Brisbane overcome Geelong in second-half masterclass

Brisbane have completed another stirring comeback, rallying from 32 points down late in the second quarter to overrun Geelong by nine points in slippery conditions at the Gabba on Saturday night.

In a match rescheduled from Opening Round due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the reigning premiers showed their trademark resilience to remain unbeaten in the 2025 AFL Premiership season with a 10.10 (70) to 9.7 (61) victory.

It was a game of two halves. Geelong handled the wet far better early, slicing through Brisbane’s defence with clean transition and rapid ball movement to pile on seven goals in a devastating burst.

Max Holmes (29 disposals, nine marks) was instrumental in that run, with Patrick Dangerfield drilling two goals and Mark Blicavs launching a 50m bomb as Geelong opened up a 32-point lead.

But the tide turned after half-time. The Brisbane Lions tightened their ball use, dominated territory, and applied relentless pressure.

The Lions racked up 20 inside 50s to four in the third quarter and kicked four unanswered goals — including a memorable first career major to Levi Ashcroft and a brilliant finish from super sub Bruce Reville — to take a one-point lead into the final change.

Reville continued his impact moments later with a booming 50m goal that raised the roof at the Gabba and handed the Lions their first lead of the night.

Eric Hipwood, Logan Morris, and Jarrod Berry added vital goals as the home side powered away in the last quarter, finishing with 39 inside 50s to 14 after half-time.

It was another strong midfield performance from Hugh McCluggage, who finished with 30 disposals, eight tackles, and seven clearances.

Will Ashcroft was also crucial in the second half with 33 touches and a goal, while Dayne Zorko’s late set shot and Harris Andrews’ commanding presence in defence capped off a team-wide effort.

Despite Tom Atkins keeping Lachie Neale relatively quiet with a hard tag — Neale had 20 disposals to Atkins’ 14 and 14 tackles — Brisbane’s midfield took control when it mattered most.

Geelong were left to rue their inability to maintain pressure after a strong first half, with their forward momentum stalling and defensive lapses giving Brisbane the upper hand.

The Cats, now 1-2 after back-to-back losses to St Kilda and Brisbane, will face a tough test in the coming weeks with Melbourne and Adelaide up next.

For the Lions, who have now trailed at half-time in all three of their wins this season, the ability to rally from behind is becoming a defining trait — and a worrying one for any opponent.

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