{"id":91557,"date":"2026-09-22T12:55:27","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T02:55:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/?p=91557"},"modified":"2026-09-22T13:40:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T03:40:19","slug":"2026-afl-grand-final-tips-predictions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2026\/09\/2026-afl-grand-final-tips-predictions\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 AFL Grand Final Tips &amp; Predictions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Brisbane Lions and Fremantle are the two clubs left standing as we look ahead to the most anticipated Saturday September holds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chris Fagan&#8217;s Lions hope to match their previous glory years by winning a third straight flag and cement their status as a dynasty, while the Dockers aim to not only cause an upset, but also add their first piece of silverware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Truth be told, the chances of this game matching last week&#8217;s unbelievable Preliminary Final between Hawthorn and Brisbane are slim, but with storylines across the paddock and unexpected selection drama at the Tribunal through the week, this game has all the makings of a dramatic decider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Can the Lions pull off a three-peat? Or will the Dockers become the first team since Collingwood in 2023 to win the minor premiership and go on to win the flag?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Best bets, value, and a Norm Smith Medal prediction can be found in our 2026 AFL Grand Final Predictions below!<\/p>\n\n\n<style><\/style><div data-league=\"AFL\" data-event=\"champion-129910501-60-20\" data-market=\"null\" data-sport=\"australian_rules\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner wp-block-entain-sport-takeover-banner-block_d22070eaea730f62f5cbfd3555be4b90 sport-data\">    <section class=\"sport-takeover-banner__wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"origin-banner__inner\">\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__details\">\n                <!-- Change data-countdown-to to your event date\/time. -->\n                <div\n                    class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown\"\n                    data-countdown-to=\"2026-09-26T04:30:00Z\"\n                    aria-label=\"Event countdown\">\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\" data-days-wrapper>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-days>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Days<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-hours>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Hours<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-minutes>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Mins<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__number\" data-countdown-seconds>0<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__countdown-item__label\">Secs<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"sport-takeover-banner__title\">AFL<\/h3>\n                <p class=\"sport-takeover-banner__meta\">MCG &bull; Saturday 26th Sep<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams\">\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--one\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/fremantle-vs-brisbane-lions\/a248f969-e7b1-43c9-a6a8-03178e3a3d68\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg#fremantle\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Fremantle <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/fremantle-vs-brisbane-lions\/a248f969-e7b1-43c9-a6a8-03178e3a3d68\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$2.15<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__teams__vs\">vs<\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team sport-takeover-banner__team--two\">\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__logo\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__image\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/fremantle-vs-brisbane-lions\/a248f969-e7b1-43c9-a6a8-03178e3a3d68\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__link\">\n                                <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg#brisbane-lions\"><\/use> <\/svg> \n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__name\">Brisbane Lions <\/div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/fremantle-vs-brisbane-lions\/a248f969-e7b1-43c9-a6a8-03178e3a3d68\" class=\"sport-takeover-banner__team__odds\">$1.72<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sport-takeover-banner__disclaimer\">AFL odds correct as of 23\/09\/2026 and subject to change. <\/div>\n            \n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n<section class=\"entain-block teams-tip-block hoverable\">\n  <div class=\"teams-tip-header\">\n    <div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta\">\n      <!--div class=\"teams-tip-header-meta__inner\"-->\n        <div class=\"team-vs-team\" style=\"display:flex\">\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg?v=20260909a#fremantle-dockers\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n          <div style=\"display:flex; flex-direction:row; flex-wrap:wrap; justify-content:center; align-items:center; text-align:center; column-gap:5px; font-weight: 700\">\n            <div class=\"team_1\" style=\"flex-direction:column;\">Fremantle<\/div>\n            <div class=\"versus\" style=\"font-weight:normal;font-style:italic;\">vs<\/div>\n            <div class=\"team_2\">Brisbane Lions<\/div>\n                        <div class=\"info\">Saturday 26th September 2026 2:30 PM (MCG)<\/div>\n                                              <\/div>\n          <span class=\"icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><!----><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/punters\/assets\/brand-icons\/neds\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg?v=20260909a#brisbane-lions\"><\/use><\/svg><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <!--\/div -->\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n      <div class='teams-tip-content'>\n      <p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fremantle<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Dockers return to the big stage for the first time since 2013 on the back of a remarkable\u00a019 win, four loss\u00a0season.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Freo has been consistent all the way through,\u00a0with the foundations of their game built around a suffocating defensive structure that has held opponents to the second-fewest\u00a0goals in the competition.