{
  "id": 8534494,
  "title": "Lions to take one big advantage into grand final showdown with Freo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/lions-to-take-one-big-advantage-into-grand-final-showdown-with-freo",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-19T21:03:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-20/brisbane-lions-lean-on-experience-afl-grand-final-fremantle/107173414"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has encouraged the Lions to capitalize on their experience in order to secure their first AFL premiership three-peat. The Lions, who qualified for a fourth consecutive grand final following a 20.11 (131) to 19.8 (122) victory over Hawthorn, have the potential to join Brisbane's 2001-03 and Hawthorn's 2013-15 teams as modern-day sides achieving back-to-back wins. Brisbane coach Fagan emphasized the importance of staying focused on their process rather than fixating on the prospect of a three-peat. While the Lions last faced Fremantle at the Gabba on May 30, ending in a 25-point defeat, their experience gives them an edge against the Dockers, who are seeking their first title. Most of the Lions' players have already won championships, whereas Fremantle's only premiership players are Shai Bolton, Luke Jackson, and Mason Cox. Fagan acknowledged the Lions' strong record in this situation, noting that it will provide them with a slight advantage. He also addressed the possibility of recalling defender Noah Answerth, who missed the preliminary final due to an ankle injury, and left the decision to the coaching staff to evaluate the team's readiness.",
  "summary": "Brisbane coach Chris Fagan urges the Lions to lean into their experience to seize the rare prize of an AFL premiership three-peat.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Lions to take one big advantage into grand final showdown with Freo",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/lions-to-take-one-big-advantage-into-grand-final-showdown-with-freo-8535476",
        "published": "2026-09-19T21:03:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}