AFL LIVE: Brisbane Lions, Adelaide Crows fight for preliminary final spot against Hawthorn

The Brisbane Lions and Adelaide Crows are set to face off in a knockout semi-final at the Gabba. The Lions, who are the reigning premiers and have won the last two seasons, are hoping to keep their three-peat dream alive after a shock loss to Sydney in last week's qualifying final.

The Crows, on the other hand, are seeking a return to the preliminary final against Hawthorn after a stirring elimination final win over the Bulldogs. According to ABC News AU, one change for Brisbane is the return of Ty Gallop due to an injury to Noah Answerth, while the Crows have dropped Isaac Cumming to make room for young Zac Taylor.

The stakes are high, with only five teams and four games remaining in the 2026 AFL season. The winner of this semi-final will secure a preliminary final date with Hawthorn next week.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Age, ABC News AU, ABC News, The Sydney Morning Herald — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.