How Brisbane snatched a premiership victory in the final five minutes of the game
In short: With less than five minutes remaining, Fremantle held a 17-point lead in the 2026 AFL Grand Final. Then, Brisbane launched a relentless offensive, scoring four goals in a frantic final stretch to overcome the deficit and secure their third consecutive premiership in one of the most dramatic finishes in league history.
The 2026 AFL Grand Final, held on 26 September at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, saw Brisbane defeat Fremantle by seven points, 96 to 89. Fremantle had dominated much of the match, leading by 17 points with just over four minutes of game time remaining. The Dockers had controlled key contested statistics throughout the day, including clearances and inside-50s, but their inaccurate goalkicking kept Brisbane within striking distance. Fremantle’s decision to trigger their 'Wharfie Time' crowd support routine at that peak moment was later criticized as premature, as Brisbane players used the accompanying music as motivation to fuel their final comeback.
Brisbane’s late surge was defined by clinical efficiency. In the final four minutes, Will Ashcroft was instrumental, recording six disposals and four clearances, while Logan Morris kicked three goals in the final quarter to seal the result. This victory marked Brisbane's sixth premiership overall and their fourth consecutive appearance in the grand final. The match was a significant cultural event, setting a record for the highest-rating AFL game in television history with an average of 4.52 million viewers, peaking at 6.5 million.
The path to the final was fraught with tension for both clubs. Fremantle, seeking their first-ever premiership, had navigated a difficult finals series, including a comeback win against the Sydney Swans. Brisbane, meanwhile, faced a major administrative hurdle when midfielder Lachie Neale was initially suspended for a preliminary final incident. The decision was overturned by the AFL Appeal Board just days before the match, citing his exemplary record of 320 games without suspension. Despite the loss, Fremantle midfielder Shai Bolton was awarded the Norm Smith Medal, becoming only the fifth player in history to receive the honor while playing for the losing side.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2026 AFL Grand Final
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