That’s the way the Brisbane Lions celebrated their first win over the Geelong Cats at Kardinia Park in season 2023. They took out the win 100-89, snapping Geelong’s five-game winning streak. The victory marked Brisbane’s first win in Geelong since 2003, allowing them to leapfrog the Cats and secure second place on the ladder ahead of their bye week. A spirited crowd of 35,367 looked on as history was made. Geelong provided all fans free white T-shirts to produce a “white-out” effect, but the Lions’ play erased the energy in a hurry.
Brisbane executed a game plan focused on slowing down Geelong’s ball movement, successfully changing angles of attack to exploit defensive weaknesses. As coach Chris Fagan said, it was their simple approach that made it work. The Lions’ midfielders put on a clinic — Josh Dunkley had 30 disposals, Will Ashcroft laid 28 and Jarrod Berry ended with 26. In contrast, Geelong’s Bailey Smith had the worst game of his season with only 28 touches, his equal-lowest disposal game in nine rounds.
Strategic Play and Key Performers
The Lions’ strategy paid off as they laid 61 tackles compared to Geelong’s 28 in their previous match against the Giants. Fagan expressed satisfaction with the tackling improvement, stating, “I was pleased with that. We copped a bit of flack about our tackling last week… That [result] and to kick straight was fantastic.” This intensity meant Brisbane were able to put Geelong out of their game and force them into bomb long and ball-up type kicks.
Logan Morris proved to be the matchwinner, scoring a fifth goal for the Lions at the break, with Cam Rayner adding a third with 9 to play. Defensively, Harris Andrews was a monster against Shannon Neale, and Brandon Starcevich showed Dangerfield nothing as he was blanketed at every step in his 350th AFL match. Their ability to neutralize key players on the offensive and defensive side of the field played a major role in the Lions’ success.
Fagan highlighted the importance of this victory for the club: “It is a great place to be… Really happy to come down here and win at the Cattery. It has only taken the club 22 years since the last time we won here.” He pointed out that this success broke a “hoodoo” that had otherwise hung during his time under. It entailed years of brutal losing streaks at key stops.
Celebrating a Historic Win
In celebrating this momentous occasion, Kai Lohmann expressed his excitement: “Bloody oath. Tonight was a special win. 22 years has been a while. I am 22 years old, so great to get the win tonight.” He understood the challenge that Geelong posed, dubbing it a “hostile environment.” He took time to laud his staff for rising to the occasion and taking on the challenge directly.
Indeed, the hungry Brisbane Lions only recently broke an 11-year drought at Kardinia Park with their win. Beyond the tangible benefits of this win, it solidifies their place amongst the league’s top powers. As they approach their bye week, they’ll have the time to step back and be proud. They truly defanged one of the biggest perceived badasses in the bracket with their game plan.
