Overview

• Geelong defeated the reigning premiers 16.16 (112) to 11.8 (74) at the MCG to book a week off and a home preliminary final.
• The Cats controlled key metrics including clearances and inside-50s, with Ollie Dempsey starring for three goals and 25 disposals alongside strong games from Mark Blicavs, Max Holmes and Tom Stewart.
• Lions co-captain Lachie Neale left in the final quarter with a right calf injury, with coach Chris Fagan saying he was “not expecting great news” pending scans.
• Cam Rayner kicked two goals from consecutive free kicks late in the first half, triggering widespread criticism of the officiating and talk of staging scrutiny; he finished with three goals.
• Brisbane now returns to the Gabba for a knockout semi against the winner of Fremantle vs Gold Coast, as Geelong rests and prepares for its 14th preliminary final in 19 years.