The 2024 AFL Grand Final — the Australian version of the Super Bowl — will be held on Saturday (12:30 a.m. ET) at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in a matchup featuring the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions.

The Swans, who spent nearly the entire season in first place, are a slight -136 favorite over the Lions, who finished fifth on the ladder after starting the campaign quite slow.

Both teams have plenty of experience playing in big moments as Sydney lost in the 2022 Grand Final to Geelong and Brisbane fell short against Collingwood in a classic at this time last year.

While AFL may not be familiar to most American sports fans and punters, the conundrum at play here is a classic handicapping quandary.

The Swans were the best team in the competition from start to finish, but they’re now taking on a fiery Lions squad that fits the billing as the quintessential “got hot at the right time” mob.

For Sydney, the key to success is letting its deadly midfield trio of Isaac Heeney, Tom Papley and Chad Warner set the tone. When allowed to get on the ball, those three can completely overrun their opponents. They were sensational in both of Sydney’s games in the 2024 Finals Series, most notably against the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants at the beginning of the month.

The good news for the Lions is their midfield is just as stout and features plenty of game-changers as well. Lachie Neale is a powerful ball-mover in the middle of the park and should be able to help keep the Swans’ trio from running rampant.

With the midfields a wash, we can look to the frontlines to find the edge in this contest. Brisbane’s tall forwards of Eric Hipwood and Joe Daniher can be imperious when they’re on, and both have proven to be big-game players over the past couple of seasons. Daniher played a massive role in Brisbane’s historic comeback against GWS two weeks ago.

Sydney’s defense has been stout all season, but it’s a different game going up against Hipwood, Daniher and small forwards Charlie Cameron and Cam Rayner.

Both of these teams have plenty of weapons, and while it’s nitpicking, Brisbane is one of a few teams in the AFL that can go toe-to-toe with Sydney’s difference-makers all over the pitch.

In a game viewed as a toss-up, I’ll take the underdog.

The Bet: Brisbane +112

The 2024 AFL Grand Final: A Clash of Styles

The Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions face off in the first men's AFL grand final without a Victorian team in 18 years. While many might see this as a unique event, the atmosphere surrounding the MCG, and the overall excitement of the match, feels just like any other grand final.

The city of Melbourne has been inundated with interstate arrivals, with airlines adding extra flights to accommodate the influx of fans. Fans from both Sydney and Brisbane have flocked to Melbourne, eager to witness the ultimate match-up.

One of the key factors that will influence the outcome of the game is the ability of the Sydney Swans to get through the first tackler against the Brisbane Lions.

How to Watch the AFL Grand Final in the U.S.

The 2024 Australian Football League season comes to an end tonight, with the Sydney Swans facing off against the Brisbane Lions for a chance to hoist the Premiership Cup. If you’re in Australia, you can watch the AFL Grand Final on TV, broadcasting live on Seven and 7Plus. Want to watch the AFL Grand Final in the U.S.? Here’s what you need to know.

Where to Watch:

• Stream: DirecTV Stream, fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling Blue
• TV Channel: FS1 (Fox Sports)
• Date, Start Time: Saturday, Sept. 28 at 12:30 a.m. ET / 9:30 p.m. PT (September 27)

Pre-Game Entertainment

Hot off her new album, 143, Katy Perry is set to perform at the pre-match show, with a medley of her greatest hits. Cody Simpson, meantime, will be performing the Australian National anthem. You can watch Perry’s set beginning at approximately 11:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. PT on September 27.

How to Watch Online:

If you want to watch the AFL Grand Final from the U.S., the game will air live on FS1. You can watch the Aussie football match on TV with a cable package that includes FS1.

The best place to watch the 2024 AFL Grand Final online is through DirecTV Stream. The live TV streamer includes FS1 as part of its channel offerings, and lets you watch the game on your phone, tablet, laptop or smart TV. Even better: DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial that you can grab here to watch the AFL Grand Final online for free.

One of the best places to stream live sports online is fubo, which also offers FS1 as part of its packages. Get a seven-day free trial to fubo here and access a Sydney vs. Brisbane live feed to watch the final game online. Fubo’s free trial includes free DVR so you can record the AFL match and watch a replay back on-demand later.

You already know about all the streaming options on Hulu, but the streamer also offers a live TV package that includes Fox Sports. Hulu + Live TV lets you watch FS1 and 90+ other channels from home, without needing cable. Use this three-day free trial to watch the AFL Grand Final on FS1 for free.

Continue on with Hulu + Live TV for just $76.99/month and get free access to Disney+ and ESPN+ included for no extra charge. See full details here.

If you’d like to watch an Australian or international AFL stream, you can access local broadcasters with a VPN (virtual private network). We like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, both of which will let you set your location to an international destination other than your own.

Use a VPN to watch the Grand Final in Australia using the 7Plus app. You can also set your location to Canada to stream the AFL Final through TSN. A virtual private network will let you bypass any geoblocking in your region.

AFL Grand Final: A Tactical Breakdown

Brendan McCartney, a former Western Bulldogs coach and assistant coach for the Collingwood Magpies, provides valuable insight into the tactical battle that will unfold between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions.

McCartney highlights the importance of breaking through the first tackler against the Brisbane Lions’ aggressive pressing style. He explains that the Swans must be decisive with their ball movement, getting past the initial defender and exploiting any space that opens up.

He also notes the key role of Harris Andrews, the Brisbane Lions’ quarterback-like defender, who can either be neutralized by a short, late lead, or by sitting on his back shoulder.

The Final Word

The 2024 AFL Grand Final promises to be a tightly contested match between two highly competitive teams. Both the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions have proven their resilience and have the talent to claim the Premiership Cup.

While the Sydney Swans possess a slightly higher ranking and a more consistent season, the Brisbane Lions have a knack for rising to the occasion and are considered by many to be the quintessential “got hot at the right time” team. This makes the outcome of the game a true toss-up and a thrilling prospect for Australian rules football fans around the world.