Brisbane Lions will face Hawthorn in Saturday’s AFL preliminary final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a matchup that marks the first finals meeting between the two clubs in the AFL era. The last time they contested a post-season game was the 1986 preliminary final, involving Fitzroy before its merger with the Brisbane Bears to form the Lions. The winner will advance to a fourth consecutive grand final appearance, with Brisbane aiming to secure a rare premiership three-peat—a feat last achieved by Hawthorn between 2013 and 2015.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan described the upcoming game as potentially the toughest of the year, urging his team to avoid any complacency. Despite their dominant 67-point victory over Hawthorn in August at the Gabba, Fagan expects a markedly different contest, emphasizing that the preliminary final is a fresh challenge. He noted the Lions' improved performance at the MCG in recent seasons, with a nine-win and three-loss record since 2024, contrasting with a prolonged losing streak earlier in the decade.
Hawthorn enter the game on the back of a strong run of form, having lost only once in their last eight matches. Their qualifying final win against the league-leading Fremantle Dockers was seen as a statement performance, showcasing a disciplined defensive structure that restricted Fremantle to just five goals from 57 inside-50 entries. This defense, ranked fourth-best this season in limiting opposition scoring, will be critical against a potent Brisbane attack.
The Lions rely on a multifaceted forward line, led by veteran Charlie Cameron, who has demonstrated his big-game impact with 58 finals goals since 2000. Cameron’s recent return to form, including a five-goal haul in the semi-final, will be central to Brisbane’s attacking strategy alongside key contributors such as Kai Lohmann, Zac Bailey, Cam Rayner, and emerging forward Logan Morris. Brisbane’s midfield depth—featuring Will Ashcroft, Josh Dunkley, and a hopefully fit Hugh McCluggage—provides additional strength, although concerns persist about Lachie Neale’s recent finals form amid reported trade speculation.
On the Hawks’ side, Jack Gunston remains a focal point in attack with 61 goals this season, supported by a network of pacey half-forwards including Nick Watson, Dylan Moore, Jack Ginnivan, and Connor Macdonald. The midfield will depend heavily on the performance of Will Day, who has overcome injuries to deliver strong recent form, notably in the qualifying final where he tallied 24 disposals and eight clearances.
Both teams carry leadership groups with players experienced at navigating high-pressure situations. Fagan drew parallels between the leadership density of Hawthorn’s successful 2013-2015 squads—featuring veterans such as Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell—and the current Lions’ core, including Harris Andrews, Josh Dunkley, Hugh McCluggage, and Jarrod Berry.
While Brisbane’s premiership pedigree and broader talent pool position them as favorites, Hawthorn’s steady progression and defensive prowess make them formidable opponents. The preliminary final will likely hinge on the effectiveness of Hawthorn’s pressure and Brisbane’s ability to convert scoring opportunities, setting the stage for a highly competitive contest with grand final qualification on the line.