Lions Roar into Fourth Consecutive AFL Grand Final

The Brisbane Lions are set to make history on Saturday as they strive for their fourth consecutive AFL grand final victory, despite having a largely revamped squad. The team's relentless and exciting style of play has been a hallmark of their success over the past half-decade.

Under the surface, however, significant changes have taken place. The Lions will have fielded 35 different players across their four-year grand final run, with only 11 players having participated in all four games - less than half of their 23-man squad. This fluidity is not unique to the Lions, as all football teams undergo changes over time. However, Brisbane's transformation is more pronounced than most dynasties.

A New Generation of Players

Despite the changes, the Lions' style of play remains largely intact. Coach Chris Fagan's distinctive approach has been instrumental in ensuring the team's continued success, even as they retool. The 2026 Lions are still a force to be reckoned with, albeit a different one from 2023.

"It's very exciting to be in the position where we could achieve something like that," Fagan said after their thrilling win over Hawthorn. "But it's not worth thinking about that — if you know what I mean — because you (can) get caught up in thinking the wrong way."

The Lions' Identity and Style of Play

The Lions' identity and style of play have remained remarkably consistent. They continue to kick the ball more than any other team in the competition, a trend that has persisted since 2024. In their recent game against Hawthorn, the Lions and Hawks handballed the ball a combined 92 times, a rare occurrence in the modern game.

The Lions' midfield group, bolstered by the return of Lachie Neale from suspension, is arguably the best in the competition. Their forward line, which features a dynamic mix of players, is capable of scoring from all areas of the ground. Seven core Brisbane forwards average more than a goal a game, a testament to their firepower.

Defensive Vulnerabilities

However, the Lions' defense has shown vulnerabilities, particularly against direct play. Teams have successfully targeted the Brisbane defense by moving the ball quickly and directly, as seen in the Sydney Swans' qualifying final win and Hawthorn's recent encounter.

"We've proven in the previous couple of grand finals and throughout the year — and the past few years — that we can keep teams to a limited score. We certainly don't go into the game going we need to kick 120 (points) to win," defender Ryan Lester said.

Despite these concerns, the Lions are well-equipped to adapt and respond to their opponents. With their strong midfield and forward line, Brisbane remains a formidable opponent, capable of overcoming their defensive vulnerabilities to secure another premiership.