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Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions AFL Round 17 Tips - Upset on the Cards at Cattery

ryan-tucker
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Last updated: Tue 30 Jun 2026 10:04

In Round 17 of the 2026 AFL season, Brisbane Lions are tipped for the win against Geelong Cats at GMHBA Stadium. Recent form favors Brisbane, who were outstanding defensively against Sydney and have now won three of their last four games. Geelong, by contrast, have struggled for consistency, losing three of their last four. Key betting plays include a Brisbane victory, game total over 172.5 points, Charlie Cameron (2+ goals), and Lachie Neale (30+ disposals). Expect a high-scoring, competitive match between two top-six sides.

Ryan Tucker 2 hours ago
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  • Brisbane Lions tipped to win against Geelong in Round 17.
  • Best bets: Over 172.5 points, Cameron 2+ goals, Neale 30+ disposals.
  • Both teams bring strong attacks; expect a shootout.
  • The game will be played at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday, 2nd July, with the bounce at 7:30 PM (AEST)
Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions
Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions


Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions, Round 17 2026 - Expert Prediction


Brisbane to win outright, Game Total Over 172.5, Charlie Cameron 2+ goals and Lachie Neale 30+ Disposals are the four plays for Thursday night at GMHBA Stadium.

The Footy Bets predictive model has Geelong by 22.4 pts but we are taking the other side. The Lions were sensational dismantling Sydney last week, holding the competition's highest-scoring team to just 28 points in the first half from 25 Inside 50s in a complete defensive performance. Josh Dunkley shut down Isaac Heeney at stoppages, Will Ashcroft had 30 Disposals and eight Clearances, and Brisbane led by 42 points at the final change. That is the best version of this Lions team and they have now won three of their last four.

Geelong have dropped three of their last four games and come off a bye still searching for consistency. Their attack rating of +13.3 is strong but their defence sits at +5.0 against Brisbane's far superior +11.3. Brisbane also won the most recent meeting at GMHBA Stadium back in Round 15 last season, a venue where they broke a 21-year hoodoo.

The Game Total Over 172.5 carries a massive 39.9% edge with both attacks firing, Geelong are averaging 99.3 pts and Brisbane 103.4 while both defences have shown leaks. This has the makings of an old-fashioned shootout between two top-six rivals desperate for the points.

Cameron at 2+ goals has kicked three goals in this exact matchup back in Round 10 this season. He remains Brisbane's most dangerous small forward and Geelong's defence has been generous to opposition forwards in recent weeks.

Take Brisbane to win outright, Game Total Over 172.5, Charlie Cameron 2+ goals and Lachie Neale 30+ Disposals.

  • Brisbane were clinical against Sydney last week, holding the league's top-scoring side to 28 points in the first half and winning by 43 points in their best performance of the season.
  • Geelong averaging 99.3 pts on attack and Brisbane 103.4, against defences allowing 82.4 and 93.1 pts respectively.
  • Charlie Cameron kicked three goals against Geelong in Round 10 this season and remains Brisbane's most dangerous small forward.
  • Lachie Neale had 28 Disposals against Geelong earlier this year and the model predicts 33.0 against a line of 26.5.

Head to Head Stats


The series is locked 5-5 in the last 10 meetings with Geelong holding an 18-8 advantage at GMHBA Stadium all time. The most recent result was a Geelong 41 pt win in Round 10 this season, but Brisbane won the previous meeting at this venue in Round 15 2025 by 41 pts, breaking a 21-year hoodoo at the ground.

Geelong Cats Form Analysis


Geelong return from their bye having dropped three of their last four games by a combined 14 points, including a narrow loss to ladder-leading Fremantle in Round 15 where they led by 28 points in the second quarter before being run down. 

Jack Martin kicked three first-quarter goals and Patrick Dangerfield was a constant presence, but the Cats couldn't hold their advantage against a Fremantle side that found another gear in the third term. The pattern of being competitive but unable to close out games against the competition's best has been a recurring issue.

Brisbane Lions Form Analysis


Brisbane were ruthless against Sydney at the Gabba, with Josh Dunkley setting the defensive tone in a performance that limited the Swans' vaunted ball movement to almost nothing. Will Ashcroft had 30 Disposals and eight Clearances, Lachie Neale added 27 and seven, and Cam Rayner, Zac Bailey and Logan Morris combined for eight goals. 

The Lions led at every change and their commitment to defence was evident in every facet of the performance. With Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko, Keidean Coleman and Oscar Allen all expected back in coming weeks, this Brisbane side is building toward finals with real depth still to come.

Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions Team List & News


Geelong Cats Team News: The Cats return from their bye with no fresh injury concerns heading into selection.

Brisbane Lions Team News: Hugh McCluggage, Dayne Zorko, Keidean Coleman and Oscar Allen are all working toward a return in coming weeks but are not expected to be available this week.

Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions AFL 2026 Round 17 FAQ’s

How to watch Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions AFL 2026 Round 17?

You can watch the Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions AFL 2026 Round 17 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.

How to buy tickets to Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions AFL 2026 Round 17?

To buy tickets to the Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions AFL 2026 Round 17 game check the AFL website or the official Geelong Cats site.

Verdict

Take Brisbane to win outright, Game Total Over 172.5, Charlie Cameron 2+ goals and Lachie Neale 30+ Disposals.
Best Bet1: Brisbane Lions Moneyline $2.80 at OnlyBets - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Over 172.5 Game Total $1.90 at NextBet - 2 Units
Best Bet3: C Cameron 2+ Goals $2.10 at Neds - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: L Neale 30+ Disposals $2.50 at dabble - 1 Unit
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