The Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats have advanced through to the 2025 AFL Grand Final after strong victories against Collingwood and Hawthorn, setting up the first time the two teams will face off against one another in the final match of the season in VFL/AFL history.
Geelong return to Grand Final with dominant display
Aiming to win another premiership to add to their dynasty, the Geelong Cats have returned to the AFL Grand Final for the first time since 2022 with a strong and dominant display against rivals, the Hawthorn Hawks.
In front of a crowd of nearly 100,000 fans – the largest non-Grand Final attendance since 1971 – Geelong emerged victorious by 30 points with all their star players standing up, such as trio Bailey Smith, Jeremy Cameron and Patrick Dangerfield.
In a man-of-the-match display, Dangerfield has three goals and 31 touches, while small forward Tyson Stengle and primary target Jeremy Cameron also went on to kick three goals each.
Meanwhile, recruit Bailey Smith had one of his best showings to date in Geelong colours with 36 disposals, five marks, six tackles and a single goal between the sticks.
Grovedale's very own, doing what he does best 🤩 pic.twitter.com/H8vldO4s7h
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) September 19, 2025
Brisbane shock favourites Collingwood
The Brisbane Lions have qualified for their third consecutive AFL Grand Final, defeating favourites Collingwood Magpies in a strong display on Saturday afternoon.
In front of a crowd of over 96,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the reigning premiers booked their spot in the Grand Final with a 26-point victory over the Magpies despite their opponents leading for most of the time during the opening two quarters.
Ty Gallop (three goals, four marks) and Cam Rayner (two goals, ten disposals) led from the front in the forward 50 with midfielder Hugh McCluggage leading the possession count with a remarkable 37 possessions, eight marks and two tackles.
Preparing to face Geelong, the Lions will be sweating on the availability of Jarrod Berry (shoulder), who was subbed out of the contest, whilst Josh Dunkley and Kai Lohman also suffered minor injuries but returned to the field after a stint on the sidelines.
He's a sensation! pic.twitter.com/YcWqqEg5K8
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) September 20, 2025