AFL grand final 2024: Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions go head-to-head in bid for flag redemption at MCG
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.
Collingwood triumph
The Pies have another grand final win, with Beau McCreery taking out the sprint.
Jeremy Sharp for the Dockers had a poor final run, finishing last.
Captain’s call
Callum Mills may not be playing but he got his group together before they entered the rooms for a pep talk.
The Swans need it big time, down 46 points with two quarters to play.
HT SYD 27, BRI 73
The Lions have come to play and the Swans are going to need an incredible second half to turn this around.
The Lions kicked six in a row, and their midfield is running rampant.
Neale and Ashcroft have 17 touches with four more having double digits, including two small forwards.
Heeney has lifted but Warner has fallen away after a bright start.
Sub or not to sub?
Logan McDonald came into the match with an ankle injury and he is struggling to move.
He’s produced just one touch and it might be time to call on Braeden Campbell.
Meanwhile, even Hipwood is kicking classics, nabbing one on his left from the boundary line.
SYD 26, BRI 67
Berry good!!
The Lions are now 29 points in front!
They are putting their foot down, and the Swans are being left in their wake.
Berry slots on from the 50-metre arc and the maroon fans are in full voice.
SYD 26, BRI 55
Danger man
Florent needs to get back to basics on Lohmann.
The small Lions forward is cutting them to shreds in attack.
He missed a set shot for his fourth of the first half but then he sets one up for Joe Daniher.
The Swans need to start firing some shots to stay in touch.
SYD 26, BRI 43
Big job
Dunkley is doing well stopping Heeney.
He has been tasked with the tag and the Swans star has had little impact so far.
Heeney has one clearance from six touches.
Also, Lohmann has started the second quarter with his third major of the grand final.
The Lions are starting to cook.
SYD 20, BRI 33
QT SYD 19, BRI 27
A great first quarter of the 2024 decider had a bit of everything.
The pressure is on full tilt as it needs to be and both teams are pulling out all of the stops.
Brisbane look dangerous with forward and handballs and run while once the Swans sorted out their delivery going forward, they were able to match them.
Short kicking is doing the job for the Swans as they break down the Lion’s zone and stop Andrews and Lester from intercepting.
Cameron missed his first shot but made up for it with tackling and then kicked a nice one from the boundary to end the term.
The Lions’ midfield is on top so far with Neale leading the way.
Split the middle
The Lions get on the board after a brilliant McCluggage kick split the middle open and Lester took a nice mark.
He found Ah Chee in space who then got Lohmann an easier set shot.
And then, just like the Swans, they double up after winning the next clearance and Lohmann has two in a minute!
SYD 13, BRI 14
First bloods
A big run down tackle keeps the ball locked in the Swans forward half and Hayward makes the most of it.
Amartey was infringed upon in the marking contest, but Hayward took advantage and slotted the first major of the day.
They double up from the next centre clearances, Papley getting on the end of a Warner kick and slotting a ripper.
SYD 12, BRI 2
