The MCG came alive on Saturday for the 2024 AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions, as 100,013 fans packed the 'G for the biggest AFL match of the year.
The atmosphere was electric in the lead up to the 2.30pm bounce with fans enjoying the pre-match action.
Kicking off the on-field action was the 2024 Marsh AFL National Futures Boys match, won by ‘Team Heppell’, who took out a thrilling come-from-behind victory over ‘Team Sloane’.
Named for retiring Essendon champion Dyson Heppell, Team Heppell recovered a 25-point deficit to win 9.16 (70) to 9.9 (63) over Team Sloane, named for retiring Adelaide Crows legend Rory Sloane.
The traditional AFL Grand Final motorcade featured retiring stars and Olympians alike in a fitting tribute.
Mike Brady kicked off the entertainment portion of the day with a rendition of the traditional football anthem, Up There Cazaly.
Katy Perry’s much-anticipated pre-game performance exceeded expectations with a futuristic show that featured hits both old and new that got fans dancing in their seats.
Fans around the stadium were bursting with excitement as the Swans and Lions ran through their banners for the biggest match of the year.
The importance of the occasion was not lost on either side and the match started slowly with minor scores coming through from both teams.
While Sydney may have scored the first major courtesy of Will Hayward, closely followed by another from Tom Papley, once the Lions hit the scoreboard with consecutive goals from Kai Lohmann, they didn’t look back.
The 18.12 (120) to 9.6 (60) victory is one for the history books for the Brisbane side who took home their first flag since 2003 with the 60-point victory.
Brisbane’s Will Ashcroft was crowned Norm Smith Medallist, while co-captains Harris Andrews and Lachie Neale won the inaugural Ron Barassi Medal.
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