IT WILL be Geelong's turn to try prove history wrong in 2026.
The Cats were blown away in the second half as they suffered a 47-point loss to Brisbane in Saturday's Toyota AFL Grand Final.
2025 TOYOTA AFL GRAND FINAL Full match coverage and stats
With the disappointing performance, Geelong became the 13th team since 2000 to lose a decider by 40 points or more.
And none of the previous 12 have returned to the biggest stage the following year.
This year, Sydney was aiming to defy history after its 10-goal loss to the Lions in the 2024 Grand Final, but the Swans finished 10th to miss finals completely.
That means of the previous 12 teams to be belted in a Grand Final, seven have missed September altogether the following year.
The Swans, in 2015, went the furthest, losing a semi-final a year after their big loss to Hawthorn in the season decider.
That Sydney team is the only one to get beyond the first week of finals the year after a Grand Final belting.
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03:57
All the goals: Cats conjure 11 in tough Grand Final defeat
Watch every goal from Geelong's disappointing loss to Brisbane in the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final with your free AFL iD
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06:11
All the goals: Lions fire 18 in massive Grand Final triumph
Watch every goal from Brisbane's stunning win over Geelong in the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final with your free AFL iD
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20:09
Mini-Match: Geelong v Brisbane
Extended highlights of the Cats and Lions clash in the Grand Final of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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07:58
'It was rare that the game was going the way we wanted': Scott, post Grand Final
Watch Geelong’s press conference after their Grand Final match against Brisbane
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16:58
'It was a bold plan, and it's come off': Fagan, post Grand Final
Watch Brisbane’s press conference after their Grand Final match against Geelong
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02:56
Double trouble: Ashcroft's back-to-back Norm Smith heroics
Will Ashcroft shines once again on the big stage, claiming his second Norm Smith Medal to cement his place among AFL greats
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08:29
Highlights: Geelong v Brisbane
The Cats and Lions clash in the Grand Final of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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00:59
Smith lashes out after Rayner’s crunching tackle
Bailey Smith lets his frustration show on Harris Andrews late in the final term, having earlier copped a heavy tackle from Cam Rayner
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00:38
‘They’ve got their hands on the silverware’: Star Lions turn on party mode
Will Ashcroft and Hugh McCluggage put the icing on the cake as Brisbane all but seals back-to-back flags in stunning fashion
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00:47
Neale steals the show as epic goal sends ‘G into frenzy
After being subbed into the match at half-time, Lachie Neale shakes off any calf worries with a brilliant burst and stunning finish to set the MCG alight
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00:39
Luckless Lion ruled out after cruel head knock
Brandon Starcevich’s Grand Final ends early after heavy contact in a marking contest
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01:28
‘What a Grand Final moment’: Jezza’s heroic tackle sparks Max magic
A battered Jeremy Cameron refuses to give up on the chase and lays a desperate tackle to play a huge part in Max Holmes’ big goal
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01:48
GF sprint: Sun shows serious wheels to scorch rivals
Gold Coast young gun Jed Walter takes out the 2025 Telstra Half-Time Sprint, edging past reigning champion Beau McCreery
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00:56
Cats concern: Jezza rattled after heavy collision with Danger
Jeremy Cameron pulls up sore and clutches his forearm after getting crunched in a contest with teammate Patrick Dangerfield
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00:50
Another Ashcroft GF moment: Levi’s turn to light up the ‘G
Levi Ashcroft follows in his brother’s footsteps with a huge play on Grand Final day
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00:43
‘It’s raining big moments’: Charlie cooks up something special
Charlie Cameron pops up for a stunning finish tight on the boundary and delivers an eye-catching celebration to match
There may be some question marks over Geelong heading into next year, given it entered this season with the fourth oldest list.
The Cats still hold a reliance on stars Patrick Dangerfield (35), Jeremy Cameron (32) and Tom Stewart (32), and the versatile Mark Blicavs (34).
But the likes of Max Holmes (23) and Bailey Smith (24) will continue to lead the midfield, with Hawthorn's James Worpel (26) expected to join as a free agent.
GF losses by 40+ points, since 2000
2024 – Sydney lost by 60 points
2025 – Finished 10th
2022 – Sydney lost by 81 points
2023 – Lost elimination final
2021 – Western Bulldogs lost by 74 points
2022 – Lost elimination final
2019 – Greater Western Sydney lost by 89 points
2020 – Finished 10th
2017 – Adelaide lost by 48 points
2018 – Finished 12th
2015 – West Coast lost by 46 points
2016 – Lost elimination final
2014 – Sydney lost by 63 points
2015 – Lost semi-final
2010 – St Kilda lost by 56 points (Grand Final replay)
2011 – Lost elimination final
2007 – Port Adelaide lost by 119 points
2008 – Finished 13th
2004 – Brisbane lost by 40 points
2005 – Finished 11th
2003 – Collingwood lost by 50 points
2004 – Finished 13th
2000 – Melbourne lost by 60 points
2001 – Finished 11th
