AFL Grand Final, September 28th

The 2024 AFL Grand Final promises to be an exciting clash between the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions at the MCG. Both teams have shown incredible form throughout the season and are packed with young talent and seasoned leaders.

Sydney has relied on its dynamic midfield and strong defensive setup to make it to the Grand Final. Led by All-Australians Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden, the Swans boast a formidable unit with a balance of experience and youthful exuberance. The return of key forward Logan McDonald after overcoming an ankle injury will give them an added edge, especially with his goal-scoring ability that proved crucial in their preliminary final victory over Port Adelaide. The availability of captain Callum Mills remains uncertain as he pushes to recover from a hamstring injury. The Swans’ journey from a 2022 Grand Final loss has been marked by resilience, and they’ll be looking to make amends this time

Brisbane enters the Grand Final with one of the most potent midfields in the competition, featuring Hugh McCluggage and rising star Will Ashcroft. Their forward line, spearheaded by Eric Hipwood and Charlie Cameron, provides plenty of firepower. Defensively, they are anchored by Harris Andrews, whose leadership and ability to negate key forwards will be pivotal. The Lions have been consistent all year, and their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack makes them a dangerous side on the big stage. They’ll be keen to capitalise on Sydney’s defensive weaknesses, particularly if Mills is ruled out

The midfield battle between Chad Warner and Hugh McCluggage will be one to watch, with both players capable of turning the game in their teams’ favor. In the forward lines, the duel between Sydney’s Tom McCartin and Brisbane’s Eric Hipwood could determine which team gets the upper hand on the scoreboard.