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.
Three for Ah Chee!
The game is looking beyond the Swans now.
Daniher had acres and found Ah Chee who somehow had more.
And it all came after a bizarre tap from McInerney at the other end turned the ball over.
SYD 28, BRI 81
Swans SUB
The Swans have finally made the call on McDonald and his bung ankle.
He has been subbed out for Campbell.
Second half
Warner and Gulden start forward for the Swans who need a massive start here.
If they allow the Lions to get the next goal it will be all but curtains.
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
