Analysis

Breaking down all the strengths and weaknesses of Brisbane’s game ahead of Friday night’s Qualifying Final

Just two wins stands between Geelong and the 2025 AFL Grand Final, as they prepare to take on the reigning premiers, Brisbane in a Qualifying Final on Friday night. 

The Lions certainly know what it takes to get it done in September, going on an impressive run to claim the premiership last year, which included a thrilling Preliminary Final against the Cats at the MCG. 

With stars across every line, Brisbane have a relatively clear cut style and game plan that has helped them reach the pinnacle of football, proving to be effective once again in 2025.

In the build up to Friday night’s massive clash under the bright lights at the MCG, take a look at the key strengths of Brisbane’s game, proudly presented by Deakin University. 

Ladder 

Geelong: 2nd

Brisbane: 3rd

Points For 

Geelong: 2425

Brisbane: 2061

Points Against 

Geelong: 1714

Brisbane: 1804

Deakin Performance Stat of the Week 
Who gets the game on their terms?

The style of play that Brisbane prefers is no secret. They dominate possession for large periods of the game, amassing high numbers of uncontested possessions and marks.

Their kick-mark style is the best in the competition and has been for several years, with the Lions ranked first in the AFL for kicks per game this season (232.1).

Geelong has struggled to contain this, with Brisbane averaging 49 more disposals and 21 more marks across their last five meetings with the Cats.

In fact, Geelong has not recorded more disposals or marks than Brisbane in a game since the 2022 Preliminary Final.

The blueprint for the Cats seems clear: control the football and prevent the Lions from dictating the tempo.

Last Five Geelong v Brisbane Match Stats

GAME
CATS DISPOSAL
DIFFERENTIAL
CATS CLEARANCE
DIFFERENTIAL
CATS MARKS
DIFFERENTIAL

2025 – Round 15
-64
-1
-29

2025 – Round 3
-27
-2
-16

2024 Prelim Final
-72
-10
-47

2024 – Round 6
-42
EVEN
-7

2023 – Round 19
-38
-29
-8

TOTAL
-243
-42
-107

How do you win the clearance battle?

Brisbane has one of the strongest midfield units in the AFL, which has consistently posed problems for the Cats in recent matchups.

Geelong has not won the clearance battle in any of their last six games against the Lions, the last time they came out on top in that area was back in Round 4 of the 2022 season.

The Lions boast a four-pronged midfield attack featuring Hugh McCluggage, Will Ashcroft, Lachie Neale, and Josh Dunkley, all players are ranked inside the AFL’s top 25 for clearances and average more than five clearances per game.

Controlling the midfield will be crucial on Friday night, a part of the ground where the Cats have shown improvement as the season has progressed.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 20: Tom Atkins of the Cats is tackled by Josh Dunkley of the Lions during the 2025 AFL Round 15 match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at GMHBA Stadium on June 20, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos)

Capitalising inside forward 50

Honing in on the last three clashes between the two sides, Geelong has been able to find plenty of opportunities in front of goal but has struggled to capitalise. 

In those three matches, the Cats have had 158 inside 50 entries and only kicked 27 goals, a conversion rate of 17%. By comparison, Geelong was ranked the second best team in the competition across the entire 2025 season with a conversion rate of 27.7%, far higher than what they have produced against the Lions. 

Jeremy Cameron has been kept to seven goals in his last four games against Brisbane, while Shannon Neale has kicked one goal from his last three clashes with the Lions, another facet of the game to keep an eye on. 

GAME
Geelong’s Inside 50s
Geelong’s Score
Brisbane’s Inside 50s
Brisbane Score

2025 – Round 15
51
6.15
58
14.8

2025 – Round 3
48
9.7
67
10.10

2024 – PF
59
12.13
52
14.11