Last season Josh Walker was a late replacement for Tom Hawkins in the qualifying final against Fremantle. Unfortunately for the Cats, Walker failed on the day however he might be required again, this time as Hawkins' sidekick up forward. Hawkins kicked seven – his highest one game tally in his career – against the Lions to make it 62 goals for the year (and equal second in the Coleman Medal) and has been exceptional all season. Walker had not played since round 14 but he acquitted himself well and has more claims than Mitch Brown, who performed reasonably well and kicked one goal. In the third quarter Walker strutted his stuff kicking one goal and was unlucky not to have a second. Walker has endurance, is strong and took four marks in a quarter. With Steve Johnson due back however the Cats might leave Hawkins one out in the forward line and run at Hawthorn's defenders.

 

With finals looming it was never going to be the most hotly contested game of the season. Geelong played with intent but it also played with freedom, attacking directly and moving the ball quickly. In the third quarter the Cats had 18 inside 50s to the Brisbane Lions' six and put the game beyond doubt. During that term it kicked 5.7 and took long shots from goal whenever the opportunity arose. By three-quarter time it had recorded 16.13 to post its highest three-quarter time score for the season. The football spent most of the time in Geelong's forward half in the second half as it ran all over the Lions to post its highest score for the season and its highest score since round 11, 2013 when it thrashed Greater Western Sydney. Any perceived problems with second halves were given a short shrift with the Cats kicking 10 goals to the Lions' five after half-time.

 

The Cats needed to win to claim third spot and book a game against its arch-rival Hawthorn in the qualifying final after Fremantle defeated Port Adelaide in the afternoon. They rested Steven Motlop, Allen Christensen and Hamish McIntosh giving Lincoln McCarthy, Mitch Brown and Josh Walker a chance in the seniors. More importantly, it gave Mark Blivacs more time contesting centre bounces and Travis Varcoe the chance to run into form ahead of the finals after a quiet season.  Varcoe looked the best he has this season, not only providing run but doing the simple team things that make him important. Mitch Duncan set a career high with four-goal assists and seven clearances as the Cats looked better in the middle than they had for a month. The Cats have not lost a final home and away game since they lost to the Hawks in 2006.

 

Brisbane Lions defender Darcy Gardiner hails from Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula so he was always going to attract a big crowd of friends and family to his first game at Simonds Stadium. Their excitement however must have turned to disbelief when the unfortunate Gardiner copped a ball in the head from a Pearce Hanley kick and temporarily lost his legs. Trainers helped Gardiner was from the ground and he was tested for concussion. Thankfully for his ardent supporters the No.22 pick from the 2013 NAB AFL Draft was able to resume his 17th game early in the second quarter.

 

Stefan Martin was the main beneficiary of Matthew Leuenberger's injury, reviving his career with good enough form to be re-signed on a new two-year contract. Leuenberger had not played since round four after needing surgery on his knee and then having Achilles problems. However Leuenberger was keen to play despite it being the final game of the season and the coach was happy to take a glance at how the tall timber might co-exist. Leuenberger was strong in the contest and showed his ability around the ground although he was not pushed forward. Martin was excellent again without dominating as he had previously but if the Lions can get the two big men working in tandem it will have a ruck duo that few teams will be able to combat.