Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Brisbane Lions Geelong clashes rarely lack drama, and Thursday night’s Australian Football League meeting at GMHBA Stadium delivered another wild chapter as the reigning premiers held off a major Cats fightback to win 19.9 (123) to 14.17 (101).

The Brisbane Lions kicked the first eight goals, watched a 43-point lead shrink to one, then steadied to claim a 22-point win that lifted them to fourth on the ladder. Geelong Football Club slipped to 9-7, while Brisbane improved to 10-6.

For more Australian Football League selection news, read Elijah Hewett West Coast Future In Spotlight After Second Selection Axing, while official fixtures and results are available through the Australian Football League website.

Lions Start Fast Then Hold Firm

Charlie Cameron lit the fuse with two goals in the opening two minutes, and Brisbane’s first seven inside-50 entries all produced majors. That brutal early efficiency left Geelong scrambling before Patrick Dangerfield finally broke through before quarter-time.

Geelong then stormed back with 6.6 to 1.6 in the second term, helped by three goals from Shannon Neale. Lachie Neale also went off for a concussion test after an accidental knee from teammate Cam Rayner, but he passed and returned.

Brisbane’s Attack Makes The Difference

Will Ashcroft had 32 disposals and Lachie Neale finished with 28, while Kai Lohmann kicked five goals in a sharp forward display. Logan Morris and Zac Bailey added three goals each, with Bailey also gathering 20 disposals.

"We were probably a little bit fortunate that we kicked really straight and they didn't, but our efficiency going inside-50 was exceptionally good," Lions coach Chris Fagan said.

"To come here and win at this oval is a tough thing to do. It's almost worth eight points when you win here, I think.

"The fact that the boys were able to do that and stay mentally strong throughout the game when they were challenged was a real pleasing aspect of tonight."

Geelong Rue Missed Chances

Geelong won the inside-50 count 69-52 but could not match Brisbane’s finishing. Dangerfield was outstanding with five goals, while Bailey Smith had 31 disposals and Max Holmes collected 30.

"They really took their chances. Their kicking for goal was really good and ours was poor," Geelong coach Chris Scott said.

"It was a strange game in that probably for more than 50 per cent of the game we were in control of it, and either couldn't take our chances when we generated them or allowed them back into it with some basic errors."