We\u2019ve got a Grand Final rematch on Thursday night, with Geelong heading to the Gabba as underdogs despite last week\u2019s impressive win over Collingwood.<\/p>\n
Brisbane were victorious the last time these two teams met, running over the top of Geelong in the second half of the 2025 Grand Final.<\/p>\n
Both sides remain among the AFL\u2019s top tier in 2026, currently sitting fourth and fifth on the ladder respectively.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s Geelong\u2019s recent form that stands out, however, with a last-quarter rampage against North Melbourne followed by a demolition of Collingwood.<\/p>\n
How will the Cats perform when they return to the Gabba for this Grand Final rematch?<\/p>\n
I think Geelong can make this much tighter than the market suggests.<\/p>\n
The Cats have covered the line in six of their last nine against Brisbane, and if we go back to 2014 they\u2019ve covered in 16 of 21 meetings.<\/p>\n
More importantly, Geelong has a strong recent record at the Gabba.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ve won five of their last nine at the venue against Brisbane and covered in eight of those nine, including their two most recent losses there in 2023 and 2025.<\/p>\n
Martin has put together a solid season for Geelong inside forward 50.<\/p>\n
He has kicked a goal in each of his last seven games and has 11 goals for the season, including two in each of his last two matches.<\/p>\n
Small forwards have found opportunities against Brisbane recently as the Lions continue to patch holes in their depleted back six.<\/p>\n
Hayward and Ainsworth combined for five goals last week, and Martin should get his chances here.<\/p>\n
When assessing Geelong matchups, it often starts with who Oisin Mullin tags.<\/p>\n
I expect Mullin to go to Hugh McCluggage here, after doing a strong job on him in last year\u2019s qualifying final.<\/p>\n
That should open the door for Will Ashcroft to take on more of the midfield load.<\/p>\n
Ashcroft has recorded 25+ disposals in six of nine games this season, including three of his last four.<\/p>\n
He also dominated this matchup last year, averaging 30.8 disposals across four games against Geelong and clearing 25+ in all four.<\/p>\n
Geelong has restricted general defenders well this season, but designated kickers have still found enough football against them.<\/p>\n
That keeps Zorko firmly in play.<\/p>\n
He started the season in brilliant form before suffering an injury against North Melbourne in Round 6.<\/p>\n
If we remove that injury-affected game, Zorko is averaging 27.2 disposals this season, with last week against Carlton his only miss under 25.<\/p>\n
He also averaged 31 disposals across four games against Geelong last season, clearing 25+ in all four.<\/p>\n