Conor McKenna and Brisbane Lions defeat Fremantle in AFL Grand Final

Brisbane Lions Late Surge Overwhelms Fremantle

The Brisbane Lions sealed their victory with a devastating final-quarter surge, overturning a 17-point deficit by nailing four goals in the final four minutes. Forwards Logan Morris and Charlie Cameron combined for six goals across the match to drag the Lions across the line. Morris secured the decisive lead in the final 60 seconds by kicking truly after taking a strong contested mark, before subsequently sealing the contest with a composed snap from 40 metres out.

Fremantle, contesting their first Grand Final since 2013, pushed the back-to-back defending champions to the limit. The ladder-toppers disrupted Brisbane’s rhythm in the first half by forcing risky corridor play, leaving the scoreboard tied at 43 points apiece at halftime. Command shifted to the Dockers during the third quarter, but a leg injury to captain Alex Pearce opened a crucial vulnerability in their backline that Brisbane immediately exploited with three straight majors.

Conor McKenna Makes History at the MCG

Conor McKenna’s decisive contribution arrived in the second quarter when he instinctively poked a difficult finish between the sticks, adding to a standout individual campaign that previously saw him win the AFL Goal of the Year award for an effort against Collingwood. The versatile utility player previously tasted inter-county glory by winning an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title with Tyrone in 2021 before forging a successful career in the AFL.

By helping Brisbane secure their sixth top-flight title and their second three-peat of the modern era—emulating the club’s 2001-03 dynasty—McKenna mirrored the cross-code achievement of Tadhg Kennelly, who won an All-Ireland with Kerry before winning a Premiership with the Sydney Swans. Fremantle’s 32-season wait for a premiership continues, while Brisbane cements its status as the competition’s benchmark.