Sept 26, V7N - The 2024 AFL Grand Final will be a battle of redemption for the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions as they clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday to decide this year's champions. Both teams are looking to bounce back from painful Grand Final defeats in recent years—Brisbane lost by just four points to Collingwood in 2023, while Sydney was demolished by 81 points by Geelong in 2022.

Sydney, who finished the regular season as the top team and secured the minor premiership, has been working through the mental scars of their Grand Final loss two years ago. Coach John Longmire emphasized focusing on the present as his team looks to secure their first AFL title since 2012. The Swans have shown their quality in the playoffs, defeating GWS Giants and Port Adelaide to reach the final.

Brisbane, meanwhile, had a tougher journey after finishing fifth in the regular season. The Lions found form in the playoffs, beating Carlton, GWS Giants, and Geelong to book their place in the Grand Final. Midfielder Josh Dunkley, who won a premiership with the Western Bulldogs in 2016, said the Lions have adjusted their preparations based on lessons from last year's defeat. Brisbane is aiming for its first AFL title since 2003.

This year's Grand Final is notable for being the first since 2006 not to feature a team from Victoria, but both the Swans and Lions have deep connections to the state. The Swans were originally South Melbourne, while the Lions emerged from a merger between Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Lions. The strong historical ties ensure a massive crowd of over 100,000 at the MCG, with fans traveling from New South Wales and Queensland.

Key absences will shape the game, with Brisbane missing ruckman Oscar McInerney due to a dislocated shoulder, and Sydney without captain Callum Mills, who failed a fitness test. The Swans have struggled with slow starts this season, a pattern that could be problematic as 22 of the last 23 AFL champions have led at three-quarter time.

Former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson expects a close contest, given both teams' hunger for redemption. He leans slightly toward Brisbane, citing their overall depth and reduced reliance on key players compared to Sydney.

With stakes high and both teams seeking to erase memories of past heartbreaks, the 2024 AFL Grand Final promises to be a gripping encounter.

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