Sydney defeats Brisbane in qualifying final at the SCG

Sydney defeated Brisbane by 53 points in a qualifying final played at the SCG on Saturday. Despite entering the match as favorites against a Sydney side missing five suspended players, Brisbane failed to control the contest across all three lines. Sydney relied on strong performances from its forward line, where Logan McDonald kicked six goals, while Tom Papley and Charlie Curnow each added five. Brisbane coach Chris Fagan expressed frustration after the loss, questioning his players' mentality and level of preparation for the physical intensity of the match. Sydney dominated the midfield, securing six goals directly from center clearances to build an insurmountable lead. Brisbane must now recalibrate following the decisive exit from the expected standard of play.

• 10:06 AMAFL — 'We've got work to do': Fagan questions Lions' mentality