AFL fans and commentators have been blown away after Brisbane overcame Geelong and a lop-sided early free-kick count to win the 2025 premiership. Charlie Cameron kicked four goals and Will Ashcroft had 32 disposals as the Lions exploded in the final quarter to win (122) to 11.9 (75) in front of 100,022 fans at the MCG.
It’s the Lions’ fifth premiership of the millennium – the first team to achieve the feat – after flags in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2024 and 2025. Chris Fagan’s side surged to the flag in stunning scenes in the fourth quarter, kicking a string of goals that saw them stretch their lead past 50 points at one point. The incredible explosion defied belief after the score was tied at 36-36 at half-time.
Brisbane overcame Geelong and a lopsided early free-kick count to win the AFL grand final. Image: Getty
Geelong were made to pay for failing to convert their chances early in the game, with the help of a staggering 17-4 free-kick count in the first half. The count ended up a more even 22-17 in the Cats’ favour, but the lopsided early going left fans fuming.
One person wrote on social media: “17-4 free kick count. Absolute joke.” Another commented: “This umpiring is definitely something.” As the count evened up in the second half, many suggested there’d been a directive to make it a bit closer. “Free kick count what a joke,” one person wrote. Another added: “17 to 4 frees. 9 holding the man to nil. Beyond a joke.”
Will Ashcroft and Lachie Neale celebrate a Brisbane goal in the AFL grand final. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
AFL world blown away by stunning Brisbane surge
Brian Taylor said on Channel 7 in the fourth quarter: “It’s all falling apart for the Cats. They can’t believe it.” Kane Corned added: “This is turning into an absolute joke.”
James Brayshaw stated: “This is starting to get really horrible for Geelong.” Andy Maher said on SEN radio: “They bays of Brisbane fans stand together and applaud this amazing team.”
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Lachie Neale stuns as Brisbane Lions win AFL grand final
Lachie Neale completed a miracle recovery just three weeks after a calf injury that was initially ruled as season-ending. He started the grand final as the sub on Saturday before coming on in the third quarter, and kicked a stunning goal amid the carnage.
Initial scans had him sidelined for six weeks, with Neale himself initially believing his season was over. “I look like a bit of a goose. I put an Instagram post up saying my season was done, and poor me, and now it looks a bit silly,” Neale said beforehand.
“It’s been a little bit of a roller-coaster, emotionally. The last couple of weeks, I’ve just tried to focus on my rehab and sort of home in on that and support the boys through a couple of really good finals where they’ve performed so well. Really proud of the guys to get in this position.”