Geelong is set to welcome back key players Bailey Smith and Tom Stewart for their upcoming Thursday night match against Brisbane at GMHBA Stadium. The Cats, seeking to strengthen their position in the top four, will benefit from the return of Smith, who missed the round 15 game due to illness, and Stewart, cleared to play after recovering from concussion and absent since round 13. However, the team has made the decision to drop George Stevens and Jack Bowes for the encounter, leaving Gyan Miers outside of the senior lineup once again. Meanwhile, off-season recruit James Worpel continues to impress in the VFL but has only managed six senior games this season, with his last appearance in round 9.

Brisbane enters the match unchanged following a commanding victory over Sydney, boosting confidence ahead of this pivotal contest. Lions ruckman Darcy Fort expressed optimism about the team’s recent form, noting that last week’s performance provides encouragement for the remaining season. Despite the momentum, the Lions will still be without seasoned midfielder Dayne Zorko, who remains sidelined with a quad injury and is projected to miss at least one more week. Hugh McCluggage is also recovering from a hamstring strain and is unavailable for selection.

As Brisbane manages injury concerns, players Dan Annable and Keidean Coleman are slated to feature in the VFL this weekend as they aim to break back into the senior side late in the season. Forward Oscar Allen is expected to return in time to bolster the Lions’ depths ahead of the finals campaign.

The game presents a critical opportunity for both teams, with Geelong seeking to capitalize on their restored lineup and Brisbane aiming to maintain their strong run and top-tier standing as the season progresses.