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Well hasn’t this got interesting:
Was really looking forward to this game but now potentially postponed due to Cyclone Alfred (named after my Dad
) but not if Andrew Dillon has anything to do with it!
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:
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:
Geelong:
The Cats added speed and youth in the offseason, with their 2024 first-round draft pick, a highly-rated midfielder, set to debut.
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
Was really looking forward to this game but now potentially postponed due to Cyclone Alfred (named after my Dad
) but not if Andrew Dillon has anything to do with it!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 SportsA 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 DangerfieldTwo 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 BewsCharlie 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 DefendersWith 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.
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 HighlightsPossible 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
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