The 2026 AFL grand final will feature the Brisbane Lions against the Fremantle Dockers on September 30. The game starts at 2:30 PM AEST and is exclusive to Channel 7; it won't be available on Kayo or Fox Sports. This marks Brisbane's fourth consecutive grand final appearance, with a chance for a second threepeat in their history if they win, while Fremantle aims for its first premiership since joining the league in 1995.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-09-25,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
From the articles provided, several key themes and events leading up to the AFL Grand Final between Fremantle (Dockers) and Brisbane (Lions) stand out. Here's a summary focusing on these aspects:
- Preparation and Spirit:
- Both teams have unique approaches to motivating their players.
- Justin Longmuir, Fremantle’s coach, uses symbols like the "wharfie, boat, and chain" metaphor to convey resilience and teamwork.
- Chris Fagan, Brisbane's coach, employed powerful mantras over seasons, such as “walking on thin ice” in 2024 to encourage taking risks despite uncertainty.
- Community Support:
- Fremantle fans are expected to fill the streets of their city, with up to 40,000 supporters anticipated.
- Local events like a licensed gathering at Fremantle Oval and pub gatherings will host thousands more.
- Brisbane fans in Melbourne have established meeting points, such as a suburban pub for Dockers fans and historical venues in Fitzroy.
- Historical Context:
- The Lions aim to secure their third consecutive premiership title.
- In 2024, despite struggling with only four wins from eleven games early on, they rallied under Fagan’s guidance to win two back-to-back flags.
- The theme “run towards the fire” was adopted last year to avoid complacency and keep striving for success.
- Inspiring Speakers:
- Teams have benefited from motivational talks by high-profile individuals.
- Luc Longley, an NBA champion who won three rings alongside Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls, spoke about maintaining drive despite past achievements.
- Fagan’s inspirational messages like "walking on thin ice" and subsequent themes have significantly influenced players’ mindset.
- Fan Engagement in Melbourne:
- Fremantle and Brisbane fans are setting up “homes away from home” in Melbourne to welcome their fellow supporters for the grand final.
- These gatherings provide a sense of community and camaraderie among distant but passionate fan bases.
- Logistical Preparations:
- WA Police have extensive plans to ensure safety during Fremantle’s celebration events, deploying various units including motorbikes, horses, dogs, and riot gear.
In essence, the build-up to this grand final highlights a blend of strategic preparation by coaches, community engagement from fans, and motivational support through significant speakers. This combination sets the stage for an emotionally charged event for both Fremantle and Brisbane, aiming to achieve their respective goals with strong backing from supporters and inspired leadership.
Written for “AFL Grand Final” on 2026-10-05,
grounded in this article and the 45 other(s) covering the same event.
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The 2026 AFL grand final is almost upon us, as the Brisbane Lions look to make history with their second threepeat in 25 years, and the Fremantle Dockers look to win their first flag since joining the league in 1995.
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Dockers → look → 1995
Here's everything you need to know about the game.
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you → need → game
Here are the times according to which state or territory you're in:
uncertain
you → accord → state
- 2.30pm AEST: ACT, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria
- 2pm ACST: Northern Territory, South Australia
- 12.30pm AWST: Western Australia
Which teams are playing in the grand final?
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teams → play → final
The Brisbane Lions are facing off with the Fremantle Dockers.
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Lions → face → Dockers
This is Brisbane's fourth grand final in a row, losing to Collingwood in 2023, before beating Sydney and Geelong in the following years.
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This → lose → years
Should they win, it would be the second threepeat in their history following 2001-2003, and it would see them join Melbourne (1939-41 and 1955-57) as one of the only two teams to record the feat twice in VFL/AFL history.
Meanwhile, Fremantle is yet to win a premiership after joining the league in 1995.
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Fremantle → win → 1995
This is the club's second grand final following its loss to Hawthorn in 2013.
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This → follow → 2013
Over their past six games against each other, the ledger is tied at 3-3, with the Dockers winning their most recent clash at the Gabba in round 13 this year.
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Dockers → tie → round
Can I watch the AFL grand final on Kayo?
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I → watch → Kayo
The grand final vision is exclusive to Channel 7 and won't be shown on Kayo or Fox Sports.
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vision → show → Kayo
It's a deal that catches out punters every year given Kayo and Fox have access to every single other game of the season.
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Kayo → catch → season
The game can be streamed via the 7Plus app, while ABC Sport will be calling every moment and live blogging right throughout the day at abc.net.au/news/sport.
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Sport → stream → abc.net.au/news/sport
What time will Kylie Minogue be performing?
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Minogue → perform → time
Other performers will be G Flip, musical actor Michael Paynter on the national anthem, and of course Mike Brady doing Up There Cazaly during the retiree motorcade.
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performers → do → motorcade
Who will be lining up for the Lions and Dockers?
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Who → line → Lions
Brisbane Lions
FB: T.Gallop, H.Andrews, R.Lester
HB: D.Zorko, D.Gardiner, D.Wilmot
C: Z.Bailey, W.Ashcroft, J.Berry
HF: C.Cameron, L.Morris, O.Allen
FF: K.Lohmann, C.Rayner, E.Hipwood
FOL: D.Fort, J.Dunkley, L.Neale
IC: S.Draper, J.Fletcher, H.McCluggage, L.Ashcroft, C.McKenna
EMG: N.Answerth, B.Reville, C.Curtin
Fremantle Dockers
FB: J.Clark, A.Pearce, J.McVee
HB: K.Worner, O.McDonald, H.Chapman
C: M.Johnson, A.Brayshaw, N.Erasmus
HF: M.Frederick, M.Reid, S.Switkowski
FF: J.Amiss, J.Treacy, P.Voss
FOL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, S.Bolton
IC: I.Dudley, M.Cox, H.Young, C.Wagner, L.Ryan
EMG: B.Cox, J.O'Meara, C.Scerri
Who will present the cup to the winners?
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Who → present → winners
The Lions have picked Simon Black, a Brownlow medallist and champion midfielder from that first threepeat, while the Dockers have gone with Shaun McManus, who debuted in Fremantle's inaugural season before playing 228 games.
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who → pick → games
What are some questions I can drop into the conversation and sound smart as a result?
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I → drop → result
If this is the one time you watch the footy each year, we've got you covered for some conversation starters.
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you → watch → starters
Just reel off any of these:
- "How good is Luke Jackson's work around the ground for a big man?"
- "Doesn't Kai Lohmann just pop up at exactly the time the Lions need him?"
- "Do you reckon Will Ashcroft is cementing himself as one of the all time great finals performers?"
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Ashcroft → reel → performers
- "Do you think the Dockers went too top heavy given the conditions?"
- "Is this Lions team better than the threepeaters in 2001 to 2003?"
- "Should Lachie Neale even be playing?"
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Neale → think → 2003
The Aporia
