Cats Ready to Roar at the ‘G

August 25, 2025 BY

Geelong fans now turn their focus to Friday 6 September, hoping to make a deep run towards the grand final. Photo: Scott Barbour/AAP PHOTOS

Geelong’s AFL finals campaign will launch in blockbuster style when they take on reigning premiers Brisbane Lions in a high-stakes qualifying final at the MCG.

The match, scheduled for Friday night after the bye week, locks in a heavyweight showdown between two of the season’s most consistent performers. The Cats finished second on the ladder, earning the right to host the Lions in front of a home-state crowd.

While it’s technically a home final, the clash won’t take place at GMHBA Stadium – continuing the long-running frustration for Geelong fans who are again denied the chance to see their side play finals on home turf.

Instead, the Cats will return to the MCG, where they hope their blend of seasoned stars and electric youth can fire under the September lights.

It’s a mouthwatering clash that promises fireworks, with the Lions chasing back-to-back flags and Geelong hungry to convert a strong season into silverware.

The AFL confirmed the top-four schedule with the Cats-Lions clash following a Thursday night Adelaide-Collingwood grudge match. That game, shadowed by controversy surrounding suspended Crow Izak Rankine, sees minor premiers Adelaide host the Magpies at Adelaide Oval.

Saturday’s elimination finals will be hosted by GWS and Fremantle, but full details remain up in the air pending the final match of the regular season.

Gold Coast’s rescheduled clash with Essendon on Wednesday night still has the power to shake up the ladder. If the Suns win or draw, they’ll make history with their first finals appearance. A Bombers upset would instead see the Western Bulldogs scrape into eighth.

Hawthorn, sitting seventh, also face a nervous wait, unsure whether they will hold position or slip a rung.

AFL fixtures boss Josh Bowler said the league wanted to give fans early clarity, despite the lingering uncertainty.

“We still have an incredibly exciting final match of the home-and-away season to come,” he said.

Geelong fans now turn their focus to Friday 6 September, hoping to make a deep run towards the grand final.

Full fixture AFL.com.au

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