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On attack, the Dockers are known for their methodical approach to moving the ball forward, setting up uncontested marking opportunities for a potent forward line featuring team-leading goal-kicker Jye Amiss and big man,\u00a0Patrick Voss.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The start to the finals got off to a rocky start for the\u00a0minor\u00a0premiers when they were smacked in the mouth by Hawthorn, while some similar concerns\u00a0emerged\u00a0in last week\u2019s Prelim win over the Swans.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To their credit, the Dockers staged a comeback for the ages when they erased a three-goal deficit after three-quarter time, but a similar slow start against the Lions could prove to be\u00a0the downfall for a side not known for kicking high scores.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Through the midfield, veterans Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong, as well as Hayden Young, will need to run hard and look to disrupt Brisbane\u2019s ability to get back behind the ball and defend.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Similar to\u00a0the Hawks, a ground ball approach to forward half entries could also prove crucial with All-Australian Harris Andrews\u00a0in sparkling form.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A big afternoon\u00a0from one of the game\u2019s best ruck men, Luke Jackson, would also go a long way to thwarting a third flag for the Lions, and if everything comes together as Justin Longmuir has planned, the Dockers should be in this fight for the\u00a0entirety.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brisbane Lions\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The path to a fourth consecutive Grand Final appearance has been anything but straightforward for Chris Fagan and the Lions.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whilst still finishing Top 4, the Lions had to book their spot the hard way after losing a Qualifying Final to the Swans in blowout fashion, adding to a year that has featured off-field storylines and some serious selection headaches.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fast forward three weeks though, and Brisbane looks as dangerous as ever.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Lions disposed of the Crows with ease in the Semi\u2019s, before setting their sights on the plucky Hawks in what turned out to be (arguably) the best game of footy ever played.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0seen throughout the last four years, the Lions proved that they\u00a0only need one individual\u00a0to step up in each game to be successful.\u00a0The ever-reliable\u00a0Logan Morris and Charlie Cameron may have been quite up forward,\u00a0only for Kai Lohmann to chip in with five goals.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Brisbane\u2019s depth is the envy of\u00a0just about every\u00a0other club not named Geelong, and although\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0a good problem to have, Fagan will have another tough decision to make should Lachie Neale avoid a one-game suspension for his gut punch on Jack Ginnivan last week.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0fair to point out that we may be talking about the Lions differently if they did blow last week\u2019s healthy three-quarter time lead against the Hawks,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0also easy to look at Brisbane glass half full.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fagan\u2019s men consistently find a way\u00a0to win when they need it most,\u00a0largely due to\u00a0an uncanny blend of youth and experience.\u00a0Hugh McCluggage was instrumental in the win over Hawthorn, while Will Ashcroft appears poised for an historic third consecutive Norm Smith Medal.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Above all else, the Lions have been all class in front of the big sticks over the last two weeks, not to mention their ability to win the ball from the\u00a0centre\u00a0and pounce with quick goals in\u00a0succession.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A performance\u00a0similar to\u00a0the last two weeks would see the\u00a0back to back\u00a0premiers hard to beat.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best Bet\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A slow start would spell disaster for Fremantle. The Dockers have the pieces to challenge the Lions in every area of the ground for four quarters, but if this turns into anything like last week\u2019s shootout,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0advantage\u00a0Brisbane.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Oscar Allen and Ty Gallop are the\u00a0favourites\u00a0to be\u00a0ommitted\u00a0if Lachie Neale plays, but either way, the Lions have shown all year that they still\u00a0possess\u00a0the killer\u00a0instinct to put their foot down when it matters most.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Both sides have shown some chinks in their\u00a0armour, but given Freo\u2019s lack of experience on the big stage, plus the fact the Lions have enjoyed an extra week of adapting to playing at the MCG,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0hard to back against the\u00a0champs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Prediction<\/strong>: Lions 1-39\u00a0@\u00a0$2.35<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Player Picks:<\/strong> Hugh McCluggage 25+ Disposals\u00a0@\u00a0$2.10, Eric\u00a0Hipwood\u00a02+ Goals\u00a0@\u00a0$2.02<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Same Game Multi: TAP FOR &#8211; AFL Grand Final TipsL<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Total Points<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The last six Grand Finals have all gone Over the Total, but keep in mind the last four games between Freo and Brisbane have fallen Under.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The weather in Melbourne calls for some showers on Friday and Saturday, but we should be playing on a dry deck with plenty of scoring opportunities.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Both sides have a plethora of players big and small capable of kicking multiple goals, so this matchup really boils down to whether the Dockers choose to take the game on and play with plenty of\u00a0run.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s\u00a0a tactic the Swans adopted to perfection a few weeks ago, so\u00a0we\u2019ll\u00a0lean the Over.