The VFL Cats have been defeated by an experienced Brisbane outfit on Saturday, putting together a strong opening half before fading late to ultimately fall by 32 points at GMHBA Stadium.
Geelong played a fast-paced, aggressive brand of football that helped them control large portions of the match, but a dominant last quarter from Brisbane proved too much for the Cats to overcome.
Jack Bowes was sublime in his return from injury, collecting a game-high 33 disposals at 78% efficiency along with seven score involvements, while Mitch Knevitt played a dominant role with 25 disposals, one goal and four clearances.
In a promising sight for Geelong fans, ruckman Mitch Edwards made his 2025 debut after overcoming an interrupted start to the season, entering the game late in the third quarter and winning 10 hit-outs and three tackles.
The Cats came into the match fresh off two thrilling victories and with spirits high they opened the game strong, kicking four majors in the first term including a spectacular goal after the siren from Oli Wiltshire, putting Geelong ahead by 12 points at the first break.
Jack Bowes was influential for the Cats in his return collecting 10 disposals in the first quarter which opened up plenty of space for teammates, while Dan Capiron was a defensive powerhouse picking off five interceptions and multiple spoils that stifled numerous attacks from the Lions.
Geelong kicked another three goals from excellent ball movement through the midfield in the second term, but Brisbane were able to narrow the margin as the Cats took a seven point lead into the main break.
Ted Clohesy booted the first goal of the second quarter and was brilliant in attack for the Cats, as was George Stevens who combined with Clohesy for seven clearances to continually push Geelong forward in the opening half.
The momentum swung in the third quarter with Brisbane slamming through four goals, before Wiltshire and Mitch Knevitt responded strongly with a major each, but Geelong struggled to capitalise on opportunities which left them eight points adrift as they entered the final term.
Despite the relentless pressure from the Lions, Marcus Herbert held his composure well collecting 19 disposals by the end of the third term while helping to repel the ball away from Geelong's defensive 50.
The Cats started the fourth quarter brilliantly with Patrick Retschko booting the opening goal to bring the Cats within striking distance, Jay Polkinghorne and Wiltshire later adding to their tally kicking a second major each.
But the Lions were slick in attack and piled on six majors from 13 scoring shots in the final term, Geelong ultimately falling by 32 points at GMHBA Stadium.
The VFL Cats will have time to reset with their bye next weekend, before they return to GMHBA Stadium the following Sunday to take on Richmond.
2025 VFL Season - Round 13
GEELONG 4.3 7.8 9.12 12.13 (85)
BRISBANE 2.3 6.7 10.14 16.21 (117)
GOALS
Geelong: Wiltshire, Polkinghorne, Clohesy 2, Stevens, Retschko, Murray, Knevitt, Ivisic, Ballantyne 1
Brisbane: Gallop 4, McFadyen 3, Ryan, McKenna 2, Tunstill, Robertson, Reville, McInerney, Manly 1
DISPOSALS
Geelong: Bowes 33, Clohesy 26, Knevitt, Herbert 25, Stevens, Ivisic 20, Bews 19
Brisbane: Beecken 30, Robertson 29, Mcinerney 25, Reville 23, McKenna 20, Tunstill 18
@ GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
