The Geelong Cats just turned the Gabba into their own playground, dismantling the Brisbane Lions 117-76 in a statement 41-point win on Thursday night. This was a heavy rematch of the 2025 Grand Final, and the Cats looked like they had a point to prove against the reigning premiers. While the final margin of 41 points was rough, the defensive numbers were a total nightmare for the home side.
Brisbane allowed Geelong to score from a whopping 51% of their defensive half entries during the contest. That is the worst defensive transition rate this club has seen in a single game since 2017. The Lions looked stuck in the mud while the Cats moved the ball with a speed that made the defending champions look amateur.
Shaun Mannagh was the absolute star of the show, tearing through the Brisbane defense to finish with five goals. It was a complete turnaround from the version of Geelong fans saw a few weeks ago during their struggle against Port Adelaide. This time, they leaned into a hyper-aggressive, handball-heavy style that left Brisbane chasing shadows for four quarters.
Lions coach Chris Fagan isn’t ready to throw the season away just yet. Speaking to reporters after the game, Fagan was defiant about the result and refused to press any panic buttons. He pointed out that his team has been through a meat grinder lately, dealing with three successive six-day turnarounds. According to a detailed report by AFL.com.au, the schedule took its toll, forcing the late withdrawal of 37-year-old veteran Dayne Zorko due to general soreness.
And without Zorko’s leadership down back, younger stars like Jaspa Fletcher and Will Ashcroft couldn’t find their usual rhythm. Fagan insisted that Geelong simply had an “on night” and that fatigue played a major role in the sluggish performance. The Cats effectively used the Gabba’s open spaces to turn Brisbane’s transition game into a liability.
Statistics from the official Round 10 match report confirm that Brisbane’s midfield pressure dropped significantly as the game went on. Hugh McCluggage and Logan Morris were among those who couldn’t stem the tide as Geelong’s relentless pressure forced turnover after turnover. The Lions now have to figure out how to patch those holes before their premiership defense slips further away.