The critical factors in Brisbane’s emphatic grand final victory over Geelong

- Geelong lost defensive general Tom Stewart to concussion in the preliminary final win over Hawthorn, robbing them of his valuable intercept marks.

- Brisbane were able to play Lachie Neale despite his calf injury, and he was invaluable when brought on as the sub for the second half. It was a roll-the-dice move, and it worked.

- Since the current finals system was introduced in 2000, qualifying finalists have had a grand final re-match six times. The losing team in week one is now 5-1 in the game that really counts. After Geelong dominated them three weeks ago, Brisbane did their homework, particularly in the midfield. Hugh McCluggage beat Oisin Mullin’s tag this time.

- Late in the second quarter, Gee

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