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AFL Preliminary Finals 2025 Preview – Geelong vs Hawthorn, Collingwood vs Brisbane

Ryan Tucker

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Fact Checked by Adam Cusworth

Last updated: Mon 15 Sep 2025 13:54

Ryan Tucker 15 Sep 2025

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Geelong face Hawthorn, holding recent win streak but wary of Hawks' finals history.
Brisbane’s strong midfield takes on Collingwood’s defence in a key semi-final.
Jai Newcombe leads Gary Ayres Medal race; Fremantle predicted to rise in 2026.

AFL Preliminary Finals 2025 Preview – Geelong vs Hawthorn, Collingwood vs Brisbane

AFL Preliminary Finals 2025 Preview

The 2025 AFL Preliminary Finals are here, and with them comes two blockbuster matchups that will decide this year’s Grand Final. Geelong take on Hawthorn in a rivalry dripping with finals history, while Collingwood face Brisbane in what could be a high-scoring classic.

AFL Preliminary Finals 2025 Preview
Geelong vs Hawthorn - A Rivalry Rekindled
Collingwood vs Brisbane - Attack Meets Defence
Gary Ayres Medal & Brownlow Smokies
Which Clubs Rise and Fall Next Year?
The Verdict

Geelong vs Hawthorn - A Rivalry Rekindled

Geelong enter as favourites, having beaten the Hawks in four straight encounters and six of their last seven. Their forward line, led by Jeremy Cameron, has been in ruthless touch, regularly putting up triple-digit scores. Hawthorn, though, carry the belief that comes from years of big-stage success against the Cats in sudden-death finals. Expect Lloyd Meek’s ruck dominance and Jai Newcombe’s midfield form to give the Hawks hope of an upset.

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Collingwood vs Brisbane - Attack Meets Defence

The Lions come in with eight wins from their last ten and a midfield brigade firing on all cylinders. Collingwood, meanwhile, are trying to rediscover their consistency. This matchup shapes as Brisbane’s attacking firepower against Collingwood’s defensive resilience. Goal-kicking accuracy could be the deciding factor, with Brisbane’s forwards needing to capitalise on opportunities at the MCG.

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Gary Ayres Medal & Brownlow Smokies

The Gary Ayres Medal race is heating up, with Hawthorn’s Jai Newcombe holding a commanding lead. But with the grand final votes weighted more heavily, stars like Darcy Moore, Ollie Dempsey, or even a Collingwood or Brisbane midfielder could still challenge.

In the Brownlow Medal conversation, Caleb Serong and Marcus Bontempelli loom as outsiders who could push into the top five, while Nick Dacos and Bailey Smith remain among the favourites.

Which Clubs Rise and Fall Next Year?

Looking beyond 2025, Fremantle’s young core suggests they are primed for a deeper finals run in 2026, while Adelaide may regress after a season where they potentially overachieved. GWS also face questions about whether their premiership window has already closed.

The Verdict

Preliminary Final weekend always produces drama and often an all-time classic. Geelong’s experience may prove too strong for Hawthorn, while Brisbane look well placed to outlast Collingwood’s inconsistency. Regardless, two teams will emerge to book their place in the 2025 AFL Grand Final and footy fans are in for a treat.