Brisbane Lions will host Gold Coast Suns in a historic Q Clash preliminary final, marking the first time the two Queensland rivals meet at this stage of the AFL finals series. The Lions advanced after a dominant semi-final victory over the Suns at the Gabba, where their precision kicking and midfield depth proved decisive.
Dayne Zorko was instrumental, showcasing his trademark audacious kicking to keep the Suns on the back foot. With Lachie Neale sidelined, Will Ashcroft stepped up, building on his Norm Smith Medal performance from last year's grand final. Cam Rayner and Josh Dunkley also contributed heavily, ensuring Brisbane's midfield remained potent.
The Suns, despite a strong season, struggled to contain Brisbane's relentless ball movement. The Lions' ability to switch play and launch attacks from deep positions left Gold Coast chasing shadows for much of the night. The Suns' defensive structure was repeatedly exposed, highlighting the gap between the two sides on the night.
Hawthorn also advanced to a preliminary final after a hard-fought win over Adelaide, becoming the second team to reach this stage from eighth place. The Hawks will face Geelong in a clash steeped in history, with Hawthorn aiming to continue their underdog run. Adelaide's season ended in disappointment, with costly errors and a lack of composure in key moments proving their undoing.
