Swans v Lions: Melbourne braces for epic MCG clash
It's that one-day in September -- and The Burne's Michael Pike and Darcy McCartin have every angle covered in their preview of Saturday's big game.
MATCH PREVIEW
By Michael Pike
September 16, 1899. That was the last time the Sydney Swans (then South Melbourne) and the Brisbane Lions (then Fitzroy) met in a Grand Final. Now, for the first time since 2006, two interstate teams will make the trip to the hallowed turf of the MCG for their shot at immortality.
Sydney cruised through their home prelim final at the SCG against Port Adelaide, as they powered through the Power in dominant fashion. Despite the shattering news that Captain Callum Mills will not make his return to the side for the big game, the minor premiers are still perfectly poised to see their phenomenal efforts throughout the year rewarded with the premiership cup.
Isaac Heeney continued to separate himself from the rest as the favourite for the Gary Ayres Medal leading up to the big dance with 24 disposals, 12 contested while also involving himself in 8 scores, the equal most on the ground. Jarrod Berry or Josh Dunkley of the Lions will have to man him up heavily throughout Saturday afternoon’s game if Brisbane want to have a hope of not being rolled over by the blonde dynamo just as so many other teams have been in 2024.
Brisbane will also have to match the intense pressure of Heeney’s midfield partners in James Rowbottom and Chad Warner, who both completed 23 pressure acts each against Port Adelaide, simply not allowing them time or space when in possession of the football.
John Longmire’s team’s ball movement was a sight to behold last Friday night, with their starting back six taking a remarkable 48 marks between them.
Nick Blakey and Harry Cunningham shone, with ‘The Lizard’ recording the most metres gained on the field with 628 to go along with 9 rebound-50’s, while Cunningham demonstrated a remarkable level of cleanliness with ball in hand, running at 92% disposal efficiency with 10 uncontested marks. The Lions small forwards such as Zac Bailey and Kai Lohmann will need to heap a load of pressure on to prevent the Swans from taking the game away from them early with their pinpoint accuracy and quick transition game.
Joel Amartey is coming off a very complete key forward performance, with his confidence surely sky high after a 16 disposal, 3 goal effort.
Tom Papley will also look to get rowdy early and would be a solid bet for first goalkicker on the big day, his 3 goals from 8 disposals at the SCG last week a great indicator of how he can get so much out of so little. Brandon Starcevich and a less than 100% Jack Payne will have their work cut out for them in dealing with two red hot forward talents.
Veteran Luke Parker, the only remaining Swan from Sydney’s last premiership win 12 years ago, may be deployed as a defensive forward much like last week as the Swans try to stop Brisbane co-captain Harris Andrews from having his way when the ball comes inside-50.
The Brisbane Lions have been through a remarkable season. After starting the season with 2 wins and 5 losses, many wrote them off as a fallen giant still suffering from last year’s devastating 4-point Grand Final loss to Collingwood. Fast forward to this week and they are riding high after two stunning comeback wins in back-to-back weeks over GWS and the Geelong Cats.
A truly mammoth turnaround has seen Chris Fagan named AFL Coach of the Year and it’s very hard to see any weakness in his exciting and damaging Lions.
The biggest question looming over the Queensland team is their ruck, 26-gamer Darcy Fort is going to have to come in and take on one of the league’s best in Brodie Grundy after first choice ruckman Oscar McInerney double-dislocated his shoulder last weekend. Averaging 15.7 disposals and 28.1 hitouts per game in the VFL, Lions fans will be desperate for their number 2 to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
Brisbane’s major threats are no secret, with Lachie Neale the clear standout. His 16 contested possessions and 12 clearances were a massive factor in the Lions besting a game Cats side last Saturday. The Swans’ James Jordon will be relied on to try and mitigate the two-time Brownlow medallist’s impact on proceedings, but it’ll be hard keeping the ball-magnet at bay with his elite skills and mentality.
Dayne Zorko’s attacking surge off half-back will also need to be closely guarded by the Swans, the 2x All-Australian had 32 disposals and 766 metres gained in the Lions last fixture, both of which were game highs. Sydney will be hoping to pin Brisbane into their defensive-50 early to limit his ability to move his team up the field with his intelligent movement and decision making.
Cam Rayner proved pivotal to the Lions turning the game upside down last week, his 14 disposals and 2 goals in the second half, including a beauty of a left-foot snap from 50 metres out, demonstrating that he is primed to perform on the biggest stage. Joe Daniher will also surely have a big part to play; after having to play as a stand-in ruckman for the best part of 3 quarters after McInerney’s injury, he will relish the chance to put in another clutch final’s performance.
The enigmatic forward had 3 goals and 16 disposals in last year's meeting with the Magpies, his matchup against Cunningham will bear close attention and may ultimately decide the destination of the 2024 AFL Premiership.
PLAYER WATCH
By Darcy McCartin
NORM SMITH MEDAL FAVOURITES
ISAAC HEENEY The Swans Rolls-Royce has taken his game to an all new high in season 2024. A second All-Australian Blazer, and a career high 28 Brownlow votes as his resurgence has led the Swans all the way to the last day in September. Across his two finals, Heeney has gathered 5 goals, 54 disposals, 12 marks and 11 tackles in two breathtaking performances. This has led to a total 20 out of 20 coaches’ votes, and in perfect shape to claim the Gary Ayres Medal for best finals player. This man is built for the big stage, and will no doubt play a vital part if the Swans get over the line. Understandably the short price Norm Smith favourite, as a player who if he repeats his previous two finals performances, simply cannot be stopped.
LACHIE NEALE The dual Brownlow medallist will shake off the disappointment of the 2024 Brownlow count, instead focusing on the ultimate prize. Despite being a modern great of the AFL, Neale still strives for his first premiership medal. An average of 29 disposals and accumulating his 4th All Australian Blazer, the Lions Co-Captain had led from the front this year. Despite being treated for a foot injury in the lead up to the prelim, that didn’t worry him, as he led his side with a massive 31 touches and 12 clearances. The question remains whether John Longmire will deploy James Jordon to tag the Lions star, but if there is no tag, or even more so, if he can shake the tag, Lachie will be primed to take the final by storm.
HIGH IMPACT PLAYERS
CHAD WARNER A total of 34 goals and an average of 23.6 disposals, and 7.5 score involvements makes Warner one of the most damaging attacking mids in the competition. Having only failed to kick a goal in 4 home and away matches, in a highly impressive performance for a midfielder, Warner received his maiden All-Australian selection. Almost every possession he receives something good happens for the Swans, and forward of centre, Warner is simply pure brilliance. High impact personified.