A record-breaking triumph for the Lions in a clash of non-Victorian giants
In short: When the 2024 AFL Grand Final kicked off, 100,013 fans witnessed more than just a game. It was a historic showdown between two powerhouse clubs from rugby league heartlands, marking a massive shift in the traditional landscape of Australian rules football.
On 28 September 2024, the Melbourne Cricket Ground hosted a landmark encounter between the Brisbane Lions and the Sydney Swans. The match was significant not only for its scale—setting a new attendance record for a grand final between two non-Victorian sides—but also for its historical context. It was the first time since 2006 that both finalists hailed from outside Victoria, and the first time two clubs from states traditionally dominated by rugby league met on this stage.
The Lions secured their fourth premiership and their first since 2003 with a commanding 60-point victory. While the Swans entered as bookmakers' favourites, Brisbane's methodical, short-passing game dismantled the Sydney defence. A decisive second quarter, during which Brisbane kicked six goals in just fifteen minutes, effectively decided the contest. The Lions' dominance was reflected in the statistics, particularly in their ability to control the air, outmarking the Swans 158 to 88.
The game also celebrated individual excellence and new traditions. 20-year-old Will Ashcroft earned the Norm Smith Medal, becoming the youngest recipient of the honour since 1979. The match also saw the debut of the Ron Barassi Medal, an award presented to the winning captain or co-captains to honour the legendary player and coach. For Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, the win was a historic milestone, as he became the oldest coach to win a grand final at age 63.
Beyond the field, the event featured a high-profile 17-minute pre-game set by American pop star Katy Perry. The match served as a grand conclusion to the 2024 season, marking the final game before a new AFL television broadcast deal commenced.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2024 AFL Grand Final
- Also: Wikidata — 2024 AFL Grand Final · CC0
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