFL Match Preview | September Starts with a Blockbuster at the 'G​

Everything you need to know as the Cats prepare for Friday night's Qualifying Final against Brisbane at the MCG
---

KEY PLAYER TO WATCH​

Oisin Mullin

He has done a stellar job of nullifying some of the competition's most dangerous players all season long, but who will Oisin Mullin go to on Friday night?

There are plenty of candidates including the likes of Hugh McCluggage

6

Hugh Mccluggage

Age

27

Ht

187cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

19.3

5star

K

11.4

4star

HB

7.9

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

3.0

5star

CL

2.2

4star

D

19.0

4star

K

12.0

5star

HB

7.0

4star

M

3.6

4star

T

2.9

4star

CL

2.0

4star

D

13.2

4star

K

7.8

3star

HB

5.4

4star

M

4.2

4star

T

1.8

4star

CL

0.6

3star

and 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

through the midfield, or perhaps in a more traditional role on Charlie Cameron

23

Charlie Cameron

Age

31

Ht

180cm

Wt

76kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.1

3star

K

8.4

3star

HB

3.7

3star

M

3.0

3star

T

3.2

5star

G

1.5

5star

D

9.6

2star

K

7.9

3star

HB

1.7

1star

M

3.6

4star

T

1.7

3star

G

1.9

5star

D

9.6

3star

K

5.4

2star

HB

4.2

4star

M

1.4

2star

T

3.4

5star

G

1.2

4star

or Zac Bailey

33

Zac Bailey

Age

26

Ht

181cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.7

3star

K

6.9

3star

HB

5.9

4star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.2

4star

CL

0.9

3star

D

12.9

3star

K

7.3

3star

HB

5.6

3star

M

3.9

4star

T

2.4

3star

CL

0.7

3star

D

13.4

4star

K

6.6

3star

HB

6.8

5star

M

3.2

4star

T

2.8

5star

CL

0.6

3star

in Brisbane's forward half.

Is there also a chance that Mullin might be deployed on Dayne Zorko

15

Dayne Zorko

Age

36

Ht

175cm

Wt

77kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

21.4

5star

K

13.2

5star

HB

8.2

5star

M

3.6

4star

T

6.0

5star

MG

440.5

5star

D

14.0

3star

K

9.0

4star

HB

5.0

3star

M

2.0

2star

T

5.0

5star

MG

291.0

4star

D

16.4

4star

K

9.8

4star

HB

6.6

4star

M

5.2

5star

T

6.6

5star

, to help limit his impact off half back?

Time will tell, but it will certainly be intriguing to see where Chris Scott

Chris Scott

Age

49

Ht

182cm

Wt

89kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.6

4star

K

11.2

4star

HB

5.4

4star

M

5.1

5star

T

1.6

4star

G

0.4

3star

No current season stats available

D

13.2

4star

K

10.2

4star

HB

3.0

3star

M

2.2

3star

T

2.8

5star

G

0.4

3star

thinks Mullin can be utilised best against the Lions on Friday.

---

RECENT HISTORY - Geelong v Brisbane​

Tonight's game will be the fourth time in six years that Geelong and Brisbane have met in a final, with the Cats holding a slender advantage with two wins from those three matches.

But the Cats will also need to reverse the trend of the past 12 months, slipping to defeat in their three most recent clashes with the Lions.

SEASON	HOME	AWAY	GROUND
2025 - Round 15	Geelong 6.15 (51)	Brisbane 14.8 (92)	GMHBA Stadium
2025 - Round 3	Brisbane 10.10 (70)	Geelong 9.7 (61)	Gabba
2024 - Preliminary Final	Geelong 12.13 (85)	Brisbane 14.11 (95)	MCG
2024 - Round 6	Brisbane 4.13 (37)	Geelong 9.9 (63)	Gabba
2023 - Round 19	Brisbane 9.10 (64)	Geelong 7.11 (53)	Gabba
2022 - Preliminary Final	Geelong 18.12 (120)	Brisbane 7.7 (49)	MCG

---

VENUE HISTORY - MCG​

The Cats recorded a solid 4-1 record at the MCG during the home and away season, playing some of their best football at the venue with wins over Hawthorn and Collingwood.

