Hawthorn Hawks host Brisbane Lions in AFL preliminary final

The Guardian Sport1 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 6:18 AM

Last updated Sep 19, 2026

Hawthorn Hawks host Brisbane Lions in AFL preliminary final
Summary

The Hawthorn Hawks face the Brisbane Lions in an AFL preliminary final at the MCG, with the match starting at 5:15 PM AEST. This matchup comes earlier than anticipated, as Hawthorn previously expected to meet Brisbane only in the grand final. Hawthorn secured their place after a significant qualifying final victory over Fremantle, allowing them to observe the competition unfold before this key clash. The winner will advance to play Fremantle in the grand final next Saturday.

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By the Numbers
  • Match starts at 5:15 PM AEST at the MCG.
  • Hawthorn previously defeated Fremantle in the qualifying final.
  • Brisbane has been the two-time reigning premiers.
  • Winner will face Fremantle in the grand final next Saturday.
Latest Updates
  • 6:18 AMThe Guardian SportHawthorn Hawks v Brisbane Lions: AFL preliminary final – live
What they're saying
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Updates as the Hawks host the reigning premiers at the MCG Start time in Melbourne is 5.15pm AEST Sign up for our AFL newsletter | Any thoughts? Send an email Hello and welcome to live coverage of the AFL preliminary final between Hawthorn and Brisbane at the MCG. The winner of this game will face Fremantle in the AFL grand final at the MCG next Saturday. Hawthorn have been able to sit back and watch as all but two other teams have dropped out of contention since their rollicking qualifying final victory against the Dockers. As the final siren sealed that rousing triumph on the road, the widely held view was that Sam Mitchell’s side would avoid meeting Brisbane until a possible grand final matchup. But a finals series very rarely, if ever, follows the script – and here we are, a week earlier than forecast, with the Hawks instead crossing paths with the two-time reigning premiers for a spot in the decider. Sign up for our free weekly AFL newsletter – From the Pocket Continue reading...

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