On the hunt once again in 2026, the Brisbane Lions travel south to face the Sydney Swans in a blockbuster Qualifying Final at the SCG. A home prelim final is on the line as the Lions and Swans do battle for the third time this season.

Brisbane locked in a top four spot and secured third position with a dominant 159-96 victory over Collingwood at the MCG in Round 24, headlined by an eight-goal performance from the sensation that is Logan Morris.

That 63-point demolition sent a warning shot across the competition, as Chris Fagan’s men enter September riding 10 wins from their last 11 matches. Meanwhile, Sydney finished their home-and-away campaign in second place following a gutsy 123-70 win against North Melbourne in Round 24.

Marquee recruit Charlie Curnow booted three majors in that victory to seal his third Coleman Medal with a comical final tally 69 goals for the season.

These two rivals have plenty of recent September history, having clashed in the 2024 Grand Final where the Lions claimed a dominant 120-60 triumph.

Their 2026 home-and-away series was split down the middle, with the Swans taking the Round 1 opener 104-60 before Brisbane responded with a convincing 126-83 victory in Round 16.

With Sydney dealing missing key personnel and Brisbane hitting peak form at the right time, this finals matchup promises fireworks from the opening bounce.

The old foes QLD and NSW do battle all over again, the winner books a home prelim, the loser risks crashing out in straight sets.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions Qualifying Final prediction and preview below.

Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Swans needed a breather and they have finally had one after navigating through off-field drama over the past fortnight.

Now, though, Dean Cox's men face a formidable task against a rampaging Brisbane outfit. Minus key stars Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner, keeping pace with the reigning premiers will be anything but easy.

With Errol Gulden left to fight the lone hand in the middle, expect Lions coach Chris Fagan to send tagging specialist Jarrod Berry his way to restrict Sydney's main distributor.

When these two sides met earlier this season in Round 16, the Lions went bang with a stunning 43-point victory over a full-strength Swans lineup.

That emphatic display will weigh heavily on this contest as Brisbane looks to assert their midfield authority once again.

Dean Cox will need to inspire his crew and convince them they can pull off a finals upset on home turf. However, the Lions possess supreme self-belief and walk into September as a near full-strength juggernaut ready to book another Preliminary Final berth.

They’ve done this before and we reckon they’ll do it again – Lions should be booking a prelim finals berth this weekend.

Head-to-head prediction: Brisbane Lions by 30 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

After kicking eight goals in a remarkable outing against Collingwood in Round 24, Logan Morris enters this finals series in sizzling form.

The dynamic young forward has become a key point in Brisbane's attacking setup alongside Charlie Cameron, Kai Lohmann and Cam Rayner. With Sydney's defensive structure re-shuffled, Morris will be eager to exploit any early lapse in concentration inside 50.

We expect the Lions to find their in-form target early and watch him get the goalscoring started at the SCG.

Betting tip: Logan Morris.

Most Disposals Prediction

This market shapes up as a three-horse race between Lachie Neale, Will Ashcroft, and Errol Gulden.

Gulden is actually averaging more disposals than both Lions stars this season and Sydney's depleted midfield means the Swans are relying on him more than ever.

The All-Australian wingman has been in ridiculous touch, accumulating 39, 47 and 41 disposals across his last three starts alone.

While Jarrod Berry will likely be giving Errol plenty of attention, Gulden’s elite motor and his role as Sydney’s primary distributor should see him rack up plenty anyways.

Betting tip: Errol Gulden.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Charlie Curnow 3+ goals, Logan Morris 3+ goals, Errol Gulden 30+ disposals, Will Ashcroft 30+ disposals, Over total match points.

Odds are subject to change.*

Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions Predicted Teams

Sydney Swans Predicted Team List

FB: Callum Mills, Lewis Melican, Dane Rampe

HB: Sam Wicks, Tom McCartin, Harry Kyle

C: Matthew Roberts, Errol Gulden, Jai Serong

HF: Jake Lloyd, Logan McDonald, Braeden Campbell

FF: Tom Papley, Charlie Curnow, Hayden McLean

FOLL: Brodie Grundy, James Rowbottom, Angus Sheldrick

I/C: Will Green, Jesse Dattoli, Harry Cunningham, Caiden Cleary, Billy Cootee

Brisbane Lions Predicted Team List

FB: Noah Answerth, Harris Andrews, Ryan Lester

HB: Dayne Zorko, Ty Gallop, Darcy Wilmot

C: Jaspa Fletcher, Lachie Neale, Jarrod Berry

HF: Cameron Rayner, Logan Morris, Charlie Cameron

FF: Kai Lohmann, Oscar Allen, Eric Hipwood

FOLL: Sam Draper, Josh Dunkley, Will Ashcroft

I/C: Zac Bailey, Hugh McCluggage, Levi Ashcroft, Conor McKenna, Darcy Fort

Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions Match Details

Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026.

First Bounce: 3:15pm AEST

Location: SCG, Sydney

How to Watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports