Our tipsters give their expert predictions for the grand final and explain their picks. Plus, their tip for the Norm Smith Medal.
Greg Baum
Sydney by 15 points
The Swans have set the pace all season and remain the team to beat at the end. Yes, there was a six-match stretch in which they beat only North Melbourne, but it is the nature of modern footy that every team has lulls, and they haven’t lost since. They’re even, consistent, more rested and ready. After a 0-3 start, the Lions have met every challenge, and have enough individual brilliance to upset the Swans. It’ll be close.
Norm Smith: Chad Warner
Popular pick: Three of our experts think Chad Warner will take home Norm.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Libby Birch
Sydney by 21 points
Given Isaac Heeney’s impressive form and the way Sydney expertly dismantled Port Adelaide, this team will be tough to beat. Their ability to slice through opposing defences with precise foot skills and quick ball movement will present a significant challenge for Brisbane on the MCG turf.
Norm Smith: Isaac Heeney
Kane Cornes
Sydney by nine points
The Swans’ match-winners slightly overshadow the Brisbane Lions’ stars, and additionally, their bottom five players are far superior to Brisbane’s bottom five.
Norm Smith: Chad Warner
Michael Gleeson
Sydney by 16 points
There’s momentum with Brisbane and they have the two best key position players at either end of the ground in Harris Andrews and Joe Daniher. But Sydney have been the best team all year and with Lions ruck Oscar McInerney out the Swans should have an edge. The pace of the Swans’ mids will be important.
Norm Smith: Isaac Heeney
Emma Kearney
Brisbane Lions by eight points
Brisbane have grown enormous confidence after their last two finals wins. They know they are never out of the contest. Their ability to slice teams up with their elite foot skills will worry Sydney’s team defence on the bigger ground at the ’G.
Norm Smith: Joe Daniher
Sam McClure
Brisbane Lions by three points
While Sydney have undoubtedly been the best team all year, Brisbane’s fate is written in the stars. They will be too tough for the Swans.
Norm Smith: Joe Daniher
Will Joe Daniher and the Lions be celebrating on the last Saturday in September?Credit: AFL Photos
Marc McGowan
Brisbane Lions by 11 points
The Lions were my pre-season tip, and I jumped off them at 2-5, but their generally strong finish convinced me again they were the best team in 2024. Chris Fagan has an excellent midfield, match-winners all across the ground, and no glaring weaknesses, plus the experience of playing in last year’s grand final.
Norm Smith: Joe Daniher
Jake Niall
Brisbane Lions by six points
While Sydney have been in pole position, the Lions have the momentum and, most crucially, a more even spread of talent across the field and superior bookends – Joe Daniher and Harris Andrews. In comparison, the Swans have a greater reliance on a handful, especially Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner. The extra week’s rest is less consequential.
Norm Smith: Josh Dunkley
Jon Pierik
Brisbane Lions by two points
These fast-starting Lions fear nothing, as shown in their comeback wins over GWS and Geelong. They know what to expect on Saturday and, should they control the tempo through their uncontested marks, they have the match winners to get the job done.
Norm Smith: Hugh McCluggage
Peter Ryan
Sydney by 14 points
They had their obligatory finals scare in the qualifying final and have the form, class and preparation to prevail against an opponent who is proving hard to put down. Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner remain the keys to victory.
Norm Smith: Chad Warner
Mathew Stokes
Sydney by 21 points
The consistency and output of the Swans’ lesser names will be the difference in the big moments that will decide the game.
Norm Smith: Nick Blakey
Marnie Vinall
Sydney by eight points
You might as well flip a coin to tip this year’s premiers. Feels like it could go either way and I’m just hoping for a close one. As for the Norm, just feels like Isaac Heeney is due something after the year, and in particular finals series, he’s had.
Norm Smith: Isaac Heeney
Caroline Wilson
Brisbane Lions by 15
The MCG holds no fear for the faster, battle-hardened Lions. I’m tipping Brisbane’s star-studded youth and experience will ensure the best-performed side of the second half of the season atones for 2023.
Norm Smith: Joe Daniher
Andrew Wu
Sydney by 11 points
In a grand final between two seasoned teams hardened by past failures, the midfield dominance of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Errol Gulden will go a long way to giving John Longmire his second flag as coach against a Lions team that will be close to running on fumes in the second half after a torrid September run.
Norm Smith: Isaac Heeney
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