Two last-quarter goals from Kane Lambert – one a fluke and one a ripper – have seen the Tigers down minor premiers Port Adelaide by six points and powered Richmond to their third grand final in four years.
The Cats had the better of things in the first quarter, with a look at the stat sheet suggesting we were in for a repeat of their semi-final demolition of Collingwood. At the first break, the visitors had huge leads in inside 50s (+10), clearances (+11) and contested possessions (+18), but could only manage a five-point lead for their efforts.
It was Charlie Cameron who got the scoreboard ticking first, with a great set shot conversion from just inside 50, with Brandan Parfitt and Tom Hawkins (the latter from another great set shot) giving Geelong the lead. But Brisbane’s resolute back six refused to crack under pressure, before Cameron got Brisbane’s second with an excellent chase and tackle on Jack Henry resulting in a set shot goal.
Geelong looked ominous in the early going in the second quarter too, with Hawkins nailing his second and Gary Rohan slotting one for the highlight reel to extend their lead. But Brisbane clawed their way back, with goals to Eric Hipwood and Lachie Neale ensuring the margin at half time would stay at five points.
Crucially, the home side turned it around in many of the statistical areas they’d been smashed in up to that point. They lost the inside 50 count by one, but got on top in clearances (+7) and contested possessions (+11).
But it was Geelong who got back on top in the third quarter, threatening to strangle the life out of the Lions and run away with the game before the final break. Gary Ablett added two vintage majors alongside another to Jack Henry – compared to just one Brisbane goal through Cam Rayner – to extend the margin to 18 points at the final break.
Shades of Brisbane’s failed 2019 finals campaign started to kick in, with Eric Hipwood missing a very gettable set shot to take the wind out of their sails. Ryan Lester would be guilty of the same offence in the fourth quarter, butchering a simple set shot after a 50-metre penalty to kill momentum – with Geelong going the other way and converting truly to really put the Lions on the back foot.
In the end, all the Cats needed to do was hold on in the fourth quarter, which they did. The Lions looked lethargic and weren’t able to muster much of a challenge, before some late junk-time goals extended the margin to a slightly generous 40 points.
It was the usual suspects getting the job done for Geelong, with Mitch Duncan collecting 22 disposals and nine score involvements, Joel Selwood and Brandan Parfitt combining for 16 tackles, Sam Menegola chipping in with 19 touches and ten score involvements and Tom Hawkins proving a handful. They key forward finished with just 2.3, but was unstoppable up forward in the ruck and had an equal team-high three tackles inside 50.
Brisbane were led admirably by Lachie Neale (24 disposals, eight clearances) and got a good cameo out of Lincoln McCarthy (14 disposals, eight tackles), but had too many passengers. Eleven players finished with fewer than ten disposals, with Jarrod Berry (eight) and Cam Rayner (six) among the most disappointing inclusions on that list. Eric Hipwood had just five touches and one goal, Charlie Cameron finished with just five touches and was unsighted after half time, while Daniel McStay only touched it three times.
The Cats will now play Richmond in the grand final on Saturday, October 24 at The Gabba.
Brisbane Lions – 2.0 | 4.3 | 5.5 | 6.6 (42)
Geelong Cats – 2.5 | 4.8 | 7.11 | 11.16 (82)
Goals
Lions: Cameron 2, Neale 2, Hipwood, Rayner
Cats: Rohan 3, Hawkins 2, Ablett 2, Parfitt, Henry, Miers, Tuohy
Micko
Roar Rookie
True, but my comment is still effectively correct: for a team that not only has spent most of last decade playing finals, and usually in the top four, and playing prelims, the fact is Geelong have underachieved to be only playing their first GF since 2011 in 2020. And yes, most people (including their own fans) wrongly assumed they wouldn't be in contention after that golden generation they had.
