A long-standing ovation is given to Sydney and Geelong for their masterful recruiting and player development, but Brisbane has produced a post-COVID scouting masterclass which could deliver their first premiership in 21 years.

THE 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions starts at 2.30pm AEST on Saturday, September 28.

Lions star Lachie Neale admits his heel injury will again require plenty of management to allow him to play in the AFL grand final but declared he would be “ready to go” come Saturday when Brisbane meets Sydney at the MCG.

AFL Grand Final is set, with minor premier Sydney to do battle with last year's runner-up Brisbane at the MCG on Saturday afternoon, in the first decider without a Victorian team involved since 2006.

The AFL is pleased to announce the umpiring panel for the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final between Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions at the MCG this Saturday

Brisbane Lions gun Hugh McCluggage says his side learnt much from a review of last year’s narrow grand final loss to Collingwood, especially in how to play the key moments.

In typical understated fashion, All-Ireland winner Conor McKenna would rather the focus be on his Brisbane Lions teammates instead of himself when he walks out in front of 100,000 supporters in the AFL Grand Final at the MCG on Saturday.