Overview

• Scores were level at half-time before Brisbane overran the Cats behind a midfield and defensive surge led by Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft, intercept star Harris Andrews and a decisive four-goal haul from Charlie Cameron.
• Jeremy Cameron sustained a broken right arm in a second-quarter collision and played on as Geelong delayed its substitution, later subbing ruckman Rhys Stanley and prompting widespread criticism of the club's on‑field decision-making.
• Coach Chris Scott condemned the AFL's contentious sub rule for complicating in-game choices, with the regulation expected to be overhauled for 2026.
• Tom Stewart missed the decider under concussion protocols, and Geelong’s recall of Stanley to free up Mark Blicavs could not offset the loss of their defensive general.
• Brisbane maximised selection gambles as Lachie Neale was activated as the sub for the second half and added 17 disposals and a goal, while Brandon Starcevich and Darcy Gardiner quelled Patrick Dangerfield and Cameron.