Two non-Victorian clubs with long-standing Melbourne links, Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans, will return to their roots for a shot at taking the AFL premiership home.

Saturday’s decider is the first between two “interstate” clubs since West Coast beat Sydney in the 2006 thriller – a factor that limited the early-week buzz in Melbourne.

But given Brisbane’s links to Fitzroy – via its 1996 merger with the Bears – and Sydney’s history as South Melbourne, before its 1982 relocation, and their respective residual fan bases in Melbourne, both teams’ arrivals should kickstart the pre-grand final buzz.

The Lions flew into Melbourne on Wednesday, with the Swans arriving on Thursday.

Your Brisbane Lions for the 2024 #AFLGF! 🦁

Full team details: https://t.co/hcpaLjvzDq pic.twitter.com/V4oFDok8ov

— AFL (@AFL) September 26, 2024

Both teams have already got early selection decisions out of the way – courtesy of injury heartbreak.

Brisbane has replaced ruckman Oscar McInerney (shoulder) with understudy Darcy Fort, while Sydney on Wednesday ruled out hamstrung captain Callum Mills, with utility Robbie Fox keeping his spot.

Dane Rampe has been named Sydney’s skipper for the grand final in Mills’ absence, while the Lions have co-captains Harris Andrews and Lachie Neale both available.

Minor premiers Sydney will hope to avoid a fourth grand final defeat in 11 years, including a thumping loss to Geelong in 2022.

Coach John Longmire is chasing the second premiership of a decorated coaching career after triumphing in 2012.

Your Sydney Swans for 2024’s #AFLGF! 🦢

Full team details: https://t.co/hcpaLjvzDq pic.twitter.com/xsyr0VTuut

— AFL (@AFL) September 26, 2024

Brisbane is attempting to bounce back from last season’s heartbreaking grand final loss to Collingwood and claim coach Chris Fagan’s maiden premiership, and the club’s first since 2003.

The Lions, who finished the season in fifth place, are attempting to become just the second team, after Western Bulldogs beat Sydney in the 2016 decider, to win the premiership from outside the top four.

“You dare to dream and I get goosebumps … it feels like a lot of similarities (to 2016), but we all know you’ve got to go and do your job,” now-Lions midfielder and premiership Bulldog Josh Dunkley said this week.

Brisbane opted to travel to Melbourne a day early to get an extra training session in before Saturday’s game.

The Lions aren’t able to train at the MCG on Thursday, and will instead occupy Punt Road Oval, due to pop superstar Katy Perry’s rehearsals ahead of headlining Saturday’s grand final entertainment.

The AFL has already confirmed Lions coaching great Leigh Matthews will present the premiership cup if Brisbane win, while former Sydney captain Stuart Maxfield has the same honour if the Swans prevail.

“You guys are animals.” 😂

Watch @katyperry and @CalTwomey chat all things footy, No.1 anthems, and #AFLGF fireworks: https://t.co/XhvkY15OhT pic.twitter.com/LT1CYSr61S

— AFL (@AFL) September 26, 2024

Grand final week hasn’t gone without a hitch for league headquarters.

At least 1000 corporate hospitality tickets for the game were illegally downloaded this week, forcing the league to cancel the barcodes on impacted tickets.

The scheduled delivery of those tickets was delayed on Tuesday, with replacements set to be issued.

But chief executive Andrew Dillon is adamant the league has avoided a ticketing disaster.

-AAP