The 2025 AFL Grand Final delivers one of the most compelling narratives in recent memory. Geelong and Brisbane, the two most dominant clubs of the decade, face off at the MCG with both chasing history, legacy, and the right to claim supremacy in the 2020s. The Cats are seeking their 11th premiership overall and third under coach Chris Scott, while the Lions aim for their 13th premiership and a rare back-to-back triumph under Chris Fagan.
For Brisbane, the spotlight falls on Lachie Neale, the dual Brownlow Medallist whose role as the likely substitute has created both intrigue and strategic tension. For Geelong, Patrick Dangerfield’s extraordinary preliminary final display has seen him dubbed “the AFL’s LeBron,” underscoring his capacity to single-handedly alter the course of matches.
The Stakes for Both Clubs
This contest goes beyond a single flag. The Lions are chasing the mantle of the first back-to-back premiers since Richmond in 2019–2020. For Geelong, victory means another era-defining flag to add to their modern dynasty, alongside premierships in 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2022.
Both teams have thrived in the 2020s. Brisbane have been relentless under Fagan, building on their 2024 premiership, while Geelong’s consistency under Chris Scott has cemented their place as perennial contenders. This Grand Final is their chance to be remembered not just as winners but as the winners of the decade.
The Neale Dilemma: Sub or Starter?
Brisbane’s decision to include Lachie Neale as the potential 23rd man has stunned many. Neale has not started as a substitute since Round 1, 2014, when he was a Fremantle Docker. He was also sub in Fremantle’s 2013 Grand Final loss, making this a rare repeat of history.
7News reporter Mitch Cleary suggested that Bruce Reville would remain in the 22 while Neale would begin as sub, fueling speculation about Brisbane’s late-game tactics.
Jonathan Brown, triple premiership Lion, believes this could be a tactical masterstroke. He compared it to GWS’s use of Josh Kelly three weeks ago, who came on as sub and almost single-handedly swung momentum. “They’ll decide after the captain’s run … but they’ll have to roll the dice,” Brown told Fox Footy.
For Neale, the role reversal represents a test of patience and timing. His leadership as co-captain is unquestioned, but his capacity to change a game in bursts could define Brisbane’s fate.
Dangerfield’s Finals Aura
On the opposite side, Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield is again in the spotlight. His preliminary final heroics against Hawthorn reminded the football world why he remains one of the game’s most dangerous forces.
Fox Sports’ Drew Jones likened him to NBA legend LeBron James — a player capable of carrying his team beyond their limits. “No matter what, LeBron will take his team as far as he can go … and then when his team is good and he locks in, he takes them all the way,” Jones said.
Dangerfield’s influence is amplified in finals. Whether in the midfield or drifting forward, his physicality, pace, and willpower are unmatched. For Geelong, his ability to impose himself may be the single most important factor in determining whether the Cats secure their 11th flag.
Match-Ups to Watch
The coaching boxes will be obsessing over match-ups. For Brisbane, Josh Dunkley has been earmarked as the key to limiting Dangerfield’s influence. Triple All-Australian Nick Dal Santo emphasized that Dunkley’s work rate and defensive pressure make him the only viable option. “If he plays in the midfield, Dunkley can go step for step … if he goes forward, clearly he’ll have to hand him over.”
Conversely, Brisbane’s midfield depth remains their biggest weapon. Hugh McCluggage, Josh Dunkley, and Jarrod Lyons provide versatility, but without Jarrod Berry, their rotations are stretched. Neale’s late-game entry could add dynamism exactly when Geelong tires.
For Geelong, the ruck battle and forward-line pressure will determine their capacity to hold Brisbane’s rebound game. Tom Hawkins’ presence inside 50, Jeremy Cameron’s roaming influence, and Tyson Stengle’s ground-level threat must all fire in unison to challenge Brisbane’s backline, led by Harris Andrews.
Historical Weight of the Contest
This Grand Final is the first rematch of a qualifying final since 2018. Historically, the qualifying final loser often has the upper hand in the Grand Final, with Collingwood, Sydney, and West Coast all winning after earlier defeats in 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2015. Brisbane, having lost to Geelong earlier in the series, will be hoping history repeats.
It is also the 47th time in V/AFL history that two Grand Finalists have played four times in one season. The last time this occurred was 2005, when Sydney and West Coast played four thrillers, culminating in Sydney’s iconic four-point victory.
For Brisbane, this game is about consolidating their legacy as the modern powerhouse of the AFL. For Geelong, it is about proving that their 2022 premiership was no outlier but part of a sustained era of success.
The X-Factors Beyond the Obvious
While the spotlight shines on Neale and Dangerfield, both sides have X-factors that could decide the premiership.
- Geelong’s veteran class: Tom Hawkins and Mitch Duncan bring invaluable experience. Both have been instrumental in Grand Final victories before and understand the pace and pressure of the big stage.
- Brisbane’s youth surge: Keidean Coleman and Will Ashcroft have provided sparks all season. Coleman’s precision kicking and Ashcroft’s midfield balance could be decisive if the Lions are to control momentum.
- The Sub Impact: If Neale is the sub, his injection could shift clearance dominance late in the game. But if Brisbane falters early, Fagan may regret not starting him.
Entertainment, Atmosphere, and Global Appeal
The build-up to the 2025 Grand Final has been electric. Friday’s parade at Yarra Park drew thousands as Neale and Dangerfield lifted the premiership cup together, symbolizing the mutual respect between the clubs.
Off the field, Snoop Dogg’s pre-game entertainment at 1.30pm AEST has added global intrigue, reflecting the AFL’s ambition to broaden its international profile. For fans, the combination of sporting theatre and cultural spectacle ensures this Grand Final is about more than football — it is about identity, pride, and tradition.
Strategic Implications for the Decade Ahead
The winner of this Grand Final will emerge as the undisputed club of the 2020s to date. Both clubs have been relentless, but a second flag sets one apart from the rest of the competition.
For Brisbane, back-to-back premierships would elevate Chris Fagan into rare company and validate their list build around Neale, Andrews, McCluggage, and Cameron. For Geelong, another triumph under Chris Scott would place their dynasty among the most successful in modern AFL history, strengthening their reputation as masters of list regeneration and cultural stability.
Conclusion: A Legacy on the Line
The 2025 AFL Grand Final is more than a match. It is the culmination of years of strategy, resilience, and generational talent. Whether it is Lachie Neale’s late-game heroics as the sub or Patrick Dangerfield’s finals brilliance likened to LeBron James, the game promises moments that will live in football folklore.
At 2:30pm AEST, when Geelong and Brisbane take the field at the MCG, they are not just competing for a premiership. They are competing for history. And when the siren sounds, one club will have stamped its authority as the defining team of the decade.
