<p>This year, someone gets revenge. Will it be the 2023 runner-up, Brisbane? Or the 2022 runner-up, Sydney?</p> <p>The Swans have been the premier team almost all season. They had a lull late in the piece but for the most part, they’ve been the clearcut No. 1 seed.</p> <p>Their opponents have taken a much longer route. The Lions began 0-3, had to answer questions about an off-season trip and questions about the quality of their coach before going on a ferocious run to pinch a home Elimination Final.</p> <p>They then went on the road for two truly famous away wins over Greater Western Sydney and Geelong.<br /> <br /> So, one had a cuddly path to the decider, and one has taken an eventful, far more difficult route to Grand Final day. Which one is the correct avenue? Let’s see whether we can work that out.</p> <p>For the latest AFL Grand Final odds, analysis, players to watch and more, check out my AFL Grand Final tips and predictions below, or follow me <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/feed/profile/view/56/ist_ambassador_deeplink_action">on the feed</a> and see them there!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions Prediction and Preview</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, September 28, 2:30pm AEST – MCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>First things first, both teams love to attack. In an era where 16 clubs preach defence and contest until the cows come home, these two squads love to play the game like we did when we were kids. Spread the ground, kick the ball around and score heavily.</p> <p>The Lions were struggling to score in the first half last week when the Cats defended staunchly but in the second half they were able to stretch the ground, pull apart the Geelong defensive system and score freely. They banged through nine goals in quarters three and four!</p> <p>With the added length and width of the MCG, both teams should be able to sizzle the ball around and create scoring opportunities.</p> <p>When we go to plan B, I prefer what the Lions have done in chaos and in contest. Sydney have been really vulnerable when the short kick, uncontested mark into handball receive game has been taken away.</p> <p>With bodies like Rayner, Dunkley, Berry and Bailey, the Lions have looked good in chaotic and physical situations.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Players to Watch</h3> <p>Naturally, Grand Final day presents us with superstar performers across the deck. Sydney’s on-ball crew is amazing.</p> <p>67 goals between Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney whilst Errol Gulden is close enough to un-taggable such is his willingness and ability to run the wings.</p> <p>Add in Tom Papley, who has resumed off injury with his usual energy and zest and the Swans are more than built to dominate a game around the ball.</p> <p>In the Lions’ camp, we know about Neale and we know about the forwards but Zorko and Andrews down back are an amazing duo. Andrews is the 200cm road block who almost won the game for his team in the 2023 Grand Final. A Swans forward will be assigned to keep him away from the ball.</p> <p>Charlie Cameron and Joe Daniher need to explode. Six goals between them against Collingwood in the 2023 decider - you get the feeling they’ll need to do at least that here to secure a Lion victory.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Wildcards to Watch</h3> <p>For Sydney, it’s Tom Papley. He can explode and he can breathe life into the Swans squad at any moment. Should the game be suffocated by pressure or errors, the small Swan in No. 11 is the one who can ignite the rest of his team mates. Brandon Starcevich will likely get the job.</p> <p>For Brisbane, it’s got to be Charlie Cameron. His season has been stagnant, he’s really never truly got going but he was rock solid in the preliminary final and I see no reason why he cannot erupt in this clash.</p> <p>Harry Cunningham has an excellent record against him - he will know that! Players like Cameron only need a few moments to impact the game greatly. He will get those moments, and he needs to make those moments count.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>AFL Grand Final Predicted Winner</h3> <p>I love this match-up. The corridor ball use of the Swans versus the precision and power of the Lions.</p> <p>Jordon goes to Neale - or does he go to Zorko? Dunkley will take on Heeney and Berry will run with Gulden.</p> <p>The game is set to be an absolute classic. Perhaps even 100+ each and one we will never ever forget!</p> <p>I was with them in 2023, and I picked ‘em again to start 2024. There have been some wobbly moments, but they made it back, so give me the Lions to avenge the 2023 defeat with a 2024 premiership victory.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> Brisbane Lions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Norm Smith Medal (Man of the Match) Prediction</h3> <p>Harris Andrews is my pick. He’s gigantic odds and can be amazingly impactful without touching the ball 20 times.</p> <p>Enjoy this one, folks. She could be an all-timer!</p>