In a display of pure finals ferocity, the Geelong Cats have stormed into the preliminary final after eviscerating the Brisbane Lions by a devastating 62 points at a heaving MCG.
The match, played in front of a raucous crowd of 76,213, was a tale of two halves. The Lions were left shell-shocked after a competitive opening, utterly dismantled by a Geelong outfit that clicked into terrifying gear after the main break.
Second-Half Onslaught Seals Lions' Fate
What was a tight, arm-wrestle of a contest exploded into a one-way demolition after half-time. The Cats booted a staggering 11 goals to three in a second-half blitz that left the Lions' premiership hopes in tatters.
Veteran champion Patrick Dangerfield was instrumental, putting on a clinic with 32 disposals, nine clearances, and a crucial goal. His ferocity around the contest broke the game open and exemplified Geelong's hardened finals mentality.
King Tom Hawkins Reigns Supreme
Up forward, Tom Hawkins turned back the clock with a commanding performance. The powerhouse forward finished with four goals and nine marks, proving utterly unstoppable for the Lions' defence and igniting the Geelong faithful with every grab and conversion.
The Cats' midfield brigade, led by Dangerfield and the prolific Tom Stewart (31 disposals), dominated clearances and supplied their forwards with relentless opportunities, completely overwhelming their Brisbane counterparts.
Brisbane's Dream Crumbles in Melbourne
For the Lions, the loss is a brutal continuation of their MCG hoodoo. Despite a bright start and two goals a piece from Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood, their challenge disintegrated under Geelong's immense pressure.
Key playmaker Lachie Neale was well-held, and their defence had no answers for the Cats' systematic and powerful attack. The result sends Brisbane into a sudden-death semi-final next week, their premiership credentials now under serious scrutiny.
Geelong, meanwhile, books a week off and a home preliminary final at the MCG, just one win away from the grand final. Based on this ruthless performance, they will be a fearsome prospect for any opponent.
