AFL Grand Final 2025 — The Big Picture
The 2025 AFL Grand Final took place on Saturday, 27 September 2025, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Victoria.
This showdown was contested between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions, marking the first time in VFL/AFL history these two clubs met in a grand final.
The match drew an astounding crowd of 100,022 spectators.
In the end, Brisbane delivered a commanding performance, winning by a 47-point margin to claim back-to-back premierships.
Pre-Match & Build-Up
Timing, Venue & Festivities
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The grand final kicked off at 2:30 pm AEST, consistent with the tradition of a daytime spectacle.
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The MCG, as always, served as the stage — its wide capacity and historic aura adding gravitas to the occasion.
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Pre-match entertainment was a major talking point. International star Snoop Dogg headlined the show.
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Other performers included Jessica Mauboy, Mike Brady, Baker Boy, Tash Sultana, and Vera Blue for the anthem.
Match Summary & Key Moments
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown & Scoring
| Qtr | Geelong Cats | Brisbane Lions | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 2.3 (15) | 1.6 (12) | Geelong took an early slight edge. |
| Q2 | 5.6 (36) | 5.6 (36) | Tied at half-time: both teams level at 36. |
| Q3 | 6.8 (44) | 9.9 (63) | Brisbane began to pull away, gaining momentum. |
| Q4 | 11.9 (75) | 18.14 (122) | The Lions dominated late, sealing the win. |
Final score:
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Geelong Cats: 11.9 (75)
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Brisbane Lions: 18.14 (122)
Standout Performances
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Will Ashcroft (Brisbane) was awarded the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground — making it his second consecutive Norm Smith award.
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Charlie Cameron had a strong showing with four goals, helping Brisbane’s forward line fire when it mattered most.
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Hugh McCluggage also played a pivotal role in the midfield, combining consistency and pressure.
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For Geelong, Max Holmes stood out with strong yardage and possession numbers, even though the overall result didn’t go their way.
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One dramatic moment: Jeremy Cameron was forced off the ground with a possible arm injury - a blow for Geelong’s attacking structure.
What It Means & Legacy
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Brisbane becomes one of the few clubs to win back-to-back premierships in the modern era.
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This victory marks Brisbane’s fifth VFL/AFL premiership overall.
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The margin of victory — 47 points — reflects not just tactical superiority but also conditioning, depth, and composure under pressure.
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For Geelong, it was a gutsy push, but ultimately they were unable to match Brisbane’s surge in that final quarter.
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In broader AFL history, the 2025 Grand Final will be remembered for its high entertainment value (with global viewership, pre-match star acts, etc.) and the clear statement Brisbane made about their dominance in this era.
Watching & Broadcast Info
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The Grand Final was broadcast on Seven Network, with coverage across Australia.
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Viewers could follow live updates, commentary, and stats via AFL’s official web platforms and news services.
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For fans around the world, numerous watch parties and streaming arrangements ensured that the Grand Final was accessible globally.
Concluding Thought
The 2025 AFL Grand Final was a showcase of control, skill, and momentum. Brisbane’s performance — particularly in the second half — affirmed their status as a powerhouse of modern Australian Rules Football. For Geelong, it was a strong run that came up short, but they proved they are perennial contenders.
Will Ashcroft’s back-to-back Norm Smith medals, Cameron’s resurgence, and Brisbane’s depth made this a statement match — one that will be talked about for years in AFL circles.
