2024 AFL Grand Final – Sydney Swans Vs Brisbane Lions

AFL Grand Final 2024 – Official Scoreboard

Final Score: Brisbane Lions 18.12 (120) defeated Sydney Swans 9.6 (60)
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground
Attendance: 100,013

First Half Brilliance Sets the Tone

Brisbane flew out of the blocks, setting a frenetic pace in the opening quarter and establishing The 2024 AFL Grand Final was more than a premiership decider — it was a statement. In front of over 100,000 fans at the MCG, the Brisbane Lions delivered one of the most complete Grand Final performances of the modern era, dismantling the Sydney Swans by 60 points and ending a 21-year premiership drought that had loomed large over the club since 2003.

This was not a scrappy arm-wrestle. It was dominance from the opening bounce, a performance built on midfield supremacy, relentless pressure, fearless ball movement, and an unmistakable hunger to seize the moment. From quarter time onwards, Brisbane made it clear that this was their day.

First Quarter: Brisbane Set the Agenda Early

Grand Finals are often about settling nerves, but Brisbane had no interest in easing into the contest. From the opening clearance, the Lions played with intent — fast hands, bold corridor use, and an aggressive forward structure that immediately stretched Sydney’s defensive zone.

Brisbane’s 5.2 (32) to 2.1 (13) opening quarter was built on centre clearance dominance and repeat inside-50 entries. Sydney struggled to exit their defensive half cleanly, while Brisbane’s forward pressure ensured the ball lived in dangerous territory.

This early momentum wasn’t just about scoreboard pressure — it was psychological. Brisbane made Sydney chase, react, and defend for longer stretches than they were comfortable with.

Second Quarter: The Game Breaks Open

If the first quarter set the tone, the second quarter decided the contest.

Brisbane exploded with six goals in a devastating stretch that showcased their full attacking arsenal. Kai Lohmann produced the best half of his AFL career, kicking three goals before the main break, including a stunning coast-to-coast effort that sliced through Sydney’s defensive structure.

Eric Hipwood added a moment of pure Grand Final theatre with a curling boundary-line goal under pressure — a kick that instantly entered Brisbane folklore. Those watching live knew it wasn’t just a goal; it was a declaration.

At half-time, Brisbane led 11.7 (73) to 4.3 (27). The Swans were rattled, struggling to gain any fluency through the middle, and already facing a mountain that few teams have ever climbed on Grand Final day.

Will Ashcroft: A Norm Smith Performance for the Ages

At just 20 years of age, Will Ashcroft delivered one of the most composed and intelligent Grand Final performances ever seen from a young midfielder. His ability to read the game, find space, and use the ball efficiently under pressure was extraordinary.

Ashcroft wasn’t flashy for the sake of it — he was damaging when it mattered. His positioning around stoppages, defensive running, and ability to link forward chains made Brisbane’s midfield hum. When Sydney threatened briefly, Ashcroft was often the one who steadied Brisbane with smart ball use.

Becoming the youngest Norm Smith Medallist in VFL/AFL history, Ashcroft didn’t just announce himself — he confirmed what many already suspected: Brisbane have a generational footballer at the heart of their next era.

Midfield Mastery: Neale, Dunkley and Control at the Coalface

While Ashcroft took the spotlight, Brisbane’s midfield dominance was a collective effort. Lachie Neale was immense around stoppages, winning first possession and dictating tempo. Josh Dunkley provided his trademark physical presence, shutting down Sydney’s ball-winners while still contributing offensively.

Sydney’s engine room — usually a strength — was comprehensively beaten. With limited clean supply, their forwards were starved of opportunity, forced into low-percentage entries that Brisbane’s defence handled with ease.

Third Quarter: Brisbane Apply the Vice

Any faint hopes of a Sydney comeback were extinguished in the third term.

Brisbane’s pressure lifted again, forcing turnovers high up the ground and converting opportunities with ruthless efficiency. The lead ballooned past 70 points as the Lions suffocated Sydney’s ball movement and shut down any chance of momentum.

This was premiership football at its purest — structured, disciplined, and relentless.

Sydney Swans: A Tough Day on the Biggest Stage

For Sydney, this was a sobering Grand Final. Their season had been built on consistency, system, and belief, but they simply could not match Brisbane’s intensity or execution when it mattered most.

Players like Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Errol Gulden fought hard, but the Swans were outnumbered at contests and outworked in transition. Their late goals in the fourth quarter restored some respectability to the scoreboard, but the result had long been sealed.

Chris Fagan’s Redemption and Brisbane’s Return to the Summit

This premiership will forever be linked to Chris Fagan. After years of near misses and heartbreak, Brisbane’s coach delivered when it mattered most, guiding a young, fearless group to ultimate glory.

The Lions’ list balance — youth supported by experienced leaders — now stands as a blueprint for sustained success. This was not a one-off triumph; it felt like the beginning of something lasting.

A Grand Final to Remember

The 2024 AFL Grand Final will be remembered for Brisbane’s authority, Will Ashcroft’s history-making brilliance, and a performance that embodied everything premiership football represents.

For Brisbane supporters, it was the end of a long wait. For the rest of the football world, it was a reminder that when preparation, talent and belief align, greatness follows.

This was Brisbane’s day — and one of the most commanding Grand Final victories the game has seen in the modern era.