The Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats share one of the most intriguing rivalries in the Australian Football League (AFL). While not as historically deep-rooted as some of the league’s older matchups, their contests have featured high stakes, fierce competition, and some unforgettable clashes, particularly in the modern era of the AFL. These two clubs, representing different regions of Australia—Brisbane in Queensland and Geelong in Victoria—have repeatedly found themselves contending for top honors, giving rise to a rivalry that continues to capture the imagination of AFL fans.

Historical Context

The Brisbane Lions, formed in 1996 through a merger between the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Lions, rapidly emerged as a powerhouse in the early 2000s under the leadership of legendary coach Leigh Matthews. Geelong, one of the oldest and most successful clubs in the AFL, established in 1859, has also enjoyed periods of dominance, particularly in the 2000s and 2010s. As both teams have remained perennial finals contenders, their clashes often hold significant importance, especially when it comes to shaping the top end of the ladder.

The rivalry between these two clubs grew in intensity during the 2000s when Brisbane was at the height of its powers, and Geelong was building the foundation for its dominance in the late 2000s and beyond.

Key Clashes

1. 2004 Preliminary Final: One of the earliest defining moments of the Lions vs. Geelong rivalry came in the 2004 Preliminary Final. The Brisbane Lions, chasing their fourth consecutive Grand Final appearance, faced a young and hungry Geelong side that was looking to establish itself as a contender. Brisbane won a tight and bruising contest, 12.12 (84) to 10.9 (69), securing their spot in the Grand Final. While the Lions would ultimately lose to Port Adelaide, this clash cemented the Cats as a rising power in the league.
2. 2020 Preliminary Final: One of the more recent high-stakes encounters took place in the 2020 Preliminary Final, held at The Gabba due to COVID-19-related fixture changes. Geelong, after several years of near misses, was determined to reach another Grand Final, while the Lions, having not reached a Grand Final since their three-peat from 2001 to 2003, were eager to return to the big stage. Geelong played a dominant match, winning 11.16 (82) to 6.6 (42), ending Brisbane’s dream of a Grand Final appearance on home soil. This loss left the Lions heartbroken and fueled the rivalry for future encounters.
3. Regular Season Showdowns: Outside of finals, regular-season matches between the Lions and Cats have often been closely contested affairs. Brisbane’s return to form in recent years under coach Chris Fagan has brought new life to the rivalry, with the Lions emerging as a team capable of challenging Geelong’s established dominance. Whether the games are played at The Gabba or GMHBA Stadium, these matches have consistently provided dramatic moments, with close margins, thrilling finishes, and high-quality football.

Playing Styles and Key Players

Both Brisbane and Geelong have distinct playing styles that make their matchups particularly fascinating.

• Brisbane Lions: The Lions have become known for their high-pressure, fast-paced game. With an aggressive midfield led by stars like Lachie Neale and dynamic forward play from the likes of Charlie Cameron, Brisbane has developed a style that focuses on quick ball movement and heavy pressure around the contest. The Lions’ defensive structures, bolstered by players like Harris Andrews, have also been a key to their resurgence in recent years.
• Geelong Cats: Geelong’s hallmark over the years has been its patient, possession-heavy game, designed to control the tempo of the match. With superstar midfielder Patrick Dangerfield and the versatile Joel Selwood leading the way, the Cats excel at maintaining ball control and strategically picking apart opposition defenses. In recent seasons, Geelong’s forward line, with the likes of Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron, has been one of the most potent in the league, often overwhelming opponents with precise and well-executed forward entries.

Coaching Battles

The tactical battles between Brisbane’s Chris Fagan and Geelong’s Chris Scott have been another interesting aspect of the rivalry. Fagan, who took over as Brisbane’s head coach in 2017, has been credited with revitalizing the Lions, taking them from wooden spooners to premiership contenders within a few seasons. His emphasis on a fast, attacking brand of football has been instrumental in Brisbane’s resurgence.

Chris Scott, a former Brisbane player himself, has been the head coach of Geelong since 2011 and led the Cats to a premiership in his first year. Under his tenure, Geelong has remained one of the most consistent teams in the AFL. His ability to adapt Geelong’s game plan and keep the team competitive across different eras has earned him significant respect, making the strategic contest between him and Fagan a key element of this rivalry.

Fan Engagement and Atmosphere

The fanbases of both Brisbane and Geelong are passionate, and the regional divide between Queensland and Victoria adds another layer to their rivalry. Brisbane fans, long hungry for success after the Lions’ early 2000s dominance, have been reinvigorated by the team’s recent resurgence. Geelong’s supporters, meanwhile, are some of the most dedicated in the AFL, proud of their club’s rich history and consistent success over the past two decades.

When the two teams meet, especially in finals, the atmosphere is electric, with fans of both sides fully engaged in the contest. Whether the game is played at The Gabba, where Brisbane enjoys strong home support, or at Geelong’s fortress GMHBA Stadium, the intensity of the crowd adds to the drama on the field.

Future Outlook

As both teams remain competitive and are likely to challenge for premierships in the coming years, the Lions vs. Geelong rivalry shows no signs of slowing down. Brisbane’s emerging stars and Geelong’s ability to regenerate its list while staying near the top of the ladder suggest that future encounters will continue to be pivotal in shaping the AFL’s finals landscape.

The Lions will be eager to overcome their finals struggles against Geelong, while the Cats will aim to maintain their dominance and capture more premiership glory. With both clubs boasting strong squads and top-tier coaches, the Lions vs. Geelong rivalry will continue to be one of the AFL’s most exciting and fiercely contested matchups.