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Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Grand Final

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

SATURDAY

Sydney v Brisbane, MCG, 12.30pm

Redemption looms as the overarching theme for this year’s grand final, with Sydney and Brisbane chasing premiership glory to douse grand final heartbreak of the past two seasons.

Importantly for the Swans, it seems coach John Longmire and his coaching panel have learnt from their mistakes by making an early call to rule out hamstrung skipper Callum Mills. There was no repeat of the Sam Reid debacle from two years ago. It leaves the Swans unchanged and without any disruption as they seek atonement for 2014, 2016 and 2022 grand final losses.

Brisbane return to the MCG 12 months after being narrowly denied by Collingwood. Darcy Fort is the sole change, replacing Oscar McInerney (shoulder). He is a senior body and a competitive beast and knows his job is to ensure Sydney’s dynamic midfield can’t be proactive at stoppages, especially inside the centre square. If Brisbane at least break even there, a multitude of attacking options could prove telling.

VERDICT: Brisbane to win 

Norm Smith Medal: Hugh McCluggage

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