Grand finals are the ultimate test – talent, system and nerve colliding in front of 100,000 at the MCG. This year it’s a classic: Geelong’s structure and discipline against Brisbane’s pressure and flair. Former North Melbourne premiership player Anthony Stevens makes his prediction.
Geelong’s Case
The Cats have been ruthless all year, built on a system that strangles opposition ball movement, forces turnovers, and grinds teams down. They rely on discipline rather than individual brilliance.
But the loss of Tom Stewart is massive. He’s their defensive general, and without him, Sam De Koning must rise – intercepting, organising, and driving rebound.
That makes De Koning’s role critical. If he holds firm, Mark Blicavs can stay locked in the ruck, where his athleticism and endurance are vital. If not, Geelong risk dragging Blicavs back to plug holes – and losing balance at both ends of the ground.
Brisbane’s Case
The Lions thrive on chaos. Their midfield intensity – Dunkley’s tackling, McCluggage’s polish, Rayner’s bursts – is tailor-made for finals. Charlie Cameron remains the lightning rod, but the swingman could be Logan Morris. At just 20, he must play the Joe Daniher role of 2024: presenting up the ground, crashing packs, and bringing the ball to ground for Brisbane’s smalls. If he competes hard and keeps Geelong’s defence honest, the Lions can pile on enough pressure to rattle the Cats’ structure.
The Decider
This grand final is system versus surge. Geelong will look to slow it down and own territory. Brisbane will want to speed it up, thrive on chaos, and feed their small forwards.
Prediction: Geelong by 16 points.
I’m basing this on Lachie Neale not playing with his calf injury. If he misses, Brisbane lose their most composed clearance player, and Geelong’s system will hold firm.
