Brisbane Lions Make AFL History as Newcastle Knights Reach NRL Grand Final
The Brisbane Lions have secured a third consecutive AFL premiership after producing a remarkable late comeback against the Fremantle Dockers in Saturday’s Grand Final.
The Lions overcame a 17-point deficit in the final four minutes to win 14.12 (96) to 12.17 (89) before 100,023 fans at the MCG. The victory makes Brisbane the first team in the modern AFL era to complete a three-peat.
In the NRL, the Newcastle Knights have reached their first Grand Final since 2001 after defeating the Penrith Panthers 22-14 in a dramatic preliminary final at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
The Knights played the final 44 minutes with 12 players after Phoenix Crossland was sent off following a tackle that left Panthers star Nathan Cleary with a serious leg injury. Despite trailing 14-6 at half-time, Newcastle scored three second-half tries to complete the comeback.
Sandon Smith played a decisive role for Newcastle, scoring two tries, including an 80-metre intercept try in the final minutes that sealed the victory.
Newcastle will face the Sydney Roosters in the NRL Grand Final on October 4, while Brisbane’s historic AFL triumph adds another major chapter to the club’s recent success.
