The Brisbane Lions defeated the Fremantle Dockers in the AFL grand final at the MCG, securing their third straight premiership, according to multiple outlets.
The Dockers led by 17 points with about four minutes remaining before Brisbane scored four late goals to complete what The Guardian described as an improbable victory.
Fremantle had rung ceremonial bells, described as marking their 'Wharfie Time,' apparently anticipating what would have been the club's first premiership. Lions midfielder Josh Dunkley said the gesture instead motivated Brisbane, according to The Guardian.
Lions coach Chris Fagan said after the match that the Dockers 'probably deserved to win,' per The Guardian. ABC News reported that Fagan is considering his future with the club amid the celebrations.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Guardian reported that Fremantle's 'Wharfie Time' bell-ringing appeared to backfire, motivating Brisbane's comeback.
- Lions midfielder Josh Dunkley said the premature celebration had the opposite of its intended effect, per The Guardian.
- Coach Chris Fagan said the Dockers 'probably deserved to win,' according to The Guardian.
- ABC News reported that Fagan is considering his future with the Lions amid the championship celebrations.
“Activation backfires for Dockers who let lead slip late on at MCG” — The Guardian
Center
- The Straits Times and CNA both described the grand final as a 'thriller' decided narrowly at the MCG.
- Both outlets reported Brisbane secured its third consecutive AFL premiership by defeating Fremantle.
“Brisbane hold off Fremantle in thriller to win third straight AFL Grand Final” — The Straits Times
Right
- The Epoch Times framed the win as historic, describing Brisbane's third consecutive title as a milestone 'roar into AFL history.'
“Third Time’s the Charm as Lions Roar Into AFL History” — The Epoch Times
Questions readers ask
What happened in the AFL grand final?
The Brisbane Lions defeated the Fremantle Dockers at the MCG, overcoming a late 17-point Fremantle lead by scoring four goals in the final minutes to win the game, according to The Guardian.
How many premierships have the Brisbane Lions now won in a row?
The Brisbane Lions won their third consecutive AFL premiership with this grand final victory over the Fremantle Dockers, as reported by The Straits Times and CNA.
What was Fremantle's 'Wharfie Time'?
According to The Guardian, Fremantle rang bells described as 'Wharfie Time' during the match, apparently intended to signal what would have been the club's first premiership, but Lions midfielder Josh Dunkley said it instead motivated Brisbane's comeback.
What did Brisbane's coach say after the match?
Lions coach Chris Fagan said the Fremantle Dockers 'probably deserved to win' the grand final, according to The Guardian, which also reported he is weighing his future with the club.
What did different outlets emphasize about the game?
Left-leaning outlets focused on Fremantle's premature celebration and Chris Fagan's comments, center outlets emphasized the tight scoreline and Brisbane's three-peat, and right-leaning coverage highlighted the historic nature of the third consecutive title.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- ABC News (Australia)Left-leaningLions fans celebrate Brisbane AFL premiership as Fagan considers future
- The GuardianLeft-leaningBrisbane roar back to seal three-peat and break Fremantle hearts in AFL grand final classic
- CNACenterAustralian Rules-Brisbane deny Fremantle in Grand Final thriller to win third straight AFL premiership
- The Straits TimesCenterAustralian Rules-Brisbane hold off Fremantle in thriller to win third straight AFL Grand Final
- The Epoch TimesRight-leaningThird Time’s the Charm as Lions Roar Into AFL History