Hawks and Lions play thrilling AFL preliminary final at MCG in front of nearly ninety-eight thousand fans

A massive crowd of 97,835 fans packed the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a thrilling AFL preliminary final match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Brisbane Lions. The high-stakes game featured intense action, with both teams trading brilliant highlights from the very start. Early drama unfolded when Brisbane player Lachie Neale was floored in a brutal collision right at the opening ball-up, sparking strong reactions across the AFL world. Despite the fierce contest and a late, brave push by the Hawks featuring wizard-like plays to keep themselves in the fight, the match delivered unforgettable scenes as the two sides battled tooth and nail for a spot in the grand final.