Brisbane Lions Conquer Geelong Cats for Back-to-Back AFL Premierships
The Brisbane Lions secured their fifth AFL premiership, and second consecutive, with a dominant second-half performance against the Geelong Cats at the MCG on September 27, 2025. The Lions triumphed 18.14 (122) to 11.9 (75) in front of 100,022 fans.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The grand final was a tale of two halves. After a tight first half that ended with scores level, the Lions exploded in the third quarter, kicking eight of the next nine goals. This surge was fueled by a tactical substitution that saw Lachie Neale enter the game and the brilliance of Charlie Cameron, who kicked three goals in a crucial 10-minute period. A significant blow for the Cats was Jeremy Cameron’s arm injury, sustained after a collision with teammate Patrick Dangerfield, which limited his impact on the game. He bravely played out the second half but was unable to make his usual impact.
- Lachie Neale's impactful substitution in the third quarter.
- Charlie Cameron's game-changing three-goal burst.
- Jeremy Cameron's injury significantly hampered Geelong's forward line.
Norm Smith Medal and Outstanding Performances
Will Ashcroft was awarded the Norm Smith Medal for the second year in a row, cementing his status as a rising star in the AFL. Ashcroft had 32 disposals and 10 clearances. Other standout performers for the Lions included Hugh McCluggage (four goals), Harris Andrews, and Darcy Gardiner. For Geelong, Max Holmes (33 disposals) and Ollie Dempsey (four goals) battled hard but were ultimately unable to prevent Brisbane's victory. McCluggage beat Oisin Mullin's tag this time after Geelong dominated them three weeks prior.
Celebrations and Reflections
The Brisbane Lions dressing rooms erupted in celebration after the win. Darcy Wilmot led the festivities with enthusiastic mic work. Coach Chris Fagan received the traditional Gatorade shower, and the team celebrated with their sponsor's product, XXXX beer. The team is expected to pay respects to the Fitzroy Lions roots with a visit to the inner-Melbourne suburb. Geelong coach Chris Scott acknowledged that his team was beaten by a better side and encouraged them to hold their heads high.
Analysis of Geelong's Loss
Several factors contributed to Geelong’s defeat. The loss of defensive general Tom Stewart to concussion in the preliminary final win over Hawthorn robbed them of his valuable intercept marks. Also, Patrick Dangerfield, who had minimal impact on Saturday, carried Geelong on his back in the preliminary final win over Hawthorn. The Cats' stars struggled to impact the game, and their second-half fadeout proved decisive.
Looking Ahead
The Brisbane Lions' victory marks a potential dynasty under Chris Fagan, reminiscent of the Leigh Matthews-led premiership juggernaut of the early 2000s. With a young and talented list, the Lions are poised to remain a dominant force in the AFL for years to come. This victory marked Brisbane's fifth flag, surpassing Geelong and Hawthorn who have four each this century. Andrews stated that this win can be accredited to the team's culture.
