In a thrilling conclusion to Round 7 of the 2025 VFL season, North Melbourne is set to host Brisbane at Ninja Stadium in Hobart on May 11, 2025. The match is crucial for the struggling Kangaroos, who currently sit at the bottom of the ladder with a disappointing 1-7 record. After a near miss against Essendon last week, the Roos are looking to turn their fortunes around against a formidable Lions side that boasts an impressive 7-1 record.
The Kangaroos will welcome back George Wardlaw, who missed last week’s game due to a corked thigh, adding some much-needed depth to their midfield. Alongside him, defenders Aidan Corr and Toby Pink are also returning to the lineup, which could bolster North Melbourne’s defensive efforts against Brisbane’s potent forward line.
Brisbane, the reigning premiers, have showcased their strength this season, propelled by their recent QClash victory. They have made some strategic adjustments for this matchup, bringing in Kai Lohmann, Logan Morris, and ruckman Darcy Fort. However, they will be without Sam Day due to injury, and Will McLachlan and Conor McKenna have been dropped from the squad.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:40 PM AEST, and fans can expect an intense battle as both teams vie for crucial points in the league standings. North Melbourne is desperate for a win to ignite their season, while Brisbane aims to maintain their strong form and solidify their position at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, in another exciting matchup, Geelong faced off against Greater Western Sydney (GWS) at GMHBA Stadium, also on May 11, 2025. The VFL Cats fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to the Giants, losing by 32 points in a curtain-raiser that showcased the Cats' fighting spirit.
Despite the loss, Geelong’s George Stevens was a standout performer, collecting 22 disposals, eight clearances, and scoring a goal. Patrick Retschko also shone with 24 disposals, four inside 50s, and a goal, demonstrating his impact in the midfield. Charlie McCartin was instrumental in defense, recording 16 disposals, 13 interceptions, and eight marks, helping to repel many of GWS's forward advances.
The Giants took control of the match with a dominant seven-goal second quarter, which proved to be the turning point. Geelong managed to keep the pressure on, with Oli Wiltshire kicking the opening goal and Nathan Kreuger adding his first major shortly after. However, GWS led by six points at the end of the first quarter and extended their advantage significantly by halftime.
In a spirited third quarter, Geelong outscored GWS three goals to one, showing signs of resilience. Tobyn Murray was particularly effective, contributing four inside 50s and scoring a goal. Jay Rantall also played a key role, collecting 16 disposals and scoring a goal, narrowing the deficit to just 21 points heading into the final term.
Despite their efforts, the Cats could not close the gap, and GWS responded with five goals in the final quarter to secure a 32-point victory. The final score read Geelong Cats 11.9 (75) to GWS Giants 16.11 (107), marking a tough day for the home side.
As the VFL season progresses, both North Melbourne and Geelong will be looking to build momentum and improve their standings. North Melbourne’s upcoming clash against Brisbane presents a critical opportunity for the Kangaroos to gain some much-needed confidence, while Geelong will need to regroup quickly after their defeat to GWS.
Looking ahead, the Kangaroos will hope that the return of key players like Wardlaw can spark a turnaround in their fortunes. Meanwhile, Brisbane will be aiming to maintain their winning streak and continue their strong performance as they defend their premiership title.
As the action unfolds, fans are encouraged to follow the live updates and see how these pivotal matches shape the league standings as the season approaches its midpoint.
