AFL LIVE: Brisbane Lions, Adelaide Crows fight for preliminary final spot against Hawthorn

Key Posts7.21pmThe scene in BrisbaneBy Nick WrightThe Gabba is alive ahead of the first bounce, with only a scattering of empty seats visible that will be sure to fill up.This crowd will be praying for their Lions to cast aside an absolute humbling against Sydney last week, a performance which called their attitude and willingness to lean into their defensive pressure into question.Sam Draper of the Lions warms up.AFL Photos via Getty ImagesBut we’ve been here before. This time last year, Brisbane were dealt a reality check by Geelong, only to bounce back and storm to a second-straight premiership.If history is to repeat, they will need to overcome an Adelaide outfit with nothing to lose.I’m tipping Zac Bailey to have a blinder after turning down a lucrative contract offer to join the Crows from next season to sign through with Brisbane until the end of 2034.The game is set to start at 7.35pm AEST.7.11pmFagan tells Lions to take nothing for grantedBy Lions coach Chris Fagan has told his side to bounce back tonight and take nothing for granted as they try to beat the Crows and keep their dreams of a three-peat alive.“It’s been a long week and there have been a few honest conversations,” Fagan told Kayo Sports.Lions coach Chris Fagan.AFL Photos via Getty Images“It was a substandard performance last week and not a true representation of us. “I did point out to them that they’ve been good at that [bouncing back] but don’t take that for granted as that can changes press quickly. They’ll have to be on their toes tonight.”7.06pm‘He hates being beaten’: Nicks on ruckmanBy Crows coach Matthew Nicks has praised the impact of ruckman Lachlan McAndrew ahead of tonight’s semi-final.“He’s been huge for us this year,” Nicks told Kayo Sports.Lachlan McAndrew of the Crows competes with Jordon Sweet of the Power.AFL Photos via Getty Images“The way the rules have changed around the ruck and the length that he has, also he’s just a ruthless competitor and he hates to be beaten.“He’s had moments this year when a high quality ruckman has got on top of him for a time, but he’s found a way to lift his game and get back in the contest.“It’s important to have a better look at where the football is going, especially when you come up here. It’s not that far to go from a centre clearance deep into your forward line.”6.58pmBailey’s contract will fire up Lions: BrownBy Lions great Jonathan Brown believes the announcement of Zac Bailey’s re-signing with the club could buoy the team ahead of tonight’s semi-final.Bailey reportedly had a bumper offer on the table from the Crows and other clubs, but he has opted to remain with the Lions.Lions star Zac Bailey.AFL Photos via Getty Images“It would have buoyed the group,” Brown told Kayo Sports.“We know that Lachie Neale is likely leaving the club and going to a Melbourne club, but I think that Bailey talk was just hanging about.“I think it was, maybe, creating some negativity and that could have seeped into the walls of the club.“He would be relaxed about his own career and future. Now he can play his best.”6.49pmBattle-hardened Hawks driven by painful finals memoriesBy Hawthorn defender Josh Battle admits last year’s preliminary final exit still stings as Sam Mitchell’s men gear up for another shot at reaching an AFL season decider.The Hawks will host the reigning premier Brisbane Lions or Adelaide at the MCG next week, with a grand final spot on the line.Josh Battle of the Hawks tackles Bailey Dale of the Bulldogs high.Getty ImagesThe opportunity comes after Mitchell engineered a stunning qualifying final upset of Fremantle, which earned the Hawks direct passage to the last four.They return to that stage after being denied by arch-rivals Geelong in the penultimate week last season.6.40pmDockers star avoid banBy Fremantle defender Heath Chapman will be able to take his place in the club’s preliminary final in Sydney this coming weekend after avoiding a ban from the AFL match review after its findings were released on Saturday evening.Chapman was cited for rough conduct after he took out Geelong forward Ollie Henry in a marking contest in the third quarter of Friday night’s semi-final.The incident was graded as careless conduct, low impact and body contact. He can accept an early plea and pay a $1500 fine; otherwise the sanction is $2500.liver Henry of the Cats is taken out of a marking contest by Heath Chapman of the Dockers.Getty Images6.36pmNo late changes By The teams will line up as named.6.30pmFagan’s call to action with Lions’ three-peat on lineBy The Brisbane Lions’ three-peat efforts will go on the line at the Gabba and coach Chris Fagan has backed Hugh McCluggage to have an impact despite an injury-hit season.The two-time defending premiers were walloped by an undermanned Sydney at the SCG, setting up the sudden death semi-final against Adelaide tonight.Lions star Hugh McCluggage.AFL PhotosMcCluggage, returning from a three-week absence due to a calf injury, was one of many to have their colours lowered against the Swans.An All-Australian last season, the co-captain has played just 14 games – winning seven – in this campaign.6.22pmA ‘perfect match’: Bulldogs beat the Cats in race for Zak ButtersBy Jake NiallPort Adelaide superstar Zak Butters has nominated the Western Bulldogs as his preferred destination, with the Dogs beating Geelong for his services provided they can secure him via free agency or a trade.The Power confirmed they’d been notified by Butters of his club of choice. Assuming they can navigate a trade or land the 26-year-old star via free agency, the arrival of Butters will be a coup for the Bulldogs, regarded as one of Victoria’s “smaller” clubs.Zak Butters has nominated the Western Bulldogs as his preferred destination.AFL PhotosThe prospect of Butters heading to Whitten Oval is against the trend of in-demand free agents ordinarily joining a leading Victorian club, such as when former Sun Tom Lynch joined Richmond in their premiership era.Port Adelaide will have to decide whether to match the massive, nine-year offer to Butters or force a trade. If they choose not to match, they will receive pick No.5 in the national draft – the selection after Port’s first pick.Their early draft choices will be needed to match the likely bid at pick No.1 for their academy gun Dougie Cochrane.Click here to read the story.6.18pmGood eveningBy G’day everyone. I’m Roy Ward and welcome to our AFL live blog as the Brisbane Lions and Adelaide play for the fourth and final spot in next weekend’s preliminary finals.They will begin their clash at the Gabba at 7.35pm AEST.Enjoy the evening to come.1 of 1