The final weekend of AFL for 2024 is here. The biggest game of the year is upon us; the stakes are high with a new chapter to be written.
This is the first time since 2006 that no Victorian team will be playing in the grand final, though both Sydney and Brisbane have their connections to South Melbourne and Fitzroy respectively.
The stage is set for Saturday afternoon; both teams have experienced grand final heartache when Sydney were thumped by 81 points in 2022 against Geelong, and the Lions had a narrow loss to Collingwood last year, losing by four points. The Swans have been the clear favourite all year and set the standard despite some rocky losses in the latter parts of the season, as they have since found their form and arguably played their best game in their preliminary final win over the Power.
The Lions had a shaky start to the season and were doubted as to whether they could get back to their best and make another grand final. They have had to go the long and hard way playing every final match, though they are in form at the right time and know how to win in September.
This match is going to be a grand final for the ages. The Swans will be without their captain, Callum Mills, and the Lions without their reliable ruckman, though both teams have shown resilience and know how to step up.
These sides know the feeling of losing a grand final, so both will be out for revenge, but only the winning team can have glory on Saturday afternoon, and the loser will be left with further heartbreak. Whoever can apply high pressure and produce quality football for four quarters will win.
The stakes are high; there is a sense of suspense around this game and both teams have been here before, so they couldn't be hungrier for success. This game will be watched in Australian pubs, clubs, centres, and the lucky 100,000 fans who will witness the match live. This grand final is set for a blockbuster.
In the Swans' final series this year, Florent has averaged 21 disposals and has had many big moments in the game, churning turnovers into score involvements. Florent is a player who is not recognised enough, and his work rate and clean football craft fly under the radar.
If the Lions aren't prepared on Saturday, Florent will be damaging across half-back and could cause all sorts of issues. The 26-year-old is a clean ball mover and acts as a crucial player for the Swans in their shift from defence to attack.
Needs to step up: Luke Parker.
Luke Parker must step up this weekend. Parker is the only player who was part of the Swans' winning grand final side in 2012.
Parker has had a bit of an inconsistent year, though he has found form and made his way back in the Swans' best 23.
In his past two games, he has been lacking in form and not having as much of an impact.
The 31-year-old must lift this weekend, as the Swans will be without their captain, Callum Mills, meaning Parker's leadership and experience will be fundamental if Sydney wants to win.
Parker has been playing a more half-forward role, though has had crucial moments in recent weeks as he pushes into the middle.
The former skipper needs to step up come Saturday afternoon, leading by example and playing any role required of him. Parker must have a bigger influence on the game than he has had in the past two weeks, as it will help this young Swans group.
All eyes are on... Joe Daniherย
All eyes will be on Joe Daniher and if he rises to the moment. Daniher is a big-time player, though at times he can lack consistency. In the past three weeks he has kicked six goals, though he did not score in the Lions' thrilling preliminary final win.
Daniher is a crucial player for the Lions, and if he is performing he puts his team in a great position to win. The forward thrives under pressure, and in last year's grand final he kicked four goals and just couldn't quite get his team over the line.
Daniher is a big game player and must turn up on Saturday afternoon to help give his team a chance.
The big matchup: Lachie Neale and Issac Heeney
The biggest matchup this weekend will be between midfielders Lachie Neale and Isaac Heeney. Both players are in exceptional form, and when they are performing well they are very hard to stop.
Saturday afternoon will be the battle of who is the best midfielder, both players are probably their respected club favourites for the Norm Smith Medal, so whoever can stand tall and lead their side to a premiership will go in as a favourite for the medal.
This matchup is expected to be fierce, and whoever wins will likely have a big influence on the game.
These two players know how to win big games and perform under pressure. Neale and Heeney are players you won't want to miss watching on Saturday afternoon.
They are exceptional midfielders, each with their unique crafts, though come Saturday afternoon, one will become a premiership player, and the other will remain a grand final player.
On the comeback: Darcy Fortย
Darcy Fort will return to the Lions' side to replace injured ruckman Oscar McInerney.
Fort has not played since Round 7 and has only played two games this year.
Standing at 205cm, Fort finished the year off in great form in the VFL, averaging 20 disposals, four tackles and kicking three goals over his past four matches.
The 31-year-old is known for his athleticism and follow-up play from the stoppage.
Fort will have a tough challenge up against two-time All-Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy, though he has shown himself to be capable to match up against the best.
McInerney out injured is a big loss for the Lions, but Fort is a perfect replacement for coach Chris Fagan.
