Lions and Cats Locked In for Gabba Blockbuster
Both the Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats have finalized their playing rosters ahead of Thursday night’s crucial AFL clash at the Gabba. The two sides enter the match with identical 6-3 records for the season.
Brisbane Lions Team Changes
Inclusions:
- Sam Marshall (first AFL game of the 2026 season; last played in the 2025 Grand Final)
- Darcy Gardiner
Exclusions:
- Darragh Joyce (omitted)
- Lincoln McCarthy (hamstring injury)
- Jarrod Berry (calf injury, unavailable)
- Dayne Zorko (withdrawn as a managed player)
Replacement:
- James Tunstill replaced Dayne Zorko in the selected side.
Sam Marshall makes his season debut, marking his first AFL appearance since the 2025 Grand Final.
Geelong Cats Team Changes
Inclusions:
- Jack Henry
- Mitch Edwards
- Gryan Miers (first senior game after recovering from an ACL injury)
- Mark Blicavs
Exclusions:
- Jake Kolodjashnij (managed)
- Rhys Stanley (omitted)
- James Worpel (managed)
- Jack Bowes (omitted)
Note: Rhys Stanley and Jack Bowes were initially listed as managed but were later confirmed as omitted by the club.
Gryan Miers returns for his first senior game after recovering from an ACL injury, adding a key weapon to the Cats' forward line.
Recent Match Performance
Brisbane Lions (6-3)
The Lions defeated Carlton after establishing a commanding 49-point lead, though the margin was eventually reduced to a single goal in a tense finish.
Geelong Cats (6-3)
The Cats have been in dominant form, defeating both North Melbourne and Collingwood. Geelong has scored over 120 points in each of their past four victories, highlighting their offensive firepower.
Both teams are desperate to secure the win, a result that would push either the Lions or Cats into a share of the top of the ladder.