After six months of breathtaking footy, we’ve finally narrowed it down to our two AFL Grand Finalists, as the Swans and Lions booked their ticket to the big dance next Saturday.
As we take a breath from the enthralling week of preliminary Finals, we’ve sat back and put together our multi of hindsight in a piece we like to call 5 Lessons Learned – AFL Preliminary Finals.
Scrap the past, it’s all about the present
It was a glaring record the Swans were facing heading into this Preliminary Final, a record of eight in a row lost against the Power.
Along with a 112-point belting the last time these two sides met, history certainly wasn’t in their favour.
Much like their past ten years, the Power struggled to live up to the moment as the Swans punched their ticket into the Grand Final.
The physicality was on early as Jase Burgoyne converted an early set shot from an off-ball free kick, but after that point, it was the Swans who started to get things on their terms.
It was the turnover game that hurt the Power, conceding nearly their first five goals directly from turnovers.
Sydney’s scoreboard accuracy played a vital part in their win, with their forward stock nailing nearly every set shot that came their way, doing the damage early.
Port couldn’t restrict the Swans use of the corridor and too often they were exploited with pace.
The selection of Charlie Dixon up forward was again a mind-boggling decision from Ken Hinkley, who yet again got little productivity out of the key forward.
It was veteran Travis Boak who showed up for the Power as the game went on, but no Power individual was able to replicate last week’s heroics.
Domination in uncontested possession was the catalyst for an onslaught in the second half, and it’s a poor reflection on the Power coaching staff, who had the perfect example of how to shut the Swans out in the Giants two weeks prior.
It’s the Swans fifth Grand Final since 2012, and they’re certainly heading in as favourites.
Heeney holds all the Power
Literally, he did as well, doing as he pleased against Port on Friday night, backing up his monstrous Qualifying Final effort.
Isaac Heeney’s dominance was a commanding presence for the Swans, finishing with 24 disposals and two goals.
It’s a distinct reliability the Swans have come accustomed to over the Finals Series, and it’s form that can single-handedly win them the Premiership.
Whether it’s transitional presence, stoppage dominance, or forward craft, Heeney has been influential in swinging games for the Swans, finding that extra edge.
The second quarter he showcased his power inside forward 50, comfortably winning a three-on-one battle to kick his first goal of the game.
You can’t afford to let him roam inside forward 50, as the second he has the opportunity to compete aerially, the defenders are forcing contact to give a free kick away.
With such a talented side around him, it’s only a matter of moments for Heeney that can make the difference, and he might be the key to a premiership.
Is this one of the best individual finals efforts we’ve seen in the past ten years?
Roaring into another Grand Final
The elation and emotion of Preliminary Final week was summed up in the four quarters of this contest.
It feels as though no matter what you do, you can’t keep these Lions out, and you sense that they know they must do something with this list before it’s too late.
The Lions much like the week before faced a 25-point deficit early in the third quarter, before they turned it on to take the lead later that quarter.
A pressure-filled contest opened the game until Charlie Cameron broke the deadlock early, but it was toe-for-toe for a majority of the first quarter.
Geelong was able to maximise their use of run through the corridor in the second term with a massive seven goal quarter, with two goals coming from Oli Henry.
Patrick Dangerfield’s early opener in the third quarter almost started to put the nail in the coffin, but the Lions responded and turned the game on its head.
Cal Ah-Chee got things started for the Lions, but it was the consistent pressure inside 50 that saw repeat efforts in front of goal, with shots converted from Cam Rayner and Zac Bailey, who made up for some earlier misses.
When push came to shove in the final quarter, the Lions lifted on every occasion, extending their lead out to twelve points midway through the fourth quarter.
The Cats still answered back, with Oli Henry kicking two in a row to put the Cats ahead by a point with 2:42 remaining.
Like a scene out of a movie, the Lions rushed it forward out of the next centre stoppage, converting through Cal Ah Chee who came in clutch once again.
The very next play it was Cam Rayner who went bang from 50 metres on tired legs, almost sealing the deal for the Lions until Rhys Stanley had the potential to make it a one kick game with 40 seconds left, although he hit the post.
Doing it from outside the top four is always a hard gig, but the Lions are finding a way each week, and only find themselves one win away from the ultimate glory.
The magic of versatility
Three goals from 11 disposals is elite execution from Cal Ah Chee, and his role in the side as a versatile swingman has been instrumental in the Finals Series.
It felt as though every goal he kicked had major significance on the outcome of the game, and his calmness and poise helped to make the difference.
He’s not the only player in the Lions squad that has flexibility in their role.
On every line, there’s a player with the capacity to play at either end, with Dayne Zorko in the back half, Josh Dunkley in the middle, and Cam Rayner up forward.
They’re ultra dynamic in their approach which makes them unpredictable in relation to matchups and tactically in transition.
The Lions have also added in Logan Morris this year, a great steal in last year’s draft, who has slotted in seamlessly with his ability to produce run further up the ground and remain a constant scoring threat.
The extra dimension of Will Ashcroft’s stoppage work feels like another level above what the Lions had last year, and their mix of inside and outside runners creates real problems for opposition.
It’s a side that knows their capabilities and often they’re outdone by opposition system rather than collective lack of effort.
Even whilst having that depth of versatility, they come up against a side in the Grand Final who equally match them.
14.11.95 equals a Grand Final
The first all-interstate Grand Final since 2004 is an exciting prospect, and it is sure set to be a thriller.
Luckily, you only need to go back a few months to relive the classic these two sides played out at the Gabba where the Lions won by two points.
If there were any two sides to play off at the MCG where conditions are extremely neutral, it’s these sides, both coming from extremely narrow grounds to a wider MCG surface.
The form lines of both sides have set up an inseparable battle, but the main questions will be aimed at the Lions heavy game schedule leading into the big dance.
It’s Brisbane’s second Grand Final in a row, with the opportunity to erase the devastation of 2023 in front of them.
For the Swans, they’ve had a plethora of success in the last decade, but nothing to show for it, looking to break a losing streak of three Grand Finals in a row.
1899 was the last time the Victorian versions of these sides played in a Grand Final, and the one-point victory to Fitzroy will sit well with Lions supporters.
It’s set to be a stacked battle in the midfield, with intense scoring power up both ends in what could be a high scoring affair.
We’ll have all the analysis and tips in the 2024 AFL Grand Final Preview.