For the first time since 2006 two non-Victorian teams will contest the AFL Grand Final at the MCG, and flights and accommodation are as much of a battle as tickets.

The Swans last played in a grand final in 2022, but lost to the Geelong Cats. The Lions won the two previous grand finals in 2002 and 2001. They made it to the grand final last year, but lost to Collingwood.

Remarkably it will be a 125-year rematch (of sorts), as the last time the Swans and Lions faced off for the flag was the 1899 VFL Grand Final, back when both clubs were based in Victoria as South Melbourne and Fitzroy respectively.

The AFL season has reached the business end with Sydney and Brisbane booking their places in the decider.The Lions have a number of injuries to contend with, while the Swans have a relatively clean bill of health.

The Brisbane Lions will fly to Melbourne on Wednesday, a day earlier than last year, as they attempt to atone for their heartbreaking 2023 grand final defeat.