Typically a great indicator of where Geelong is at, their record at the MCG in premiership years is always brilliant with a 28-2 record in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2022 combined.

Their last win at the MCG in September was the 2022 Grand Final, a record they will be looking to add to on Friday night.

SEASON	HOME	AWAY
2025 - Round 24	Richmond 9.10 (64)	Geelong 14.19 (103)
2025 - Round 14	Essendon 8.8 (56)	Geelong 23.13 (151)
2025 - Round 8	Collingwood 12.15 (87)	Geelong 13.12 (90)
2025 - Round 7	Carlton 14.10 (94)	Geelong 12.4 (76)
2025 - Round 6	Geelong 12.14 (86)	Hawthorn 11.13 (79)

AFL Match Preview | September Starts with a Blockbuster at the 'G

Everything you need to know as the Cats prepare for Friday night's Qualifying Final against Brisbane at the MCG

www.geelongcats.com.au

 

[cats_09]

One last thing for those who may be interested




Join us as we March to the 'G on Friday night.

Presented by Gatorade, Geelong's March to the 'G will depart Federation Square at 6.00pm AEST on Friday night, with a swarm of Cats supporters to descend on the MCG ahead of our blockbuster Qualifying Final against Brisbane.

Led by the Cats marching band, Geelong fans will follow the Yarra River and arrive at the home of football in time for the game.

The Cats Shop van will be at Federation Square from 1.00pm so you can stock up on blue and white merchandise for the big match, while Half Cat and Clawdia will also be in attendance from 4pm.

 

[Jimmy Yamazaki]

Kick strait and defend transition.

Be on from the first bounce of 1st and 3rd quarters.

Get it done Geelong.

 

[MisterMarcus]

VENUE HISTORY - MCG​

The Cats recorded a solid 4-1 record at the MCG during the home and away season, playing some of their best football at the venue with wins over Hawthorn and Collingwood.

When I saw this line, I was thinking hard about who we'd actually lost to. We beat Pies and Hawks, didn't play GWS or Brisbane there, Saints loss was at Marvel, all the other MCG tenants we'd accounted for.....

Completely forgot about Carlton - how in the name of all that is holy did we lose to those muppets....

 

[Jumping Jack]

Like all of us I'm a passionate Geelong supporter and hope for the best. My gut instinct is that Brisbane have developed a game style suited to the MCG and suited to Geelong. They've proven that in recent encounters. I'm really surprised we're going in favourites - and equally surprised that our odds have shortened since the teams were announced.

No real benefit for Geelong being at the G although it's better than playing them at the Gabba.

I'll go into the game with hope that our side can once again provide us with something to be proud of in September, but my honest thoughts on this game are that a loss would be the most expected outcome in my mind. I hope I'm wrong. And I do think the win last night by the Pies opens up a reasonable path for us to still make the GF even if we lose tonight. But as many have rightly pointed out - I think the winner tonight should be flag favourites.

 

[joe444]

Here's where I always thought it could be won:

Even more so because it matches what my eyes have been seeing.

If we come close to breaking even in the midfield, it's ours.

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

Many heading up to this?

 

[iameviljez]

I'm really surprised we're going in favourites - and equally surprised that our odds have shortened since the teams were announced.

Agreed, but I think people are reading the injury lists before the formline.

 

[cats_09]

Many heading up to this?

thinking of heading up earlier in the afternoon and finding something to do for a couple of hours before the game - might make my way to Fed Square and join in the march

 

[iameviljez]

thinking of heading up earlier in the afternoon and finding something to do for a couple of hours before the game - might make my way to Fed Square and join in the march

London Tavern is always my go-to pre-MCG days.

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

thinking of heading up earlier in the afternoon and finding something to do for a couple of hours before the game - might make my way to Fed Square and join in the march

Yeah I’ll be heading up with a mate soon. Soak in the arvo.
Can’t wait

 

[Footy Smarts]

Disappointed Jhye Clark didn't make the promo for the melts.

 

[dudusmaximus]

As usual Mullin is being picked on.. Designated baggage handler?

Seriously though, I expect it'll be close for most of the day with the Cats pulling away for a win.

