Footy fans set for a thriller as Swans and Lions take to the G

It has been a thrill a minute since the opening round, and now season 2024 promises a grand final showdown for the ages.

Swans and Lions expected to deliver fans a thrilling end to the 2024 AFL season. Photo: Phil Hillyard

It’s been hailed as one of the most even seasons in AFL history and it’s poised to deliver us the cherry on top – a grand final for the ages.

Sydney and the Brisbane Lions will fight for football’s holy grail on Saturday with a host of reasons why either can take home the 2024 premiership cup.

Last year’s thriller in which Collingwood prevailed by four points over the Lions delivered just the sixth single-figure grand final result this century.

It wouldn’t surprise to see this clash, which will fill the MCG with 100,000 fans and dominate TV viewership along the eastern seaboard, match that for drama and excitement.

Both teams make a strong case for winning and each is in great form.

Will Hayward, Isaac Heeney and Tom Papley ahead of this weeks AFL showdown. Photo: Phil Hillyard

Sydney is riding a five-match winning streak while the Lions have won their past four and 13 of their last 15 matches.

Brisbane won a nailbiter by two points when the two teams met at the Gabba in round 19. The result continued Brisbane’s strong run against Sydney, having won five of the past six encounters between the two.

Will that dominance continue?
Bookmakers say “no” with the Swans $1.75 favourites at Ladbrokes and the Lions $2.10.

The game is the first grand final between two non-Victorian teams since 2006, but judging by the big crowds on Friday at the parade and at the MCG to watch the two teams have their final training runs, no one is complaining.

The entertainment factor also looms large and we’re not talking about Katy Perry.

Sydney was the highest scoring team of the home-and-away season and in Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Errol Gulden it boasts arguably the most dynamic midfield in the league.

Key to the Lions success are star mid-sized forwards like Charlie Cameron. Photo: Dylan Burns

The Lions ranked No.5 for scoring and have been ignited by a fleet of mid-sized forwards in Charlie Cameron, Kai Lohmann, Cam Rayner, Callum Ah Chee and Zac Bailey.

And don’t forget key forward Joe Daniher who leads the Lions’ scoring this season with 56 goals.

As ever, history beckons.

The Lions would become just the third side to win the premiership from fifth or lower on the ladder if they can overcome the Swans.

Their coach, Chris Fagan, 63, would also be the oldest winning coach in the game’s history.

Then there’s redemption for those who lost grand finals in the past two years after the Lions fell agonisingly short last season and the Swans were humbled by Geelong in 2022.

Only three players in Saturday’s match – Luke Parker, Josh Dunkley and James Jordon – are already premiership players and Jordon spent the entire match as substitute when Melbourne won the 2021 title.

Two evenly matched teams, each almost at full strength on a beautiful spring day in Melbourne.

A classic awaits.