Minor premiers Sydney Swans will look to cap off their dominant season with a grand final victory against a resilient Brisbane Lions outfit on Saturday, 28 September, and break their recent grand final curse. Swans vs Lions kick off 2:30 p.m. at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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One for history
This year’s grand final marks a significant milestone in AFL history—a rematch 125 years in the making. The last time these two clubs faced off for the flag was in 1899, when they were known as South Melbourne and Fitzroy.
Now, as the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions, they’ll battle for supremacy in the first grand final since 2006 to not feature a Victorian team.
The pre-game entertainment, headlined by international pop star Katy Perry, is expected to start between 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Fans can catch the action live on Channel Seven and 7Plus.
Swans vs Lions
The Swans have been a force to be reckoned with throughout the 2024 season, finishing with an impressive 17-6 record and claiming the minor premiership in dominant fashion.
Their preliminary final performance against Port Adelaide showcased their full potential, with a commanding 14.11 (95) to 8.11 (59) victory against a team that finished just four points behind.
While the Swans enter as minor premiers, they’ll be wary of their recent record against the Lions. Brisbane has won the last three encounters, including a narrow two-point victory earlier this season.
An All-Australian midfield trio
The Swans’ midfield hydra of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, and Errol Gulden has been the lynchpin of the team’s success. All three earned All-Australian selection and have combined for an impressive 82 goals this season.
Sydney’s performance in the grand final hinges on the trio, with the Swans boasting a 15-2 record when the bevy scores three or more goals collectively.
However, Sydney faces a significant blow with captain Callum Mills ruled out due to a hamstring strain. Coach John Longmire made the difficult decision on Wednesday not to risk Mills, leaving the Swans without their on-field leader for the grand final.
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Both teams carry the weight of recent grand final defeats. The Swans are looking to bounce back from their 2022 loss, while the Lions aim to overcome their heartbreaking four-point defeat in 2023.
While the Swans have a more recent premiership than the Lions, having won in 2012, they’ve experienced the sting of defeat in three deciders since then. This match presents a golden opportunity for Sydney to break their grand final voodoo once and for all.
Published 25-September-2024