Lions to take one big advantage into grand final showdown with Freo - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The Lions prevailed in an epic preliminary final against the Hawks. (Getty Images: Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has urged the Lions to lean into their experience to seize the rare prize of an AFL premiership three-peat. 

The two-time reigning premiers qualified for a fourth consecutive grand final with an epic 20.11 (131) to 19.8 (122) win over Hawthorn, in front of 97,835 fans at the MCG on Saturday evening.

The Lions can join the legendary Brisbane team of 2001-03 and Hawthorn from 2013-15 as modern-day teams to go back-to-back-to-back if they beat minor premier Fremantle at the MCG next Saturday.

"It's very exciting to be in the position where we can achieve something like that," Fagan said.

"But it's not worth thinking about that because you get caught up in thinking the wrong way.

"We've just got to get back, recover well, come back down and just follow our process."

Brisbane is one win away from its second premiership three-peat this century. (Getty Images: James Wiltshire/AFL Photos)

The Lions last played Fremantle at the Gabba on May 30, when they lost by 25 points amid a difficult run of form.

But while that result didn't go their way, they have experience on their side in their first final against the Dockers, who are chasing a maiden premiership.

All of Brisbane's 23 players, except recruits Oscar Allen and Sam Draper, have won flags, while Fremantle's only premiership players are Shai Bolton, Luke Jackson and Mason Cox.

"There was a bit to like about that game. That was our third loss in a row when we went through that bad patch," Fagan said.

"So we have to go back and have a little bit of a look at that.

"The good thing for us is we're an experienced team in this situation. So that will count for maybe just a little bit. It won't necessarily give us the game.

"But we know what next week is all about. Because our players have done it a few times now and they won't be intimidated by it at all. They'll be ready for it.

"I'm sure they'll give it their best to try and make the most of the opportunity. Because the opportunity is rare."

Fagan pondered the heartbreaking four-point grand final loss to Collingwood in 2023 that prompted Brisbane's era of dominance.

The Lions are preparing for their fourth consecutive grand final. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone/AFL Photos)

"I've thought to myself at different times, maybe if we had got it right that day we would have been three in a row already," Fagan said.

"But we're going to get a chance. We'll have some fun trying to achieve it."

The Lions have a decision to make on whether to recall defender Noah Answerth, who was unable to return from an ankle injury for the preliminary final.

The defender would normally handle Hawks star Nick Watson, who nearly won the game off his own boot with six goals, and could be one of this year's heartbreak stories.

"He was relatively close. We'll see how he goes and what their team looks like," Fagan said.

"Whether we think we've got the right team already and we don't make a change — or whether we do. They're always hard decisions to make.

"We're fortunate to be in that position. But you always feel for the person who misses out."