13 Different Goal-kickers 

There would not have been many times in the games history that a team has had 13 different goal-kickers in a Final, but it was a feat that the Cats accomplished on Friday night. 

Ollie Dempsey lead the way with three goals, Cameron kicked two in the first term, but Geelong had 11 other players that managed to hit the scoreboard including the likes of Tom Stewart, Tom Atkins, Sam De Koning and Oisin Mullin, all not generally noted goal kickers. 

Having multiple avenues to goal has been a major asset for the Cats this year and it was something they certainly utilised to great effect against the Lions. 

Ollie Dempsey's Remarkable Outing

Speaking of Ollie Dempsey, what about the performance from Geelong's number 28 on Friday night. 

Well-known for his running capacity, Dempsey has made a habit of putting together influential displays at the MCG, and he caused plenty of headaches for the Lions both through the middle of the ground and inside forward 50. 

The young gun collected a team-high 25 disposals, kicked a team-high three goals and registered nine score involvements, certainly putting his case forward as one of Geelong's most important weapons. 

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Dempsey delivers amazing volley

Chris Scott goes wild in the coaches’ box after Ollie Dempsey’s incredible finish gets his troops fired up

Winning the Clearance Battle

It was touched on during the week that the Cats had not won the clearance battle against Brisbane since Round 4 of the 2022 season, but that all changed on Friday night as Geelong stamped their authority through the middle of the ground. 

Mark Blicavs lead the way for the Cats with six clearances, Max Holmes collected five, while Patrick Dangerfield and Bailey Smith both won four, but they also did not allow any Brisbane players to gather more than six clearances. 

Oisin Mullin's role on Hugh McCluggage was a massive factor, keeping the Lions star to 14 disposals and three clearances, claiming another scalp in an incredible season from Geelong's new Irish star. 

Mark Blicavs' Stellar Ruck Role

There was some concern during the week when Rhys Stanley was ruled out, but Mark Blicavs stepped into the main ruck role and performed brilliantly on Friday night when the Cats needed him most. 

Blicavs collected 20 disposals, an equal game-high six clearances, 26 hit-outs and nine score involvements, while going at a very impressive 80% disposal efficiency under the immense pressure through the middle. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Mark Blicavs of the Cats kicks during the AFL Qualifying Final match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 05, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Controlling the Airways

Similar to the clearance battle, Geelong had not taken more marks in a game against Brisbane since the 2022 Preliminary Final, but the Cats were able to take away their kick - mark style of game when it mattered most. 

The Cats took 10 more marks than the Lions on Friday night, taking 15 more marks inside forward 50 and six more contested marks. 

Down back was a real strength for Geelong, Tom Stewart picked off six intercept marks, Jack Henry took four, while Connor O'Sullivan and Zach Guthrie both took three in a brilliant display.