Fans pick Brisbane-Hawthorn prelim as the best AFL game of the century
In a poll after the game, fans voted the 2026 Brisbane-Hawthorn preliminary final as the best AFL match since 2000.
The day after Brisbane and Hawthorn played a dramatic preliminary final at the MCG on Saturday night, AFL.com.au asked fans to vote on the best AFL game of the past 26 years. Nearly 47 per cent of thousands of voters picked the Lions-Hawks clash as the greatest.
The 2018 Grand Final between West Coast and Collingwood came second with around 16 per cent, while the 2023 decider between Collingwood and Brisbane finished third with 9 per cent. The game itself featured high scoring, dramatic momentum shifts, and a key umpiring decision in the final 30 seconds.
Hugh McCluggage kicked what many saw as a captain's goal to seal the win. The match drew 97,835 spectators to the ground.
- 47.08 per cent for Brisbane-Hawthorn
- Voter preference
- 97,835
- Spectators at MCG
- 26 years
- Games since 2000
- 2026
- Preliminary final year
Why it mattersThe result shows how the game captured fans' imaginations; the debate over the best AFL match of the era reflects how memorable games shape the sport's identity.
AustraliaA major moment in Australian Rules Football, reflecting the sport's biggest stories and the fan engagement that drives the AFL.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 d ago
