Geelong has stormed into their first Grand Final since 2011, beating Brisbane by 40 points at The Gabba on Saturday night.
In a game that the Cats were able to control throughout, only inaccurate kicking prevented them from holding a greater margin earlier in the match.
Brisbane threatened on multiple occasions to close within striking distance, but their inability to find a clean exit from defensive 50 for most of the night ultimately cost them.
A Lachie Henderson brain fade in the final term handed Ryan Lester a golden opportunity to draw his side within two goals of Geelong with less than 10 minutes on the clock, but he sprayed the set shot and Zach Tuohy went down the other end to kick the game-defining goal.
The Lions will be left wondering what might have been, while the Cats can look forward to playing in the AFL’s biggest game for the first time in nine years.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The star: Gary Ablett winds back the clock
It’s hard to believe that Ablett only has one game of football left before retirement.
When the game was there to be won in the third quarter, the 36-year-old wound back the clock and was one of his side’s most important players, kicking two goals and providing a constant target inside 50 for Geelong to kick to.
As the Cats reasserted their dominance in general play after half time, it was Ablett who was able to make it count on the scoreboard.
The Gabba crowd weren't happy with this one.pic.twitter.com/kJre7QfLGS#AFLFinals
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) October 17, 2020
What’s next?
All roads now lead to The Gabba next Saturday night, where Richmond will take on Geelong in the AFL Grand Final.
It’s set to be a night of firsts, as the League’s showpiece event takes place away from Victoria and at night for the first time in AFL/VFL history.
Will the Tigers win their third premiership in four years to stake their claim as one of the best sides in the modern era? Or will the Cats see out Gary Ablett’s career in style with a premiership?
The most extraordinary of seasons will culminate with a much-anticipated all-Victorian contest.
FULL SCORE
Brisbane: 2.0, 4.3, 5.5, 6.6 (42)
Geelong: 2.5, 4.8, 7.11, 10.16 (82)
GOALS
Brisbane: Cameron 2, Neale 2, Hipwood, Rayner
Geelong: Rohan 3, Hawkins 2, Ablett, Miers, Henry, Parfitt, Tuohy
BEST
Brisbane: Neale, Rich, Cameron
Geelong: Ablett, Tuohy, Duncan, Stewart, Hawkins, Rohan
Reports: Nil
Injuries
Brisbane: Grant Birchall (hamstring)
Geelong:
Crowd: 29,121 at The Gabba