AFL

The AFL's second qualifying final at a glance

By AAP Newswire

Sep 4, 2025

Baily Smith — Bailey Smith will be a key player for Geelong against the Lions in the AFL qualifying final. -AAP Image

A GUIDE TO THE SECOND AFL QUALIFYING FINAL BETWEEN GEELONG AND BRISBANE LIONS:

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* When: Friday, 7.40pm AEST

* Where: MCG

* The form:

Geelong: Enter a 13th finals series under Chris Scott's coaching having won six-straight matches, taking them to second with 17 wins and six losses. Their last win over a fellow finalist came back in round 13 when they accounted for Gold Coast.

Brisbane Lions: Finished third with 16 wins, six losses, and a draw - a better home-and-away campaign than 2024 when they surged to the premiership. The Lions have endured some wobbly games, but have usually risen to the challenge of a rival opponent.

* Head-to-head

Overall: Played: 45. Geelong 25 wins, 20 losses

In finals: Played: 4. Geelong 2 wins, Lions 2 wins

Last time: Round 15, 2025: Geelong 6.15 (51) lost to Brisbane Lions 14.8 (92) at GMHBA Stadium

Last final: Preliminary final, 2024: Geelong 12.13 (85) lost to Brisbane Lions 14.11 (95) at the MCG

* Key players:

Bailey Smith (Geelong). One of the Brownlow medal favourites averages almost 32 disposals a game this season. An unbelievable runner who easily finds the ball, Smith will be out to recapture his stunning 2021 finals series when at the Western Bulldogs.

Hugh McCluggage (Lions): Finally rewarded with a first All-Australian blazer, Brisbane's vice-captain has arguably taken over from Lachie Neale as their best midfielder. The premiership star is averaging career-highs in disposals (27) and clearances (5.8) this season.

Jeremy Cameron (Geelong). The Coleman medallist is still a chance to reach the elusive century, having booted 83 goals this season. When Cameron fires, the Cats rarely lose, so the Lions will come in with big plans to tame the star forward.

Logan Morris (Lions): The 20-year-old hasn't endured any second-year blues, slotting 48 goals this season as Brisbane have tried to replace premiership hero Joe Daniher. Morris was superb with five goals the last time he played against Geelong.

* The stat: Geelong feasted on Brisbane for the better part of 15 years, but the Lions have turned the tables in recent times by winning their past three encounters and four of their last five.