The real SC
Roar Rookie
Saturday's GF will be the last for Garry Ablett and even Harry Taylor. Gary Ablett - two time Premiership player, two time Brownlow medalist (2009, 2013), This will be his 357th and final match. Will the Cats win and finish on a high? Will Patrick Dangerfield add a premiership to his medal. Will we see the last of Tom Hawkins this year?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Yes...your opinion. Suggest that to Carlton or North Melbourne. They'd kill for it. Keep in mind, that almost every critic has predicted Geelong's demise for every season of the past decade...and they keep on being one of the last teams standing every season. I'd say they have over-achieved.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Not really. Considering their record over the decade, not reaching a GF till 2020 is an underachievement in my opinion.
Jake Ramzy
This final chapter of Gary Ablett jnr's career was written by the football Gods. His legacy will be carved in stone on top of the upper echelons of football's greatest ever players. The son of God like his father will be remembered by Cats fans forever and come Grand Final day along side his captain, Gary and the cats can finally get the respect and accolades they deserve. I can see the future too and Jack Henry will be Geelongs best player in a few years he will be unstoppable. Go cats
Cat
Roar Guru
He had 4 okay games at Essendon in 2 years. Hardly worth a 2 year contract
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You can't be both an "underachiever" and a "team that regularly makes the top 4 and prelims over the last decade". One contradicts the other.
Reg Grundy
Guest
Cannot stand both teams! Crows for their arrogance over the years and Broncos because News Ltd have majority ownership of it being a listed ASX company. Last night I was leaning towards Richmond, but now reckon Cats can win it next Saturday! I might have a small flutter on it, the odds looked pretty juicy for Cats winning.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Agree on all but I thought Port was a worthy winner if they got through.
Dangersphere 10
Roar Rookie
So proud of this club right now, what an incredible feat to make a GF being away from home for just about the entire season! Win or lose next Saturday, the coaching staff and players deserve an enormous amount of credit for their endeavour this season, it's been as admirable as it has been inspiration. Credit to Richmond for achieving the same feat and also making the final on the road all year, I think in the end the two best and most deserving sides made it and we can only hope for a close, competitive final that does this incredible season justice. On last night, what an amazingly even performance from the team, everyone contributing and playing well, with special shout outs to Gaz, Menegola (best final to date), Hawkins, Henry (best final to date), Hendo and Rohan (best final to date). They were able to get the game on their terms early (again), and from there Brisbane never looked like arresting it back. I was a little worried going into the second half on account of some bad misses, and some equally bad/dodgy umpiring (12 free kicks to 1 at that point), but glad the boys, having learned from past mistakes, were able to steady and get it done. I had a good feeling all week but wanted to keep a lid on it, but the way they were able to dismantle the pies got them back into form, and I thought that might have been just what we needed going into these last two finals. From feeling numb and flat a fortnight ago to pure euphoria last night, you gotta love this sport! :silly:
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Don't think Little Gazza will be afforded so much space out the back next week. A failed Lions' tactic that played into Geelong's hands. Win or lose though, great to see him finish in a GF.
Jimmy Woods
Roar Rookie
Either way, cats v tigers is set up to be a tough, tight ripper of a contest. Something like that ‘89 GF would be great. Hope it’s dry & quick.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Where you been this year Cat? Congratulations on making the GF. Will be cheering the Cats home but think it’s going to be very close.
RT
Roar Rookie
Cruel attempt to pique Tiger supporters' interest in the article?
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
The MCG? Or do you mean Marvel stadium 2.0 in Perth?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I'm glad you flagged that. ---- Talking of flagging, what about some symmetry at the other end with the Crows and Broncos winning their first spoons?
Nick
Roar Guru
A curious opening paragraph...
Cat
Roar Guru
Mine too. I shaved my head prior to the 2009 GF and when we won everyone in the standing room only bay with me at the MCG was patting my head and calling me Chappy.
sven
Roar Rookie
one of my fave cats from that great era
Cat
Roar Guru
Chapman had 4 good games at Essendon and then couldn’t stay on the park in two years. Loved him but he was cooked.