Based in rugby heartland, Brisbane cemented their status as the competition’s powerhouse by appearing in their fourth straight grand final, a feat not achieved by any other team in the last decade.
It was heartbreak for Fremantle, hailing from the port city in Western Australia, who had endured a mostly torturous existence since entering the competition in 1995.
A dejected Fremantle side after they were defeated by the Lions during the AFL Grand Final match between Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 26, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo / Getty Images
The Dockers’ only previous grand final appearance ended in bitter disappointment in 2013 when they lost to Hawthorn by 15 points.
A dynamic game similar to Ireland’s Gaelic football, Australian rules is the country’s most popular spectator sport.
The veteran Brisbane side entered as favourites, aiming to match the Lions’ legendary team of 2001-03 who won three successive titles.
But Fremantle had come of age this year, finishing the home and away season on top of the ladder.
Both teams relish playing an aggressive style, but scoring opportunities were difficult early on in the slippery conditions.
Fremantle’s superior leg speed threatened to open the game up, but Brisbane’s experience came to the fore in big moments.
Irishman Conor McKenna slotted a superb goal deep in the right pocket in the second quarter to inspire the Lions, but the champions could not pull away.
For the second straight grand final, scores were deadlocked at half-time but the inspired Dockers kicked on to build a lead.
They appeared set to claim their maiden title when Patrick Voss stretched the lead to 17 points, before Morris helped to wrest the match from their grasp.
– AFP