‘THEY GOT EMBARRASSED’ 😳 A big question has emerged after “rattled, dysfunctional” Brisbane was “humbled” in a key area of the game last night.
In a grand final rematch that was supposed to showcase Brisbane’s premiership credentials, the Lions were instead dismantled by a surging Geelong side at the Gabba on Thursday night. The Cats ran out 41-point winners, 17.15 (117) to 11.10 (76), in front of 29,221 fans, delivering a statement performance that has left Brisbane fans and pundits questioning the reigning premiers’ current form.
The game started with promise for the home side, but any early optimism quickly evaporated. Geelong exploded out of the blocks, and by the end of the first quarter they had established a commanding lead. The visitors maintained control throughout, but it was a devastating six-goal blitz in the third term — spearheaded by Shaun Mannagh’s remarkable four-minute, three-goal burst — that effectively ended the contest. Mannagh finished with a career-high five goals and 30 disposals, producing what commentators described as a “ridiculous” masterclass and one of the standout individual performances of the 2026 season so far.
Mannagh’s dominance wasn’t just in the scoreboard impact. His ability to find space, contest strongly, and convert opportunities turned the match into a rout. One highlight included a freakish half-volley soccer goal from distance that left the Gabba crowd stunned. Kangaroos great David King, calling the game, noted that Mannagh had become the first Cat since Tom Hawkins in 2018 to record 11-plus disposals and three-plus goals in a single quarter. His score involvements reached 14, underlining a night where everything seemed to click for the 28-year-old mature-age star.
While Mannagh stole the show up forward, Geelong’s midfield and defensive structures were equally impressive. Bailey Smith racked up 34 disposals and 11 tackles, adding two goals including a cheeky snatch from the deck. Oisin Mullin continued his reputation as one of the league’s premier taggers, largely nullifying dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale. Neale gathered 28 touches but lacked his usual penetrating impact, a reflection of Geelong’s disciplined approach.
The most telling aspect of the game, however, came in the midfield clearances and the defensive setups. Geelong inflicted significant damage from stoppages, outscoring Brisbane heavily in this area. King was blunt in his assessment: “They got embarrassed tonight. Humbled in the midfield in terms of damage from clearance, not clearance numbers. 59 points to 28. You just don’t see that.” Brisbane’s trademark clean, tough midfield — a hallmark of their recent success — was dismantled, raising immediate questions about whether early-season signs of vulnerability are becoming a trend.
At the back, the contrast between the two teams’ key defenders was stark. Geelong’s Tom Stewart was a colossus, collecting 28 disposals, seven marks, and a game-high 17 intercepts. He controlled the defensive 50, swarming and counterattacking at will. In contrast, Brisbane’s Harris Andrews was largely nullified, restricted to just 12 disposals and five marks as Jack Henry negated his usual intercept role. Brisbane’s back six appeared “rattled” and “dysfunctional,” struggling to transition the ball cleanly out of defence.
King observed that the defensive unit looked vulnerable in a way not seen since last year’s grand final, where they had performed so strongly.
Injuries and absences compounded Brisbane’s woes. Veteran Dayne Zorko was a late withdrawal, depriving the Lions of his experience in driving the ball from defence to attack. Young forward Logan Morris battled knee discomfort and missed most of the final term. These factors disrupted Brisbane’s usual rhythm, with ball use by both hand and foot noticeably off throughout the night.
For Geelong, the win — their first at the Gabba since 2017 — propels them into the top four and reinforces their credentials as genuine premiership contenders in 2026. Coach Chris Scott’s side has now scored over 100 points in five of their last six games, showcasing an attacking flair backed by a resilient structure. The five-day break appeared to have no negative impact, as the Cats executed their game plan with precision and physicality.
Brisbane, meanwhile, has slipped out of the top four following the loss. While it is still early in the season, the manner of the defeat — particularly the midfield humbling and defensive lapses — has sparked debate about whether the Lions are showing signs of fatigue or structural issues after their grand final exertions last year. Coach Chris Fagan will need to address these areas quickly, as the competition remains fierce.
Post-match reactions captured the sentiment. Commentators highlighted Geelong’s coaching edge and the way they exploited Brisbane’s key personnel. Jack Riewoldt noted that Mannagh’s opponent, Jaspa Fletcher, had been “taught a lesson” in one-on-one defending. The result serves as a reality check for Brisbane, who had been building momentum but were outclassed in critical moments.
This encounter was billed as a blockbuster, part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, with both teams wearing Indigenous guernseys. Instead, it became a platform for Geelong to announce their resurgence and for Brisbane to confront pressing questions. As the AFL season progresses into the middle rounds, the Lions must regroup and rediscover the cohesion that carried them to last year’s decider. For the Cats, the focus shifts to maintaining this momentum as they climb the ladder.
The big question emerging from the Gabba is clear: can Brisbane bounce back from this midfield and defensive embarrassment, or does Geelong’s dominant display signal a shift in the premiership hierarchy? Only the coming weeks will provide the answers, but on this night, the Cats were undeniably superior.
