Lions defeat Hawks 20.11 to 19.8 in AFL preliminary final.
Reigning premiers to meet Fremantle in grand final at the MCG.
Brisbane will face Fremantle for a shot at a premiership “three-peat” after surviving an almighty last-quarter fightback from Hawthorn to win an all-time great AFL preliminary final by nine points.
A holding-the-ball decision against Hawks defender Jarman Impey gave Hugh McCluggage a free kick and he kicked the match-deciding goal with 18 seconds left.
The Lions then won the centre bounce and Kai Lohmann kicked another goal on the siren to give them a nine-point win, 20.11 to 19.8, in front of 97,835 fans at the MCG on Saturday.
Crazy, McCluggage told the Seven Network.
Brisbane will play Fremantle in next Saturday’s decider – the first time the teams have played each other in a final.
The Lions are aiming to become the third team this century to pull off a premiership three-peat.
Hawthorn’s Nick Watson, dubbed “The Wizard”, was best afield with a magical six goals, and he was instrumental in their last-quarter charge.
Trailing by 22 points in the second term and 16 points in the third, Brisbane went on a scoring attack that appeared to have decided the game, before Hawthorn’s outstanding rally.
Hawks Jack Gunston and Lewis hit the scoreboard, while Josh Ward was huge.