Swans v Lions player ratings: From the game of these Sydney stars’ lives, to premiers who just went missing
The Sydney Swans achieved a significant upset victory over the Brisbane Lions in an AFL qualifying final. The article provides detailed player ratings and analysis of the standout performances that led to the 53-point win.
Why it matters
This match is a major event in the Australian Football League, impacting the trajectory of the finals series.
Andrew Wu and Scott Spits September 5, 2026 — 7:07pm
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Share A A A Loading No one gave the Swans a chance. Winning a qualifying final against the two-time reigning premiers was a hard enough task, let alone doing it without the five first-choice players serving a club-imposed suspension.
What transpired at the SCG on Saturday afternoon was nothing short of remarkable, with the Lions dominated by 53 points and forced to enter a semi-final next week still licking their wounds.
Andrew Wu (Sydney) and Scott Spits (Brisbane Lions) rate every player’s performance from a stunning game.
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