Preliminary Frenzy: When the Big Guns Come Out to Play The Australian Football League's preliminary finals have long been a proving ground for teams vying for a spot in the grand final.
The clash between reigning premiers Brisbane Lions and resurgent Hawthorn Hawks is particularly significant, with both teams seeking bragging rights as much as survival.
In recent years, the AFL has seen a trend towards high scoring games, with teams relying increasingly on their big guns to deliver in critical situations.