Finals Football is a privilege that every player and club strives for, but finding success in the most competitive part of the season is never guaranteed.

It is something that Shaun Mannagh learned the hard way during his first Finals campaign, knocking on the door of a Grand Final before falling agonisingly short in the penultimate week of the season, in a heart-breaking loss to Brisbane. 

But nearly 12 months on, Mannagh and the Cats have another shot at September, set to do battle with the Lions once again at the home of football. 

While he admitted that last year's Preliminary Final still lingers in the back of his mind, Mannagh said it is a brand new opportunity that lies ahead on Friday night. 

"If we weren't competitive people, we would think like that. It was a big game last year and we missed out on the Grand Final, who knows what might have happened," Mannagh said. 

"I think for everyone, it is always in the back of your mind but it is not the first thing because it is a new season.

"It is a completely different matchup this week, so we will go out there and treat it as any other game.

"Brisbane are a great opposition, but we owe them one."

The Lions have found the winning formula against Geelong in recent matches, following up the Preliminary Final with two victories over the Cats in 2025. 

The most recent clash was a disappointing 41-point loss at home in Round 15 for Geelong, but is also a match that gave the Cats plenty of insight and learnings according to Mannagh. 

"We have looked at our game and we certainly weren't at our best that night, that was disappointing," Mannagh admitted. 

"Looking back at it now, there is a lot that we can work on and we have worked on the past couple of weeks. I think that sets us up really well for this Friday night.

"Obviously at the MCG which is a different ground to here as well, but I think we play it really well. Brisbane have some experience there as well over the past couple of years, but I think we have taken a lot of learnings out of the last time we played them.

"You will see a different Cats outfit, that is for sure."

After enjoying a week off to rest and recover, Geelong were right back into the swing of things this week with the countdown well and truly on for Friday night's blockbuster clash. 

The Cats enter September on a six game win streak and with a healthy list, Mannagh noting that the team is well prepared for what lies ahead. 

"I don't think we could be any more ready," Mannagh said.

"Obviously the week off is nice, we are coming off a bit of form. We had a nice little hit-out today, a little craft session before and another main training.

"I don't think you can not be ready for a Qualifying Final in front of 90,000, the boys are ready."