2024 AFL Grand Final — Brisbane Lions Defeat Sydney Swans

The 2024 AFL Grand Final saw Brisbane Lions break a 21-year drought, defeating Sydney Swans 18.12 (120) to 8.7 (55) at the MCG. Played on 28 September 2024 in front of 100,013 fans, the Lions’ premiership was a redemption tour for Chris Fagan’s coaching tenure and a coronation for a generation of Lions players who had endured Grand Final defeats in 2023 and previously. The 65-point margin made it one of the most one-sided Grand Finals of the modern era.

The Build-Up: A Year of Redemption

Brisbane Lions entered 2024 with significant unfinished business. The 2023 Grand Final loss to Collingwood — by 4 points, in heartbreaking circumstances — had defined the previous off-season. Chris Fagan’s coaching tenure had produced multiple finals appearances but no premiership; the question was whether the Lions could finally convert.

The 2024 home-and-away season saw Brisbane build slowly. Multiple senior players (Lachie Neale, Charlie Cameron, Joe Daniher, Hugh McCluggage) maintained All-Australian-level form. Will Ashcroft emerged as a future star. Cam Rayner produced his best season. The Lions topped multiple categories on the finals run-up.

Sydney Swans, under John Longmire, also produced a strong season. Errol Gulden’s continuing ascendancy, Buddy Franklin’s farewell tour, Isaac Heeney’s All-Australian form, and Chad Warner’s emergence all contributed to a Swans finals push. The two teams met in the Grand Final.

The Match: A Brisbane Coronation

The 2024 AFL Grand Final was played at the MCG on 28 September 2024 in front of 100,013 fans. The pre-game ceremonies were standard Grand Final fare; the match itself unfolded as an extraordinary Lions coronation.

Brisbane started fast. Will Ashcroft kicked an early goal that signalled the Lions’ intent. Charlie Cameron and Joe Daniher provided forward-line dominance. Lachie Neale’s midfield masterclass in the first quarter set a tone the Swans never recovered from.

By half-time, Brisbane led by 30+ points. The third quarter — the “premiership quarter” — saw the Lions extend the lead substantially. Sydney’s defensive structure was exposed; the Lions’ ability to score from multiple zones was unstoppable.

The final score: Brisbane Lions 18.12 (120) defeated Sydney Swans 8.7 (55) — a 65-point margin that ranked among the largest Grand Final winning margins of the modern era.

The Norm Smith Medal: Will Ashcroft

The 2024 Norm Smith Medal went to Will Ashcroft of Brisbane. Ashcroft’s 30 disposals and multiple goals made him the youngest Norm Smith Medallist of the modern era. The recognition came in his second AFL season — Ashcroft had debuted in 2023 with significant promise.

Ashcroft’s father, Marcus Ashcroft, had won 1996 Norm Smith with North Melbourne. The Ashcroft family thus joined the rare list of multi-generational Norm Smith Medallists.

The Premiership Coach: Chris Fagan

Chris Fagan won his first Jock McHale Medal in 2024. The coaching tenure that had produced multiple finals appearances finally converted to a premiership. Fagan’s tactical adjustments throughout the season, his man-management of senior players, and his integration of younger talent (Will Ashcroft, Cam Rayner) earned the recognition.

Famous Moments

• Will Ashcroft’s first-quarter goal — set the tone for the Lions’ dominance.
• Lachie Neale’s midfield masterclass — 35+ disposals, multiple clearances, dominating the centre square.
• Charlie Cameron’s forward-line goals — capitalising on the Lions’ midfield dominance.
• Joe Daniher’s high marking — keeping the Lions’ forward line dominant.
• Buddy Franklin’s farewell quarter — multiple goals in the Swans’ losing effort.
• Isaac Heeney’s contested marking — All-Australian form even in defeat.
• The post-match Lions celebration — Chris Fagan and the captain holding the cup high.
• Will Ashcroft’s Norm Smith Medal acceptance — youngest of the modern era.
• The 65-point winning margin — one of the largest of the modern era.
• Sydney’s gracious congratulations — captains and coaches acknowledged the year’s contest.

Trivia for the Pub

• The 2024 Grand Final was played on 28 September 2024 at the MCG.
• Final score: Brisbane Lions 18.12 (120) defeated Sydney Swans 8.7 (55).
• Margin: 65 points — one of the largest of the modern era.
• Crowd: 100,013.
• Norm Smith Medal: Will Ashcroft.
• Jock McHale Medal: Chris Fagan (first).
• The Lions’ first premiership since the 2003 three-peat.
• Brisbane’s fourth AFL premiership overall (2001, 2002, 2003, 2024).
• Buddy Franklin’s final AFL Grand Final (he retired post-season).
• Will Ashcroft’s father Marcus also won a Norm Smith (1996, North Melbourne).

The Rumours and Aftermath

The post-2024 narrative: Brisbane’s premiership era beginning. The Lions’ ability to convert finals appearances to a flag suggested a multi-year contender; future seasons would test whether the 2024 result was a one-off or the start of a dynasty.

The other rumour: Buddy Franklin’s retirement era. His farewell tour had been celebrated; the question was whether he would return for an emotional 2025 farewell or genuinely retire post-2024.

The wildcard: Chris Fagan’s continuing tenure. With his first premiership won, would Fagan extend his contract or step away on a high note? Fagan signed for further seasons.

The Verdict

The 2024 AFL Grand Final was Brisbane’s redemption story. The 21-year drought ended; Will Ashcroft’s family legacy was completed; Chris Fagan’s coaching tenure was finally vindicated. The 65-point winning margin made it one of the most one-sided Grand Finals of the modern era — but for Lions fans, every point was earned through years of finals heartbreak. Long live the 2024 Lions.