Isaac Heeney’s Sydney Swans will face off against Lachie Neale’s Brisbane Lions for the 2024 AFL premiership. Credit for artwork goes to Stephen Kiprillis, with photos provided by Getty Images.
The Swans have been dominant throughout the season, finishing on top of the ladder despite a late-season slip-up. Their strong performance early on and a solid finals campaign have set them up perfectly for premiership success.
On the other hand, the Lions have taken the tougher path, securing three finals victories to reach the grand final. After narrowly losing to Collingwood last year on the biggest stage, they now have the opportunity for redemption.
History
The two teams met earlier this year in round 19, where the Lions came from 15 points behind at the final break to win by two points at the Gabba. There were five lead changes in the thrilling final term, with Callum Ah Chee’s brilliant left-foot snap sealing the result with three minutes left.
For history buffs, the two clubs – in their former guises – met in a grand final back in 1899. Fitzroy defeated South Melbourne by one point at the Junction Oval to secure back-to-back flags.
The Swans have been dominant throughout the season, finishing on top of the ladder despite a late-season slip-up. Their strong performance early on and a solid finals campaign have set them up perfectly for premiership success.
On the other hand, the Lions have taken the tougher path, securing three finals victories to reach the grand final. After narrowly losing to Collingwood last year on the biggest stage, they now have the opportunity for redemption.
**History**
The two teams met earlier this year in round 19, where the Lions came from 15 points behind at the final break to win by two points at the Gabba. There were five lead changes in the thrilling final term, with Callum Ah Chee’s brilliant left-foot snap sealing the result with three minutes left.
For history buffs, the two clubs – in their former guises – met in a grand final back in 1899. Fitzroy defeated South Melbourne by one point at the Junction Oval to secure back-to-back flags.
For Sydney Swans coach John Longmire, there’s a lot at stake in this game. Although he led the Swans to the 2012 premiership, his teams have fallen short in the grand finals of 2014, 2016, and 2022. Now, in his 14th season, Longmire faces his fifth shot at winning another flag.
“He’s an amazing mentor and puts people first as a coach. I was drawn to his values, and he’s truly a fantastic coach,” ruckman Brodie Grundy commented.
With star players like Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, and Errol Gulden, the Swans have a genuine chance to secure the flag.
Meanwhile, for Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan, the league’s oldest coach, this is another opportunity to become only the second coach to guide the Brisbane Lions to a premiership. After shedding their reputation as chokers, the Lions narrowly missed out in last year’s grand final, but now have the chance to set things right.
**Injury report**
The Swans are closely monitoring two key players. Captain Callum Mills strained his left hamstring on September 10 but trained well on Friday, though his fitness is still in question. Key forward Logan McDonald will also undergo a fitness test after being subbed off with an ankle injury in the final term against Port Adelaide.
For the Lions, ruckman Oscar McInerney is unlikely to play after dislocating his shoulder and being taken to the hospital. Coach Fagan said it would take a “miracle” for him to play, with Darcy Fort expected to take his place.
**Tactics**
The Swans favor moving the ball through the center with hand passes and angled chip kicks, a strategy that worked until round 16 when they lost five of their next six games. They have since eased off this approach but remain undefeated in 18 games when they outscore opponents on turnovers.
The Lions need to contain the Swans’ potent midfield, known for its goal-kicking ability, with seven players scoring at least 26 goals this season. Stopping Isaac Heeney will be crucial, while Tom Papley’s energy will also be a priority on coach Fagan’s list. Defender Harry Cunningham has been excellent for the Swans all season and faces another tough task in this match.
The Lions have shown resilience in September, staging remarkable comebacks against Greater Western Sydney and Geelong. Their midfield is led by Lachie Neale, who thrives in contested situations, but their success has also been driven by their run from half-back, led by Brandon Starcevich and Ryan Lester. Cam Rayner has become a match-winner, and crafty forward Kai Lohmann is quickly gaining cult status.
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