Between Sydney and Brisbane, one will be resigned to another devastation on the final day as the other achieves ultimate redemption. The Swans were trounced by the Cats in the 2022 Grand Final, with bitter memories of that day set to fuel John Longmire’s star-studded brigade, while Chris Fagan’s Lions, on the other hand, were just four points short of flag glory against Collingwood last year but have the same unfinished business nonetheless. Foxfooty.
com.au analyses each team’s keys to the flag, as well as the players and matchups that will decide the outcome of the game. Watch the best build-up to the 2024 AFL Grand Final, with expert analysis, the Grand Final Parade and full Grand Final day coverage, on Fox Footy via Kayo.
New to Kayo? Start your free trial today > SYDNEY SWANS — KEYS TO THE FLAG Adjusting their ball movement method accordingly Throughout a dominant 2024 campaign, Sydney sought out the middle of the ground as its main offensive avenue, and it produced scary results. However, come finals time, the Swans weren’t going to be afforded the luxury of the corridor every time they kickstarted an attacking chain. In their preliminary final, Port Adelaide plugged holes inboard in anticipation of the ambitious Swans coming through the middle, and it forced an alternate approach from Longmire’s brigade.
Instead of asserting themselves through the corridor, they used the boundary an unexpected amount to circumvent the Power. Using the flanks, Sydney steadily.