AFL finals: Brisbane Lions keep three-peat dream alive as last-gasp McCluggage goal breaks Hawthorn hearts

Source: Guardian Sport 5 hours ago

Lions defeat Hawks 20.11 (131) to 19.8 (122) in AFL preliminary final

Reigning premiers to meet Fremantle in 2026 grand final at the MCG

Brisbane will face Fremantle for a shot at a premiership “three-peat” after surviving an almighty last-quarter fightback from Hawthorn to win an all-time great AFL preliminary final by nine points.

A controversial holding-the-ball decision against Hawks defender Jarman Impey gave Hugh McCluggage a free kick and he kicked the match-deciding goal with 18 seconds left.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/sep/19/afl-finals-hawthorn-hawks-brisbane-lions-hugh-mccluggage-preliminary-final-report

AFL finals: Brisbane Lions keep three-peat dream alive as last-gasp McCluggage goal breaks Hawthorn hearts

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