Brisbane v Geelong: AFL Thursday preview

The 2025 AFL season is back and begins with premiers Brisbane taking on Geelong at the Gabba on Thursday night.

The season gets underway with ‘Opening Round’, when just four matches will be played from Thursday through to Sunday.

As they are the reigning premiers, the Lions will get the opportunity to kick things of on home soil against the Cats.

Brisbane have high hopes of winning back-to-back premierships and once again their form at the Gabba will be crucial.

Geelong made a solid defence of their 2023 premiership last season, but ultimately came up short, losing a preliminary final against the Lions.

Chris Scott’s side will also be desperate to make a strong start and a win at the Gabba would make a huge statement.

There are concerns that Tropical Cyclone Alfred could hit Brisbane on Thursday and force the game to be postponed, but for now it is business as usual.

Brisbane v Geelong betting preview

Starcevich absent for Lions

The season has not even started and the Lions have already been hit by an injury setback.

Influential defender Brandon Starcevich suffered a concussion in the clash against Adelaide on Thursday night and has been ruled out.

Losing your best small defender for the opener is a blow for the Lions, but there is better news regarding co-captain Harris Andrews.

Andrews missed the Adelaide came through illness, but is expected to be fit to face the Cats on Thursday night.

Brisbane will of course be without star forward Joe Daniher after he retired at the end of last season and his boots will take some filling.

Forward Kai Lohmann kicked a couple of goals against Adelaide, as did key forward Eric Hipwood and midfielder Jarrod Berry.

The Lions have won two of the last three games against the Cats by no more than 11 points and another tight game could be on the cards.

Cats out to avenge finals loss

The last time the two sides met, Brisbane won by 10 points in the preliminary final and the Cats will be gunning for revenge.

Earlier on in Round 6 in 2024, Geelong travelled to the Gabba and left with an impressive 26-point victory.

Scott’s side can take hope from that win, but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then and Thursday is another day.

Star forward Jeremy Cameron is sure to be a key player for the Cats in the season opener and also throughout the 2025 campaign.

Cameron booted 64 goals last season, but says there is room for improvement and he looking to begin the season on a positive note.

Brisbane v Geelong odds

Brisbane - 1.44
Geelong - 2.80

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.