Geelong produced a compelling 66-point victory over Brisbane at Brighton Homes Arena on Friday afternoon, using strong pressure and slick ball movement to power an emphatic win.
The Cats wasted no time stamping their authority on the game, with Jamieson Ballantyne kicking the opening goal before Jack Bowes added another as Geelong surged to an early advantage.
The midfield group set the tone around the contest, while the Cats' ability to move the ball quickly through the corridor created repeat opportunities inside 50.
Bowes was among Geelong’s best in a powerful all-round performance, collecting 40 disposals, seven clearances and two goals. He consistently drove the Cats forward from stoppage and was damaging both through the midfield and inside attacking 50.
Cillian Burke was influential early with eight first-quarter disposals, while Will White continued in strong form with 10 disposals in the opening term as Geelong stormed to a 23-point lead at quarter time.
The pressure continued into the second quarter as the Cats claimed the first inside 50 of the term, with Charley Green converting after a strong mark.
Ballantyne added his second major soon after, before Mitch Knevitt hit the scoreboard as Geelong’s dominance around the contest and in transition continued to grow.
The Cats backline stood tall throughout the afternoon, repeatedly shutting down Brisbane attacks and turning defence into offence with quick ball movement through the middle of the ground.
Dan Capiron proved to be a strong driver with 10 disposals in the second quarter alone, while Pat Kelly impacted both in the midfield and forward of centre with 11 disposals and a goal before half time.
Geelong’s ability to control territory through repeat inside 50 entries helped them build a commanding 47-point advantage at the main break.
Marcus Herbert put together a strong performance with 18 disposals, providing plenty of energy and drive around the ground. His composure and ball use helped Geelong transition quickly from defence into attack throughout the afternoon.
The Cats continued their momentum after halftime, with Jack Costello kicking the opening goal of the third quarter as Geelong once again took control around stoppages and in general play.
Mitch Knevitt continued to work tirelessly across the ground to finish with 31 disposals, three clearances and a goal while Jed Bews had another standout performance with 23 disposals.
Jay Rantall also capitalised on Geelong’s attacking pressure, finishing off a high-advantage play with a classy goal as the Cats continued to pile on scoreboard pressure.
George Stevens was influential through the midfield, finishing with 35 disposals, eight clearances and a goal. His work around stoppages and composure with ball in hand played an important role in Geelong’s control of the contest.
Geelong continued to apply scoreboard pressure in the final term, with Jesse Mellor adding another major before Oliver Wiltshire produced a classy finish from a tough angle.
Jay Rantall capped off a strong performance with his second goal of the afternoon as the Cats closed out an impressive win.
2026 VFL Season - Round 8
BRISBANE 1.1 2.3 5.6 7.7 (49)
GEELONG 4.6 8.14 11.20 15.25 (115)
GOALS
Brisbane: McLachlan, Bridge 2, Offermans, Fazldeen, Dunkley 1
Geelong: Rantall, Bowes, Ballantyne 2, Wiltshire, White, Stevens, Mellor, Knevitt, Kelly, Green, Costello, Capiron 1
DISPOSALS
Brisbane: Beecken 30, Tilley, Joyce 20, Abberley 19
Geelong: Bowes 40, Stevens 35, Herbert 32, Knevitt 31, Stanley 24
