Last year’s grand finalists will meet for the second time this season as Geelong hosts Brisbane for a blockbuster to open Round 17 of the AFL Season.

The Cats claimed some retribution when they entered the Gabba and dominated the reigning premiers 117-76 in Round 10 behind Shaun Mannagh’s 30 touches and five goals, although Brisbane may be better placed to perform this time around.

The Lions claimed their biggest scalp of the season last week, showing they’ve still got it and won’t be giving up the 26’ flag without being beaten in the arena.

The Lions shocked the second-placed Swans with a 126-83 win at home last Thursday.

Brisbane now sits equal 4th on 36 points, in a logjam alongside the Cats, Dees, Crows and Dogs.

This clash provides the perfect opportunity for Brisbane to leapfrog Geelong and potentially end round 17 sitting inside the top four, with a favourable run home.

Meanwhile, the Cats enter this clash, fresh off a bye; but with just one win from their past four outings before that.

It’s a potentially season defining clash for both clubs, an audition for September footy between last year's grand finalists.

It doesn’t get much bigger than this.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions Round 17 prediction and preview below.

Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Last season, this clash felt like the moment Brisbane reminded everyone who the big boss was with a commanding win in Geelong. The Lions again may have done so with its hammering of Sydney on home soil last week and this game arrives at the perfect moment.

Geelong also needs this test. Geelong’s midfield group will need to be on its toes as Neale, W and L Ashcroft and Zac Bailey have rediscovered their form and look like a dangerous squad again.

Cam Rayner’s goal kicking arrival also sends shivers down the spines of the rest of the competition. He kicked goals against Geelong last season, too. The winner might walk away a standout second favourite for the premiership whilst the loser loses ground on the top four and even back into the top six mix.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 7 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

We reckon Cam Rayner is back after last week. We like Rayner to kick the first one in this contest and silence the Geelong crowd.

In the past he’s struggled to get involved in games, but when he’s on, he’s on and Rayner is so hard to deny.

His power drifting forward from the stoppage makes him a massive scoring threat early in the match.

Expect the Lions to find Cam Rayner inside 50 early to get the game started on Thursday night.

Betting tip: Cam Rayner.

Most Disposals Prediction

We're in for a close one here but we think that regardless of the result Bailey Smith will top the disposals list in this one.

Even in last year's grand final thumping at the hands of Brisbane, the Cats star registered 29 disposals - and we're expecting this match at GMHBA Stadium to be a lot closer.

With the ball expected to clear the stoppages quickly, his elite work rate will see him accumulate plenty of touches and pick up plenty of scraps.

Bazlenka remains the safest call here to lead the stats sheet.

Betting tip: Bailey Smith.

Odds are subject to change. *

Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions Predicted Teams’

Geelong Cats Predicted Team List

FB: Oisin Mullin, Jack Henry, Connor O'Sullivan

HB: Mark O'Connor, Lawson Humphries, Jake Kolodjashnij

C: Mark Blicavs, Tanner Bruhn, Patrick Dangerfield

HF: Oliver Wiltshire, Jeremy Cameron, Oliver Dempsey

FF: Jack Martin, Shannon Neale, Oliver Henry

FOLL: Mitchell Edwards, Max Holmes, Tom Atkins

I/C: Zach Guthrie, Sam De Koning, George Stevens, Jack Bowes, Shaun Mannagh

Brisbane Lions Predicted Team List

FB: Noah Answerth, Harris Andrews, Darcy Gardiner

HB: Ryan Lester, Ty Gallop, Bruce Reville

C: Jarrod Berry, Will Ashcroft, Zac Bailey

HF: Charlie Cameron, Logan Morris, Jaspa Fletcher

FF: Conor McKenna, Cam Rayner, Eric Hipwood

FOLL: Sam Draper, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale

I/C: Kai Lohmann, Levi Ashcroft, James Tunstill, Darcy Fort, Darcy Wilmot

Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions Match Details

Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026.

First Bounce: 7:30pm AEST

Location: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports