{
  "id": 8535476,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-19T21:03:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "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 abundant experience to secure a historic three-peat in the AFL premiership. The Lions, two-time reigning premiers, have qualified for a fourth consecutive grand final following a dominant 20.11 (131) to 19.8 (122) victory over Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday. To clinch a third consecutive title, the Lions must overcome minor premiers Fremantle at the MCG next Saturday.\n\nFagan emphasized the significance of the opportunity, stating, \"It's very exciting to be in the position where we can achieve something like that.\" However, he cautioned against fixating on the outcome, saying, \"We just have to get back, recover well, come back down and just follow our process.\"\n\nThe Lions last faced Fremantle at the Gabba on May 30, when they suffered a 25-point defeat amid a challenging run of form. Despite that loss, the Lions possess valuable experience entering their first final against the Dockers, who are seeking their first premiership. Nineteen of Brisbane's 23 players have previously won flags, while Fremantle's only premiership players are Shai Bolton, Luke Jackson, and Mason Cox.\n\nFagan acknowledged the Lions' resilience, noting, \"There was a bit to like about that game. That was our third loss in a row when we went through that bad patch.\" He stressed that experience will be an asset for the Lions, but it won't guarantee victory.\n\nReflecting on Brisbane's heartbreaking 2023 grand final loss to Collingwood, Fagan admitted, \"I've thought to myself at different times, maybe if we had got it right that day we would have been three in a row already.\" However, he assured, \"We're going to get a chance. We'll have some fun trying to achieve it.\"\n\nThe Lions face a decision on whether to recall defender Noah Answerth, who missed the preliminary final due to an ankle injury. Answerth would typically cover Hawks star Nick Watson, who nearly secured the game with six goals. Fagan expressed uncertainty about the team selection, saying, \"He was relatively close. We'll see how he goes and what their team looks like. Whether we think we've got the right team already and we don't make a change—or whether we do. They're always hard decisions to make. We're fortunate to be in that position, but you always feel for the person who misses out.\"",
  "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",
        "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",
        "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."
}