Geelong vs Brisbane 2025: Who Has the Edge This Season?

In terms of modern AFL rivalries, the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions are two significant teams that are always getting the best out of each other. There is a new chapter of the rivalry as we enter the 2025 season.  In the qualifying finals, both clubs finished the season strongly and got the chance to duke it out at the MCG. The big question is who has the best form right now for the season? 
This article considers the form, stats, players and battles, fan emotions and expert predictions — it serves to give you a complete picture.  It will be enjoyed by the diehard AFL devotee, as well as the casual AFL fan, and hopefully, it will get your finals adrenalin flowing!

Historical Rivalry: Looking Back to Understand the Present

Throughout the history of the AFL, Geelong and Brisbane have played each other plenty of times. The Lions were the team to beat in the early 2000s with their monumental three-peat, whilst Geelong made their own dynasty towards the end of that decade. Their recent matches have become unpredictable thrillers, with Brisbane starting to develop confidence in the clutch while

Geelong continue to show their class in big moments. 
Brisbane with the psychological advantage- as of 2025 they have beaten Geelong twice! 
Geelong with the finals aura- the cats possess more of the MCG experience and know how to handle the pressures of September footy. 
This builds up one of the most evenly matched and exciting clashes in recent memory.

Season 2025 Form Guide

Let’s break down how both teams have travelled this season.

Analysis:

Geelong looked sluggish in early rounds but found rhythm mid-season.

Brisbane, on the other hand, carried momentum from 2024, showing resilience and attacking flair.

Key Players To Watch

Every big clash comes down to individual brilliance. Here are the stars who can swing the game.

X-Factors:

For Geelong, Tyson Stengle’s small-forward pressure.

For Brisbane, Cam Rayner’s versatility.

Tactical Battles

This clash is something beyond talent - it's chess on grass.

Midfield Battle:
Neale vs Dangerfield will set the bar. If Geelong can shut down Neale, they claim the majority of control.

Forward Structures:
Brisbane depend on Daniher & Hipwood aerially, while Geelong mix their tall forwards with quicker crumbing forwards.

The MCG Factor:
Geelong love the wide wings of the MCG, and Brisbane will still be adjusting to the width of the MCG compared to the Gabba.

QT | @GeelongCats 4.6 (30) lead @brisbanelions 3.0 (18).

EVERY key number going Geelong's way... but misses keep Brisbane in it.

📺 Watch the #AFLFinals on ch.504 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/OhhPPhk1og
✍️ BLOG https://t.co/0m2pOsxCXZ
🔢 MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/ulKssKjFJk pic.twitter.com/GAjbDqXE1o

— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) September 5, 2025

Fan Perspective: The Emotions

Footy isn’t just stats - it’s about people

Families in Geelong are turning their houses into navy and white, recalling their glorious past and dreaming about another premiership.

Brisbane is filled with pride. A generation of fans, who never experienced the early 2000s dynasty, now believe the Lions can roar again in their biggest showcase at the AFL.

And it is the tension, the chanting, the colours at the MCG, and everything else that brings the human heartbeat of AFL finals to life.

Predictions: Who Has The Edge?

The experts are split.

Tipster opinion is that Geelong's MCG experience may play a big part.

Form guide says Brisbane, having already beaten the Cats twice in 2025.

My opinion: This is your classic 50 - 50. If Geelong can start quickly, they can silence the Lions. However, if the Lions midfield can get on a roll, the Lions forwards could stretch the Cats defence. Expect a thriller within a two-goal margin.