2024 AFL GRAND FINAL – IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS!
The last Saturday in September is nearly upon us, and it will be the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions battling it out for premiership glory.
The Lions have truly earned their spot, after being 44 points down in the semi-final against the Giants and 25 points down in the prelim against the Cats on Saturday night. Then there are the Swans, who have arguably been the best team all season, winning the minor premiership and the qualifying final, to earn themselves the week’s break, before a comfortable win in the prelim against Port.
This is the first time that the Swans and Lions will face off against each other in a Grand Final. Although they have previously met, when they were still based in Melbourne and known as South Melbourne and Fitzroy. The last time was 125 years ago in 1899, with Fitzroy claiming the premiership in a 1-point win. So even though no Victorian teams are playing this weekend, each of the clubs’ roots means that there is still some Victorian history on Grand Final day this weekend.
Heeney, Gulden, Warner or Neale, Daniher, McCluggage – these are just a few names from each side. Will one of these be the match-winner for their team, or is someone else going to rise to the occasion?
With Grand Finals there are always stories of heartbreak with players who miss out, and this year’s will be no different. Will Swans caption, Callum Mills, find his way into the team if he can prove his fitness, or are the Swans better to take someone else? Is Taylor Adams going to miss two straight Grand Finals? And is Logan McDonald going to make it back after being subbed out of the prelim? Over on the Lions’ side, ruckman Oscar McInerney looks likely to miss the game this week, after popping out his shoulder twice in the prelim, or is he going to prove himself fit for selection? Lots of questions on both sides, which will be answered throughout the week.
The first bounce at the G on Saturday will be with the unique grand final game ball which has been specifically crafted in the Sherrin Keysborough factory this week. Featuring the team names, date, location and Grand Final logo, it is a special ball for a special occasion.
To get your hands on this historic footy, check out our Grand Final range here.
We can’t wait to see who will be crowned the 2024 AFL Premiers – bring on Saturday!