 

[Jumping Jack]

Disappointed Jhye Clark didn't make the promo for the melts.

Poor old Clark copping a few whacks from supporters. Not his fault he was selected ahead of others but as much as it took a few by surprise, I think it makes sense given he's the likely sub. Bews can't be sub / Duncan Kolo and Guthrie are way underdone or cooked / and Knevitt hardly proved his case when last given a chance.

As others have already stated.......it highlights the need to aggressively go in search of midfield support in a months time at trade period. And highlights how the loss of Bruhn has hurt our depth.

 

[Cats_R_Cool_4_Ever]

Many heading up to this?

Can’t go, wanted to but got a bad hip.

 

[Reg Hickey]

Like all of us I'm a passionate Geelong supporter and hope for the best. My gut instinct is that Brisbane have developed a game style suited to the MCG and suited to Geelong. They've proven that in recent encounters. I'm really surprised we're going in favourites - and equally surprised that our odds have shortened since the teams were announced.

No real benefit for Geelong being at the G although it's better than playing them at the Gabba.

I'll go into the game with hope that our side can once again provide us with something to be proud of in September, but my honest thoughts on this game are that a loss would be the most expected outcome in my mind. I hope I'm wrong. And I do think the win last night by the Pies opens up a reasonable path for us to still make the GF even if we lose tonight. But as many have rightly pointed out - I think the winner tonight should be flag favourites.

I disagree on the benefit of the venue. I think both us and the Lions have been better at the 'G this year than at our respective home grounds, but they've beaten us at both the Gabba and GMHBA so I'm happy to face off against them at the 'G. And Collingwood winning last night means that no matter what happens now, every one of our finals will be at the 'G, which I think both suits our game style and is great preparation for the GF should we get that far.

I'm also a little surprised we're such strong favourites, given they've won the last 3 against us. Hopefully the punters know better than I do!

 

[Cats_R_Cool_4_Ever]

Will be watching at home and wearing our colours and having a Billson’s Vodka.

 

[STPer18]

Winning time!

 

[GlenMiddlemissed]

Well, what a b…..r, Stanley’s hamstring has upset Chris Scott

Chris Scott

Age

49

Ht

182cm

Wt

89kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.6

4star

K

11.2

4star

HB

5.4

4star

M

5.1

5star

T

1.6

4star

G

0.4

3star

No current season stats available

D

13.2

4star

K

10.2

4star

HB

3.0

3star

M

2.2

3star

T

2.8

5star

G

0.4

3star

’s carefully hatched plan. Seems little doubt the coaches had come up with the Blitz to the fwd line plan weeks ago specifically for September, and even more specifically for Harris Andrews

31

Harris Andrews

Age

28

Ht

200cm

Wt

98kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.8

3star

K

7.4

3star

HB

5.4

4star

M

5.6

5star

T

1.6

4star

MG

151.7

2star

D

17.0

4star

K

9.0

4star

HB

8.0

4star

M

4.0

4star

T

2.0

3star

D

9.8

3star

K

5.0

2star

HB

4.8

4star

M

3.4

4star

T

1.6

4star

MG

94.0

2star

, and that plan is now done.

Or has it? The safe option is to ruck Blicavs, leave SDK at FB where he has been slowly settling back in, and leave Andrews to, well, I don’t know. Maybe we have to be brave and, as selected (never a good indicator of real positions with GFC!) put SDK into the ruck and let Blitz play Andrews? Fortunately they haven’t got a really tall match up for SDK in their fwd line. Blitz (poor ‘old’ man, has to fix everything for us) would take the fwd half ruckwork as well as tailing Andrews, allowing SDK to drop back and help out with the intercepts while also taking the centre bounces and back half ruckwork. Worth a try, better than letting Andrews run amok.

I don’t expect Clark to be in the mid rotations. He’s probably there as small defensive backup instead of Bews, because that is where Clark has mainly been playing in recent VFL games. If things are dire in there, he could be used as a mid, but the coaches seem to have been trying to make a Zorko sized backman out of him.

 

[IMCat]

Many heading up to this?

Heading in from Geelong shortly, aiming to be in Melbourne between 3:30-4pm.

Massive challenge tonight. Let's do this!
GO CATS!