Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions Tips, Odds and Free Bonus Bets – AFL Finals 2022

MCG will play host to Friday's Round 26 AFL game between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Geelong Cats heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Geelong Cats vs. Brisbane Lions game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday September 16, 2022 at 7:50 pm

Where: MCG

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions Odds

Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions Preview

The Cats and the Lions have sparked a modern-day rivalry in recent times with both clubs playing out some nail-biting and highly controversial finishes over the last few years.

The two sides met in a Prelim only as recently as 2020, a game Geelong dominated at the Gabba by a comfortable 40-point margin.

The Cats have won two of the last three meetings since, including a 10-point thriller at GMHBA back in Round 4 – largely thanks to a five-goal bag from Tom Hawkins.

Much of that game swung in the balance, meaning both coaches will likely spend time this week reflecting on what went right and wrong.

The Lions can find confidence in the fact Dan McStay and Joe Daniher kicked three goals each, but it’s worth remembering the Cats were not only missing Joel Selwood, but also key defender, Tom Stewart.

Plenty has changed since April though, particularly over the last few weeks.

Brisbane’s pressure has been immense in recent wins over Richmond and the Dees, while the Lions have also rediscovered their mojo up forward with Eric Hipwood in career-best form, and Charlie Cameron continuing to dominate.

The Cats have the rest advantage this week after surviving one of the game’s of the decade two weeks ago against Collingwood.

Geelong has been all class from start to finish this year, and it just feels as though star forward Jeremy Cameron might be in for a September to remember.

You could argue the Lions almost played better without Daniher last week, as they appeared to have clearer direction and intent with the ball moving forward.

Even so, this is a new set of challenges against the Cats, a side that has allowed the fewest goals and inside 50 entries all year.

Down the other end, this is also an enormous test for Brisbane’s back line, as Lions fans know all too well. Harris Andrews has struggled with the matchup of Hawkins in recent encounters, and although the Lions’ tackling inside their back half last week was impressive, it’s fair to say Geelong’s forward line poses more problems than Melbourne’s.

The Cats have earned a reputation for their slick ball movement through the midfield, and it’s no surprise to learn they rank third in inside 50 entries on attack.

On the flip side, Geelong’s miserable history in Preliminary Finals has to be considered, and there’s nothing more dangerous than a team with momentum – particularly one that has just broken two big hoodoo’s over the last fortnight.

The Lions need a lot to go right in this game and they should give it a fair shake, but on talent and form, the Cats probably prevail by a couple of late goals.

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