AFL Grand Final: Geelong Favoured as Brisbane backs youth in rematch

Brisbane and Geelong will return to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday for the AFL grand final in a rematch of the qualifying final the clubs contested three weeks ago, when Geelong won by 38 points. The decider pits a Cats side largely at full strength against a Lions team carrying a growing injury toll but buoyed by a wave of emerging talent, with selection doubts over several key players expected to shape the contest.

Brisbane booked its spot in the decider with a 15.10 100 to 11.5 71 preliminary final victory over Collingwood, a match that showcased both the club's depth and the rise of its youngsters. Nineteen year old Ty Gallop, playing only his fifth AFL game, kicked three goals and was a prominent aerial target alongside Logan Morris. Coach Chris Fagan hailed Gallop and other young players and added that the club would focus narrowly on the grand final. Fagan also provided an update on co captain Lachie Neale, who has mounted a rapid comeback from a calf injury. "Neale had a really good training session this morning, so it is looking more positive than negative," Fagan said, while acknowledging that the club will not risk him if it is too dangerous.