Annoyingly likeable Lions or Fremantle’s fairytale? How to pick a team to cheer for in the 2026 AFL grand final

Forget the cup, who will win the hearts of the undecideds, casuals and neutrals – the juggernauts from Brisbane or the underdog Dockers? Sign up for our free weekly AFL newsletter The AFL grand final is this Saturday, and Victoria’s faithful are once again without a home team to barrack for. Amid the NRL’s quest to conquer Perth, Papua New Guinea and everywhere in between, the continent-straddling decider between Brisbane and Fremantle is the AFL’s gentle reminder that rugby league is not yet The One Code To Rule Them All. While neither team will enjoy home-ground advantage at the MCG, there remains a question about who will win the hearts of undecideds, casuals, neutrals and people Googling both teams for the first time at the bounce. Should once-a-year AFL fans back Brisbane, the juggernaut hunting their third-straight title? Or do the scrappy underdog Dockers deserve your heart? Continue reading...