The Sydney Swans take on the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Saturday in what promises to be a mouthwatering 2024 AFL Grand Final.
After coming from behind to beat Geelong in the Preliminary Final, Brisbane goes into the game full of confidence having won three finals in a row. The Lions finished the minor round outside the top 4 but have taken all before them to storm into the Grand Final.
Last year’s runners-up, however, will be without ruckman Oscar McInerney after injuring his shoulder against Geelong, which means Darcy Fort will go head-to-head with Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy.
For the Swans they go in unchanged despite the temptation to bring captain Callum Mills back into the side. Mills completed training on Wednesday but it was decided it was too risky to play him just a fortnight after injuring his hamstring.
The last time these two sides met it was Brisbane who won in a thriller at the Gabba. On that occasion the Lions pulled away late, to pip the Swans by just 2 points. Dayne Zorko was outstanding for the home side with 29 disposals while Hugh McCluggage and Joe Daniher booted three goals apiece.
Ahead of the Grand Final parade, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said he’s looking forward to another tough decider, having gone so close last year.
"Grand Finals always come back to moments," Fagan said.
"We looked at that immediately after the Grand Final and talked about what we learnt so that if we were lucky enough to get back there again, then we'd carry those lessons with us.
"All those things are fresh in the players' minds and hopefully it will help them tomorrow."
