2024 AFL Grand Final – Sydney Swans Vs Brisbane Lions

Brisbane Lions Roar to 2024 AFL Grand Final Glory Over Sydney

In front of 100,013 fans at the MCG, the Brisbane Lions ended a 21-year premiership drought with a dominant 60-point victory over the Sydney Swans in the 2024 AFL Grand Final. The Lions surged to an emphatic 18.12 (120) to 9.6 (60) win, sealing their first flag since 2003 and showcasing their depth, youth, and midfield power.

First Half Brilliance Sets the Tone

Brisbane flew out of the blocks, setting a frenetic pace in the opening quarter and establishing scoreboard pressure that Sydney never recovered from. At half-time, the Lions had exploded to an 11.7 (73) to 4.3 (27) lead, built on their dominance in the centre and swift ball movement. The Swans were on the back foot, struggling to win clearances and contain Brisbane’s attacking layers.

Will Ashcroft Makes History

At just 20 years old, Will Ashcroft earned the Norm Smith Medal as best on ground, becoming the youngest player in VFL/AFL history to do so. His composure, decision-making, and efficiency through the midfield and forward half were central to Brisbane’s structure and composure. Lachie Neale complemented Ashcroft’s brilliance with elite clearance work, continually giving the Lions first use of the ball.

Kai Lohmann and Eric Hipwood Light it Up

Kai Lohmann played arguably his best game in Lions colours, kicking three first-half goals and igniting a scoring spree early in the second quarter. His coast-to-coast goal five minutes into Q2 was a dagger to Sydney’s hopes. Meanwhile, Eric Hipwood stunned the football world with a spectacular goal from the boundary under pressure in the second quarter—a moment that will live on in Grand Final highlights.

Defining Moments

The match featured several critical moments that defined the contest:

• Ashcroft’s elite control through midfield in the first half, settling Brisbane into rhythm.
• Lohmann’s three-goal first half, including a key running goal that broke Sydney’s structure.
• Hipwood’s curling goal from the boundary that amplified Brisbane’s belief.
• A third-quarter stretch where Brisbane suffocated Sydney’s ball movement and extended the lead to over 70 points.

Swans Falter Under Pressure

The Sydney Swans, despite entering the game with form and belief, never matched Brisbane’s energy. Their midfield was overwhelmed, with limited supply to their key forwards. While a late rally in the fourth term added some scoreboard respectability, it couldn’t alter the Lions’ runaway momentum.

A Return to Glory

Brisbane’s premiership marks a return to elite status, built on smart recruiting, a dynamic midfield core, and bold coaching. The win also places Chris Fagan among the club’s coaching elite, finally delivering on the promise shown over the past few seasons.

This Grand Final will be remembered for Brisbane’s complete performance, the emergence of Ashcroft as a future superstar, and a display of unity, power, and style that overwhelmed a strong opponent on the biggest stage.

Brisbane Lions

*Conor McKenna served as the substitute and was confirmed an hour before game time, per final team sheets

Sydney Swans