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

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

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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

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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