A place in the 2022 Grand Final is up for grabs on the weekend and it starts on Friday night footy with the Lions looking for back to back upsets at the MCG as they face the rested Cats. Meanwhile, the Swans are looking for their first Grand Final appearance since 2016 as they host the Magpies at the SCG.<\/span><\/p>\n Geelong enjoyed a week off after a huge win over the Magpies in week 1 of the finals, 78-72. While the Cats didn’t start well, they finished strong in the second half with 7 goals. Gary Rohan silenced the critics with 3 important goals and Jeremy Cameron also added 3 goals. In the midfield, the Cats have plenty of finals experience, especially in these types of games. Atkins and Danger both recorded 8 clearances. Meanwhile, Cats skipper Joel Selwood finished with the most disposals for the Cats (25). In the backline, Jake Kolodjashnij suffered an early injury but the Cats were able to adjust. He should be right to play in this final as the week off likely helped. Tom Stewart was at his intercepting best with 7 marks against the Pies so he’ll look to continue the form against Brisbane.<\/span><\/p>\n The Lions are just one win away from a Grand Final after two impressive finals victories. Firstly, they held off the Tigers by 2 pts at the Gabba in an elimination final. Then last week, they stormed home to beat the Dees by 13 pts in the semi-finals at the MCG. As a result, their MCG hoodoo is over and Brisbane will be full of confidence to upset the Cats at the same venue on Friday night. Up forward, Eric Hipwood has been in great touch with 7 total goals. They’ll likely get Joe Daniher back after he missed last week and that’ll give their scoring potential a boost. In the midfield, Berry was one of the main reasons why the Lions beat the Dees and he also escaped suspension. McCluggage was also important. Down back, Daniel Rich controlled the footy with 30 touches and their defence finally showed some resolve against a top 8 team. They had previously allowed 116 points per game against the Dees in the regular season so it was a huge turnaround in a final.<\/span><\/p>\n The trend of close finals in 2022 should continue this matchup as the Lions do matchup well with the Cats. However, the week off is a boost for the Cats and they should be much fresher. The Lions did have to comeback against the Demons and I doubt the Cats will let them back in the game if they get a lead. Geelong also won their last finals matchup by 40 pts at the Gabba. I can’t see a huge margin this timearound as Brisbane are in good form. So the 1-39 margin looks the best bet for the top of the table Cats. They’re 3-0 against the 1-39 margin at the MCG.<\/span><\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/b><\/p>\n The Cats are 9-1 in their last 10 at the MCG. Brisbane won their first game at the MCG since 2014 in last week’s final against Melbourne. Previously, they had lost 11 straight at the venue.<\/span><\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/b><\/p>\nGeelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions<\/b><\/h3>\n