The AFL Grand Final: A Tale of Rising Stars and Coaching Conundrums
In the thrilling conclusion to the 2024 AFL season, a new generation of talent emerged, while some seasoned veterans struggled to make an impact. The Brisbane Lions, fueled by their young guns, claimed victory, while the Sydney Swans were left to ponder what could have been.
Rising Stars Shine Bright
Kai Lohmann, the dynamic forward, tore the game apart with three goals in the first quarter and a half, setting the tone for the Lions’ dominant performance. Teenager Logan Morris impressed with six marks and two goals, while Will Ashcroft, the 20-year-old sensation, won the Norm Smith Medal with his 30 disposals and five clearances. Brandon Starcevich, tasked with shutting down the Swans’ Tom Papley, excelled in defense, finishing with eight marks, eight intercepts, and 16 disposals.
Hard-Luck Story
Oscar McInerney, the Lions’ ruckman, was a colossal presence all season, but his Grand Final dreams were dashed when he dislocated his shoulder twice against Geelong last week. Despite playing 25 matches and featuring in 14 finals, McInerney missed out on a premiership medallion.
Swans’ Struggles
Luke Parker, the veteran midfielder, scored three goals in the final term, but it was too little, too late. Robbie Fox, entrusted with a starting role, played a crucial part in the Swans’ forward-midfield mix, collecting 21 disposals, six marks, three tackles, and a goal.
Coaching Conundrum
John Longmire’s decision to gamble on an injured forward, Logan McDonald, backfired when the young star was subbed out in the third term due to an ankle injury. The move drew comparisons to the Swans’ 2022 Grand Final debacle, where Sam Reid was named despite being under an injury cloud. The forward trio of Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald, and Hayden McLean struggled to make an impact, highlighting the need for improvement in the key forward department.
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