Key posts
The finals schedule
Here is a look at the format for this year’s finals.
Adams still dizzy, Wilmot ready to shine
By Roy Ward
Brisbane Lions defensive coach Murray Davis says veteran defender Marcus Adams is still not ready to return from a concussion.
Adams was at training this week but still needs time to get back to full fitness.
’He’s at that stage where whenever he gets his heart-rate up he gets dizzy spells and that type of stuff so his health is paramount,” Davis told Fox Footy.
“We are hopeful but he just needs to take it easy at the moment.”
Davis said debutante Darcy Wilmot would bring plenty of the side with his speed and energetic ways.
“He will bring plenty of energy, his energy is infectious and he was unlucky to have not already made his debut,” Davis said.
“But his temperament is such that it will hold him in good stead in a game like this.”
‘It’s been a little bit of a distraction’: Hardwick on Martin drama
By Roy Ward
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick says the drama around Dustin Martin have been a bit of a distraction to his side as their prepared for tonight’s game.
“The boys are pretty good,” Hardwick told Fox Footy.
Dustin Martin.Credit:AFL Photos
“These things happen in footy clubs from time to time. We’ve dealt with issues before and we will deal with more issues again at some stage.
“It’s been a little bit of a distraction but the boys just move on with it.
“The guys are here to get the job done.”
Listen: Real Footy Podcast – ‘Playing with house money’
This week on the Real Footy podcast, Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Caroline Wilson look ahead to finals and an intriguing first week of match-ups.
All the finals action kicks off on Thursday night when Brisbane host Richmond at the Gabba. Can the Tigers go all the way this year? How much will their recent home-and-away clash be a guide for this elimination final? Will the weight of expectation help Richmond and hurt Brisbane? Are the Lions good enough to win the flag?
No late changes – medical subs named
Neither the Lions or Tigers have made a late change.
Shane Edwards (Tigers) and Callum Ah Chee (Lions) have been named as the medical subs.
Wilmot makes Brisbane history
Darcy Wilmot will make history for the Brisbane Lions tonight as the first-year playmaker makes his AFL debut in a finals game.
No Brisbane Lions player has debuted in a final, at least until tonight.
The finals schedule
Here is a look at the format for this year’s finals.
Good evening
G’day everyone. I’m Roy Ward and I’ll be leading the way for our live blog for tonight’s AFL elimination final between the Brisbane Lions v Richmond Tigers at the Gabba in Brisbane.
The winner will progress to next week’s elimination semi-finals and the loser will be out.
We will be firing away from pre-game until well after the final siren and you can leave a comment on the blog at any time.
Please enjoy the evening to come, first bounce is set for 7.20pm AEST.
