The stage is set for Saturday's Preliminary Final as the Cats prepare to do battle with Brisbane for a spot in the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final. 

For Geelong this weekend will mark their 13th Preliminary Final in the last 18 seasons, continuing an incredible run of success over the past two decades. 

The matchup will also see the Cats face Brisbane in a Prelim for the third time in the last five years, with Geelong winning both the previous two matchups.

The two teams also squared off earlier in 2024, when the Cats took down the Lions by 26 points in driving rain at the Gabba. 

Ladder  

Geelong: 3^rd (15-8)

Brisbane: 5^th (14-8-1)

Finals Results

Geelong

Qualifying Final: Port Adelaide 7.12 (54) def by Geelong 20.18 (138)

Brisbane

Elimination Final: Brisbane 14.15 (99) def Carlton 11.5 (71)

Semi Final: GWS Giants 15.10 (100) def by Brisbane 15.15 (105)

Creating Chaos in Brisbane’s Back Half

It is no secret that Brisbane like to play a controlled brand of football, recording the most kicks and marks of any team in the competition across the 2024 season.

The Lions have four players ranked in the AFL’s top 25 for uncontested possession, taking more uncontested marks than their opposition in 20 of 25 games this year.  

This style is led in particular by Dayne Zorko off half back, who has registered the most kicks and the most uncontested marks of any player in 2024.

Geelong will need to find a way to disrupt Brisbane’s style on Saturday, the more pressure they can produce the more likely they are to force turnovers.

Restricting Inside 50 Entries

Brisbane rely on weight of numbers when moving the ball forward, amassing the most inside 50 entries of any team across the 2024 season.

The Lions have recorded more inside 50’s than their opponent in 20 of 25 games this year, keeping that trend rolling into September by racking up more entries than GWS in last week’s Semi Final.

With dangerous forwards like Joe Daniher and Charlie Cameron lurking in Brisbane’s offense, the Cats will need to limit their supply to hold the Lions to a low score.

Halving the Ruck Battle

Oscar McInerney has been impressive in 2024, ranking among the league’s top ruckman in a number of different stats.

The Lions big man ranks third in the competition for hit-outs, 13^th in the AFL for stoppage clearances and 21^st for contested possessions.

McInerney also ranks second at Brisbane for contested marks this year, making him a dangerous threat right across the ground.