Remarkably it will be a 125-year rematch (of sorts), as the last time the Swans and Lions faced off for the flag was the 1899 VFL Grand Final, back when both clubs were based in Victoria as South Melbourne and Fitzroy respectively.

The Swans last played in a grand final in 2022, but lost to the Geelong Cats. The Lions won the two previous grand finals in 2002 and 2001. They made it to the grand final last year, but lost to Collingwood.

For the first time since 2006 two non-Victorian teams will contest the AFL Grand Final at the MCG, and flights and accommodation are as much of a battle as tickets.

Brisbane Lions fans know the drill, but that won’t make grand final week any less nerve-racking as they prepare to take on the Swans in the AFL decider on Saturday.

The Brisbane Lions have produced another thrilling escape act to overcome Geelong by 10 points and reach a second consecutive AFL grand final.

The Cats and Lions meet at the MCG with a place in the AFL grand final up for grabs. Join Craig Little for updates

The Brisbane Lions will fly to Melbourne on Wednesday, a day earlier than last year, as they attempt to atone for their heartbreaking 2023 grand final defeat.