AFL grand final 2024: Brisbane Lions earn redemption in thumping win over Sydney Swans
The last Saturday in September has arrived with Brisbane and Sydney to go head-to-head at the MCG.
The stage is set for one team to earn the ultimate redemption, with both sides the losing grand finalists from the past two seasons.
Sydney was embarrassed in an 81-point demolition by Geelong in 2022, while Brisbane suffered heartbreak of a different kind in a four-point thriller against Collingwood last year.
While both teams have roots in Victoria, Sydney to South Melbourne and Brisbane to Fitzroy, neither the Swans nor Lions hold a home-ground advantage at the home of football.
It sets the stage for an epic conclusion to one of the tightest premiership races in AFL history, with minor premiers Sydney the best team in the first half of the year and Brisbane storming home at the back end of the season.
Follow all the action, from pre-game, siren-to-siren and all the post-match wash-up in our live blog below.
Fagan speaks
Fagan says Sydney was one of the clubs they based their play on, and it seems they found a way to do it better.
The love for Fagan is palpable around the ground.
He also took time to thank families for all of their sacrifices.
“At one stage we were 13th and things weren’t looking good, but we found a way and I’m so proud of you,” he said.
He also declined to do the Cup lift, inviting Zorko to take his place.
Neale speaks
Lachie Neale is all love as he makes the captain’s speech.
“I love this group so much, led by the president down,” he said.
“This group is phenomenal.”
Country Roads!
The Lions fans break into song again as West Australia’s Charlie Cameron recieves his premiership medallion!
Norm Smith
Will Ashcroft has been named the Norm Smith medallist.
He missed the finals last season after being a top draftee, but he has been huge since returning from an ACL.
He had 30 disposals, one goal, five clearances and 434 metres gained.
VOTES
14 – Will Ashcroft, Brisbane Lions – 33332
8 – Lachie Neale, Brisbane Lions – 3221
7 – Callum Ah Chee, Brisbane Lions – 22111
1 – Kai Lohmann, Brisbane Lions – 1
The moments that mattered
Match wrap
Brisbane has tasted sweet redemption after last year’s heartbreak, thumping the Swans. Here’s how it happened.
Three-word analysis
Big O
Oscar McInerney wasn’t able to play after dislocating his shoulder twice last week but his teammates have made sure he is in the thick of the celebrations.
Most of the team are in tears as they get around each other.
Big reveal!
Neale has revealed in his post-game chat the heel injury he has been nursing snapped in the last quarter!
He barely even blinked.
The question for him now becomes where he rates among Brisbane’s greats.
FT SYD 60, BRI 120
The Lions are the 2024 AFL premiers by 60 points!
Emotions run high as the players pile on each other for celebrations while Fagan is in tears on the boundary.
Neale and Ashcroft were incredible and made a very good Sydney midfield look ordinary.
The Lions’ young guns also stood tall with Lohmann getting four while Fletcher also starred.
WA’s Ah Chee ended with four goals and did himself proud.
The Swans couldn’t overcome the scars of 2022, and copped a repeat dose.
