Geelong’s Dominance Over Brisbane: A Decade of Supremacy and the Factors Behind It
Over the past decade, the Geelong Cats have consistently held the upper hand over the Brisbane Lions in the AFL. The Cats have been one of the league’s most formidable teams, with a remarkable run of consistency, while Brisbane has experienced fluctuating fortunes. This dominance is not just a matter of coincidence, but a complex combination of factors including team culture, recruitment strategies, coaching philosophies, tactical prowess, and even psychological edge. AFL journalist Michael Whiting dives deep into the reasons why Geelong has managed to maintain its superiority over Brisbane in recent years, and why the Lions have struggled to turn the tide.
A Culture of Consistency and Success
One of the main reasons behind Geelong’s continued dominance over Brisbane lies in the cultural bedrock of the club. For over a decade, Geelong has cultivated an ethos of excellence, demanding high standards from players, coaches, and staff alike. Since their golden era under coach Mark Thompson in the mid-2000s, when the Cats won premierships in 2007, 2009, and 2011, the club has embedded a winning mentality that has remained steadfast, regardless of personnel changes.
In contrast, Brisbane’s trajectory has been more erratic. After their own dynasty in the early 2000s, winning three consecutive premierships from 2001 to 2003, the Lions suffered a significant decline. For much of the following decade, the Lions languished in the lower rungs of the AFL ladder. This stark contrast in success and stability created a psychological gap between the two clubs, with Geelong solidifying its position as a perennial powerhouse while Brisbane entered a long rebuilding phase.
While Brisbane has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years under coach Chris Fagan, the scars of their earlier struggles remain. Geelong’s ability to maintain its high standards over a long period has given them a formidable aura when facing the Lions, who for many seasons lacked the self-belief and on-field leadership needed to challenge the Cats’ authority.
Another key aspect of Geelong’s sustained dominance has been its impeccable recruitment strategy and list management. Over the past decade, the Cats have skillfully navigated the challenges of player turnover, maintaining a balanced and talented roster that combines experienced veterans with exciting young prospects. Geelong has been particularly adept at identifying and attracting high-quality recruits from other clubs to fill specific needs in their lineup.
One of the most notable examples is the acquisition of players like Patrick Dangerfield (from Adelaide), Jeremy Cameron (from Greater Western Sydney), and Isaac Smith (from Hawthorn), who have bolstered the Cats’ midfield and forward lines in recent seasons. These players have not only brought skill and leadership to the team but have also made a significant impact in key games, including those against Brisbane.
On the other hand, Brisbane’s recruiting strategy has been a mixed bag. The Lions have undoubtedly improved their squad through the draft, securing talents like Hugh McCluggage, Eric Hipwood, and Charlie Cameron, the latter acquired from Adelaide in 2017. However, during the Cats’ dominant period, Brisbane’s ability to attract top-tier talent or retain its brightest stars was hindered by the club’s struggles. For years, the Lions dealt with a ‘go-home factor’ that saw young players from interstate return to their home states after short stints with the club.
Only in recent years, under Fagan’s stewardship, have the Lions become a more attractive destination for players and started to build a roster capable of contending. But the Cats have consistently remained one step ahead in terms of list depth and recruiting top-end
The coaching battle between Geelong’s Chris Scott and Brisbane’s Chris Fagan has also been a critical factor in the Cats’ dominance. Scott, who took the reins at Geelong in 2011, has built on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor, Mark Thompson. His tenure has been marked by a remarkable ability to evolve the team’s game plan to suit the modern game while preserving the hard-nosed, competitive edge that has defined Geelong’s style of play.
Under Scott’s guidance, Geelong has embraced a defensive mindset that prioritizes intercept marking, pressure around the contest, and a structured approach to ball movement. This style of play has often frustrated Brisbane, limiting the Lions’ ability to move the ball freely and exploit their speed in transition. Brisbane’s offensive game, centered around quick ball movement and aggressive running patterns, has frequently been nullified by Geelong’s well-organized defense, spearheaded by players like Tom Stewart and Mark Blicavs.
Chris Fagan, who took over the Lions in 2017, has been instrumental in transforming Brisbane into a competitive force again. However, Fagan’s coaching philosophy, which focuses on attacking flair and a fast-paced style of football, has at times played into Geelong’s hands. When the two teams have faced off, Geelong’s ability to control the tempo of the game, slow down Brisbane’s quick transitions, and lock down key forwards like Charlie Cameron has been a decisive factor.
Fagan’s relative inexperience in comparison to Scott has occasionally shown in tactical matchups, particularly in high-pressure games. Scott, with over a decade of experience and a premiership to his name, has had the upper hand in out-coaching Brisbane in these encounters.
Tactically, Geelong has often dominated Brisbane by exploiting their weaknesses in crucial areas of the game. One of the key tactical strategies that the Cats have employed against the Lions is their ability to control the contest and win the ball in tight spaces. Geelong’s midfield, led by the likes of Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield, and Mitch Duncan over the years, has consistently outmuscled Brisbane at stoppages, winning the contested ball and setting up opportunities for their forward line.
Geelong’s ability to maintain possession and apply pressure when they don’t have the ball has also been pivotal. The Cats’ defensive structures are among the best in the league, and they have been able to restrict Brisbane’s scoring power by intercepting kicks, cutting off forward entries, and forcing turnovers. Players like Tom Stewart, Lachie Henderson, and Jack Henry have been instrumental in denying Brisbane’s forwards the space they need to operate effectively.
Moreover, Geelong’s forward line, with the potency of Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron, has consistently been a thorn in Brisbane’s side. Hawkins, in particular, has enjoyed dominant performances against the Lions, using his strength and football IQ to outplay Brisbane’s defenders. His ability to either score or set up teammates has put relentless pressure on Brisbane’s backline, which has often struggled to contain Geelong’s multifaceted forward setup.
Beyond the tactical and physical battles on the field, there is also a psychological element that has played a part in Geelong’s dominance over Brisbane. After years of being beaten by the Cats, a mental hurdle has developed for the Lions, which has been difficult to overcome. When a team suffers repeated losses to the same opponent, it can create a sense of doubt or even inevitability about the outcome, and this can affect performance on game day.
The Cats, on the other hand, have gone into most of their matchups against Brisbane with supreme confidence, knowing they have the formula to win. Whether at home at GMHBA Stadium or on the road, Geelong’s self-belief when facing Brisbane has been palpable. This mental edge has given the Cats an advantage in tight games, allowing them to remain composed and execute their game plan under pressure.
While Geelong’s dominance over Brisbane has been comprehensive over the past decade, there are signs that the gap between the two teams is narrowing. Brisbane’s resurgence under Chris Fagan has seen them become one of the top contenders in the AFL, and with a young, talented roster, the Lions are poised to challenge for premierships in the coming years.
However, for Brisbane to truly overcome their Geelong hoodoo, they will need to address several key areas. They must find ways to win the contested ball, break down Geelong’s defensive structures, and avoid being drawn into the Cats’ methodical game style. Additionally, Fagan and his coaching staff will need to outmaneuver Scott tactically and instill in their players the belief that they can overcome the Cats’ psychological edge.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the AFL, no dominance lasts forever, and Brisbane has the talent and ambition to eventually turn the tide. But as it stands, Geelong’s decade-long supremacy over the Lions remains one of the defining rivalries of modern Australian football.