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Prediction<\/strong>: Over 190.5 Total Points\u00a0@\u00a0$1.88<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Norm Smith Medal\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Will Ashcroft has been playing like a man\u00a0possessed\u00a0right through the finals.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The dual Norm Smith Medalist has racked up\u00a021, 30, and 28 touches over his last three games, delivering on the promise that he would play with a chip on his shoulder after being\u00a0snubbed of an All-Australian blazer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All things considered, the $5 on offer for Ashcroft to join Dustin Martin as a three-time Norm Smith winner is generous, but\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0also an argument to be made for Lachie Neale given the narrative playing against his former club.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For the Dockers, Caleb Serong has been a model of consistency right through his career, but a Fremantle upset\u00a0likely starts\u00a0and ends with Luke Jackson having a big game.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">He\u2019s been a standout\u00a0for Freo all season, and if there\u2019s any chance of\u00a0Wharfie\u00a0Time at the \u2018G, you could bet Jackson will be the catalyst and well on his way to joining Simon Madden as the only other\u00a0ruckman\u00a0to win a Norm Smith.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Prediction<\/strong>: Will Ashcroft\u00a0@\u00a0$5\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n        <div class=\"teams-tip-button\">\t\t\t\n          <a class=\"track-me btn-standard bet-now-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/australian-rules\/afl\/fremantle-vs-brisbane-lions\/a248f969-e7b1-43c9-a6a8-03178e3a3d68\" target=\"_blank\" \n          data-tr-event=\"blog\" data-tr-method=\"bet now button\" data-tr-action=\"open sport_event\" data-tr-label=\"a248f969-e7b1-43c9-a6a8-03178e3a3d68\" data-tr-event-id=\"a248f969-e7b1-43c9-a6a8-03178e3a3d68\"  \n          >Bet Now<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"align wp-block-entain-sports-next-to-go\"><div data-league=\"AFL\" data-sport=\"australian_rules\" class=\"sport-next-to-go wp-block-entain-sport-next-to-go-block_5c9701caf1ca17ae208944dbf1205893 sport-data\"><div class=\"sport-next-to-go_wrapper\">            <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card\">\n                <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__header\">\n                                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__badge\">3 days<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n                <hr class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__divider\" \/>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__teams\">\n                    <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__team\">\n                        <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon sport-next-to-go-match-card__flag\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg#fremantle\"><\/use> <\/svg>                    <\/div>\n\n                    <h4 class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__title\"><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/fremantle-vs-brisbane-lions\/a248f969-e7b1-43c9-a6a8-03178e3a3d68\">Fremantle vs Brisbane Lions<\/a><\/h4>\n\n                    <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__team\">\n                        <svg id=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"currentColor\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" class=\"sprite-icon sport-next-to-go-match-card__flag\"><!----> <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/lads-sports-data\/assets\/svg-sports-afl-icon.svg#brisbane-lions\"><\/use> <\/svg>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__odds\">\n                                            <a class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/fremantle-vs-brisbane-lions\/a248f969-e7b1-43c9-a6a8-03178e3a3d68\">\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-label\">Fremantle<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-value\">2.15<\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                    \n                    \n                                            <a class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/sports\/event\/australian-rules\/fremantle-vs-brisbane-lions\/a248f969-e7b1-43c9-a6a8-03178e3a3d68\">\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-label\">Brisbane Lions<\/span>\n                            <span class=\"sport-next-to-go-match-card__option-value\">1.72<\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div><p class=\"sport-next-to-go__disclaimer\">AFL odds correct as of 23\/09\/2026 and subject to change. <\/p><\/div><\/section>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Brisbane Lions and Fremantle are the two clubs left standing as we look ahead to the most anticipated Saturday September holds. Chris Fagan&#8217;s Lions hope to match their previous glory years by winning a third straight flag and cement their status as a dynasty, while the Dockers aim to not only cause an upset, but also add their first piece of silverware. Truth be told, the chances of this game matching last week&#8217;s unbelievable Preliminary Final between Hawthorn and Brisbane are slim, but with storylines across the paddock and unexpected selection drama at the Tribunal through the week, this&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":91558,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,10157],"tags":[33],"hub_post_cat":[8162],"class_list":["post-91557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-australian-rules","category-afl-tips","tag-afl-tips"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":"","md_tip_date_end":"","md_market_url":"","tip_date":"22\/09\/2026","event_country":"Australia"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=91557"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91557\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":91561,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91557\/revisions\/91561"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/91558"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=91557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=91557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=91557"},{"taxonomy":"hub_post_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hub_post_cat?post=91557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}