AFL finals 2023 LIVE updates: Blues fans descend on Gabba ahead of Lions clash, McStay out of grand final for Pies

AFL finals 2023 LIVE updates: Blues fans descend on Gabba ahead of Lions clash, McStay out of grand final for Pies

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Grand final heartbreak for McStay

Collingwood forward Dan McStay’s grand final dream has been cruelly shattered after scans revealed he had suffered a high-grade medial ligament injury in the Magpies’ epic preliminary final win.

The heartbreaking diagnosis for McStay comes as the Pies sweat on the match review officer’s assessment on Nick Daicos over a tackle that resulted in Greater Western Sydney forward Brent Daniels missing the frantic closing minutes of Friday night’s game. The Pies, though, are confident Daicos will have no case to answer.

Dan McStay is consoled by teammates after Collingwood’s preliminary final victory.Credit: AFL Photos

McStay had been hoping for the best after undergoing scans on Saturday morning but his worst fears were realised several hours later.

“It’s unfortunate to confirm that Dan has sustained a high-grade medial ligament injury during last night’s preliminary final with an expected recovery time of six to eight weeks,” Pies football boss Graeme Wright said.

Read more here

Welcome back Carlton, we think we missed you

By Greg Baum

At risk of stroking the bear, welcome back Carlton.

We think. Maybe. Let’s see.

Let’s face it, except to their myriad fans, the Blues were never the most loveable of clubs. They didn’t try to be.

The Blues react after their semi-final win over Melbourne..Credit: Eddie Jim

If the history of modern Carlton began with the coup that was the recruiting of Ron Barassi in 1965, it can be said that from that time on, they played hard ball.

Then, they were the only club that could give tyrannical Richmond a run for their money. They weren’t bullies as such, but they were cocky. Think Collingwood, but with lots of premierships. Seven in 20 years, to be precise. Between the Blues and the Tigers, they personified footy then: you couldn’t take your eyes off anything they did.

Click here to read the story.

Listen: Real Footy podcast

Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall discuss an incredible second weekend of finals, from Carlton snatching victory from Melbourne to GWS rolling on against Port Adelaide.

What chance are the Blues to get the win in Brisbane?

And where to from here for Melbourne? Plus, remembering Ron Barassi and much more.

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Welcome

By Damien Ractliffe

Hello and welcome to our AFL live blog for the preliminary final between Brisbane Lions and Carlton Blues.

Brisbane haven’t played in a grand final since 2004, Carlton 1999. One of these sides is set to break a long grand final drought, and face Collingwood at the MCG next Saturday.

First bounce is set for 5.15pm AEST.

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