Geelong took up the challenge to Brisbane in difficult conditions on Saturday night, but ultimately fell short as they slipped to a nine point loss at the Gabba.

The Cats shot out of the blocks with a dominant first half, opening up a 26-point lead at the main break but could not fend Brisbane off as the Lions mounted their comeback after half time. 

Max Holmes impressed all night in tough conditions, finishing with 29 disposals and nine marks while also breaking the game open with his run and carry, recording a team high 620 metres gained. 

Among the Cats best was Bailey Smith (25 disposals, 11 tackles) and Gryan Miers (22 disposals, eight marks), while Tom Atkins (14 disposals, 14 tackles) fought out a brilliant duel against Lachie Neale in a designated run-with role. 

Geelong started sprightly in the opening term, quickly adapting to the conditions and booting the first two goals of the contest as they built an eight point lead at the first break. 

A run of five unanswered goals through the second quarter catapulted the Cats to a healthy buffer, taking a 26 point lead into the main break and looking in control of the contest. 

But Brisbane were not going to simply lie down, booting four goals in the third term while keeping Geelong scoreless to flip the script, leaving the Cats facing a one-point deficit heading into the final break. 

Geelong skipper, Patrick Dangerfield gave his side some momentum when he launched home a long range goal to start the last quarter, snatching the lead back for the Cats. 

But it proved to be only momentary, as Brisbane regained ascendancy and booted the next three majors to ultimately close out the game, Geelong falling nine points short at the Gabba. 

Saturday night's loss leaves the Cats at 1-2 to start their season, but they will look to bounce back next weekend as they take on Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night. 

2025 AFL Season - Round Two 

BRISBANE      2.2      3.4      7.7     10.10    (70) 
GEELONG       3.4      7.6      7.6       9.7      (61)
 
GOALS 
Brisbane: Zorko, Reville, Rayner, Morris, Hipwood, Cameron, Berry, Bailey, W.Ashcroft, L.Ashcroft 1
Geelong: Dangerfield 2, Holmes, O.Henry, Dempsey, Close, Clark, Cameron, Blicavs 1
 
BEST
Brisbane: McCluggage, W.Ashcroft, Andrews, Dunkley, Lester
Geelong: Holmes, Smith, Dangerfield, Guthrie, Miers, Mullin 

INJURIES
Brisbane: Kai Lohmann (ankle)
Geelong: Nil 

LATE CHANGES
Brisbane: Oscar McInerney (illness) replaced in selected side by Darcy Fort
Geelong: Tom Stewart (knee) replaced in selected side by Mark O’Connor 
 
SUBSTITUTES 
Brisbane: Bruce Reville (replaced Kai Lohmann in the third quarter)
Geelong: Mitch Knevitt (replaced Sam De Koning in the fourth quarter)