Published 3 days ago • loading... • Updated 1 day ago

AFL Grand Final 2025 Teams and Expert Tips: The Hard Calls Made as Cats, Lions Teams Locked In

On Saturday, September 27 the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions will meet at the MCG in a 2:30pm AEST grand final, with nearly 100,000 fans expected to attend.
Three weeks after their qualifying final clash, Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions meet again in the grand final after beating Hawthorn and Collingwood respectively.
With Tom Stewart ruled out, Geelong has named Rhys Stanley as his replacement, while Jarrod Berry will miss the game and Brisbane recalled Lachie Neale despite a calf concern.
American rapper Snoop Dogg will headline the pre-game entertainment, which begins at 1.30pm AEST, while fans can watch at Fed Square, Eastern Beach Reserve, and New Farm Park.
In historical terms, this is the first grand final meeting between the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions, capping a rivalry stretching more than 20 years; a Brisbane win would give them five premierships this millennium while Geelong chase another flag after 2022.

Insights by Ground AI

Podcasts & Opinions

Podcast Mention

Squiz Today

Daily News podcast featuring Kate Watson, Eliza Harvey and Claire Kimball

The PM speaks at the UN, and a name to watch at the ARIAs

Squiz Today previews the historic first grand final showdown between Geelong and Brisbane.

23 hours ago·Australia

Listen to Full Episode Full Episode Unlock Timestamp

Get Vantage — Podcasts, Ratings, Timestamps

Podcasts & Opinions

9 Articles

The West Australian

Lean Right

Law of the jungle: Claws out in Scott and Fagan’s GF battle

The Geelong coach likes to speak his mind and his combative approach to the league is in stark contrast his quietly spoken rival in Brisbane Lions’ Chris Fagan.

2 days ago·Australia

Read Full Article

ABC Australia

Lean Left

Ultimate guide to the 2025 AFL grand final decider between Geelong and Brisbane

Wondering what time the AFL grand final starts and how you can watch it live? We've got you covered.

3 days ago·Australia

Read Full Article

Sydney Morning Herald

Reposted by

The Age

Lean Left

Who is better – Geelong or Brisbane? Decide in our head-to-head poll

This shapes as a grand final for the ages, and for good reason. Both teams are loaded with talent. Have your say on who wins across the field on Saturday.

3 days ago·Sydney, Australia

Read Full Article

7NEWS Australia

Lean Right

Chris Scott slammed over ‘poor’ act on eve of grand final

‘We can’t let this just go through to the keeper.’

3 days ago·Australia

Read Full Article

Fox Sports Australia

Lions make call on Neale; Cats settle on veteran to fill star void — AFL GF Teams

Brisbane has bravely decided to recall dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale for Saturday’s grand final against Geelong, but it’s come at the expense of a fellow midfield gun.

1 day ago·Australia

Read Full Article

Stockhead

AFL Today: Cats or Lions to claw ahead in the big grand FELINE final?

The final weekend in September is upon us, and you know what that means. It’s grand final time – in this case, a grand feline finale with the Cats and Lions sharpening their claws for this Saturday arvo. Tune into the AFL Today Show’s grand final special for all the panel’s expert analysis/hot takes on the big dance. Both Geelong and Brisbane have (obviously) been on fire this year and will look to continue their respective modern dynasties. The…

2 days ago

Read Full Article

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/year