Lions’ Finals Run Begins Now: Brisbane’s AFL Giants Eye September

The Brisbane Lions open their 2026 AFL finals campaign this weekend, carrying the weight of a top-two finish and a city’s expectations into a sudden-death clash at the Gabba. Saturday’s qualifying final against the Greater Western Sydney Giants shapes as the ultimate test of whether this group can finally turn regular-season dominance into premiership success.

The Lions have not won a flag since 2003, but this year’s squad-buoyed by a midfield that averages more clearances per game than any other in the competition-has looked increasingly like the real deal. Coach Chris Fagan has rotated his bench deep all season, and the side’s ability to sustain pressure for four quarters has been its trademark. Recent history shows that message is being taken seriously, as the Giants’ own credentials were underlined last week in a powerful win over Geelong, a result that reminded everyone they are capable of a deep finals run themselves.

Form, fitness and the Gabba factor

Saturday’s match will be played at the Gabba, a venue where the Lions lost just once all season. That home-ground advantage has been a constant for Brisbane’s players, but the Giants are no strangers to hostile crowds on the road. GWS’s win over the Cats last round was built on contested ball and defensive intensity-the same weapons Brisbane will bring to the contest. The qualifying final is scheduled for a 7:25pm AEST start on Saturday, with the winner advancing directly to a preliminary final at the MCG. The loser will face an elimination semi-final the following week against the highest remaining seed.

Brisbane’s forward line will be key. The Lions have kicked three or more goals in 14 of their 22 home games this year, a strike rate that makes them one of the most efficient offensive units in the league. Defensively, they have conceded fewer than 75 points per game on home turf, and the inclusion of a fit-again Jack Payne in the back six has tightened that structure further. Still, GWS’s ability to transition quickly from defence to attack means the Lions will need to stay switched on through every phase of play.

In terms of personnel, the Lions will field an unchanged squad from the one that closed the regular season with a 20-point win over Collingwood. Forwards Charlie Cameron and Eric Hipwood both booted three goals that day, and the midfield trio of Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley and Dayne Zorko has been rotating through stoppages with impressive continuity. The only lingering fitness concern continues to center around ruckman Oscar McInerney, who has been managing a minor calf issue but is expected to play through it.

What happens next

If Brisbane wins on Saturday night, it will travel to the MCG the following weekend for a preliminary final against either Melbourne or Port Adelaide. Victory there would deliver the Lions their first Grand Final appearance since 2004. A loss, by contrast, would send them back to the Gabba for a do-or-die semi-final just a week later. Either way, the Lions control their own destiny-and the city will be watching. Saturday’s qualifying final should also be covered by broadcasters, including Fox Footy and Channel 7. Tickets are still available via Ticketek, though gate sales are expected to be brisk.