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.
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
Fast starters
The Lions have had more than double the possensions and Cameron is laying big tackles but they have missed their two chances.
The Swans have been poor going forward, spotting up Andrews and Lester instead of their forwards.
SYD 0, BRI 2
HUGE miss!!
WA boy Charlie Cameron has missed a 30-metre set shot out to the right.
He got a perfect kick and was paid the mark but failed to convert in a crucial early moment.
SYD 0, BRI 1
Bounce down!
Tom Papley is starting beef early as the grand final gets underway.
Fort and Grundy evened the ruck and Blakely will send the ball forward for the Swans.
Going swimmingly
Former swimmer Cody Simpson delivered an impeccable rendition of the national anthem with a packed MCG on their feet.
The teams sprint to their ends and all we have left is the toss.
JK appears!
West Coast champion Josh Kennedy has delivered the premiership cup!
The Eagles were the last non-Victorian club to lift the cup back in 2018.
Final say on Perry
Global pop sensation Katy Perry delivered a high-energy, vocally-charged performance ahead of the 2024 grand final, electrifying a packed-out Melbourne Cricket Ground.
20 minutes to go
With the entertainment done, it’s down to business.
Both sides are about to enter the arena for the final time with only one to leave as premiers.
The coaches have completed their final addresses, and it’s now or never for these two clubs who have come so close in recent seasons.
