Your guide to the AFL grand final

Open accessibility guideSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footerThe Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning Herald logoSeriesFrom Wharfie Time to Country Roads, this is your one-stop shop for all things Fremantle and Brisbane in the lead-up to the grand final.5 storiesBrisbane LionsWhy this Dockers star was close to tears before preliminary finalHayden Young was integral in Fremantle’s fightback from almost five goals down in last week’s preliminary final. Now, he has his sights on a premiership.September 24, 2026Marc McGowanBrisbane Lions‘I owe them’: The heartbreaking setbacks fuelling Lions’ comeback warriorsThese are the “hard luck” stories that ensured the Lions never lost their hunger, and transformed them from hapless cellar dwellers to premiership juggernauts.September 22, 2026Nick WrightBreakingAFL 2026AFL grand final teams, expert tips: Is this Freo’s first premiership side, or will Lions get their three-peat?The all-important teams and expert tips – including Norm Smith medallist – for the biggest game of the AFL seasonSeptember 24, 2026AdvertisementLiveLachie Neale cleared to play in AFL grand finalCatch up on the appeals board hearing that cleared Lions star Lachie Neale and allowed him the chance for another flag with Brisbane.Roy Ward and Danny RussellWharfie Time and Lions songs get green light for grand finalIn a departure from grand final tradition, both clubs will be allowed to whip up their fans with music and activations at the MCG.Other seriesBest movies to watch on Netflix, HBO Max, Stan, Binge, Disney+, Amazon, Paramount+, SBS and ABCLooking for a film? We’ve handpicked more than 200 hits across the major streamers, with something to suit all tastes, ages and styles.9 storiesRewriting RetirementFor those thinking of retirement, this six-part series provides the clarity and confidence to take the next step.6 storiesThe Sydney Morning Herald logoTwitterFacebookInstagramRSSOur SitesThe Sydney Morning HeraldThe AgeBrisbane TimesWAtodayThe Australian Financial Reviewnine.com.auDriveClassifiedsTributesPlace your adThe Sydney Morning HeraldContact & supportAdvertise with usNewslettersAccessibility guideSitemapPhoto salesPurchase front pagesContent licensingWork with usTerms of usePrivacy policyPress CouncilCharter of Editorial IndependenceAI Editorial GuidelinesProducts & ServicesSubscription packagesMy accountSubscriber FAQsDelivery statusToday’s PaperGood Food GuideDaily PuzzlesCopyright © 2026Subscribe