AFL grand final 2024: Sydney Swans admit they 'weren't up to it ...

Sydney Swans utility Robbie Fox says he and his teammates were dominated both physically and mentally by the triumphant Brisbane Lions in Saturday's AFL grand final.

The Lions scored a convincing 60-point win over the Swans at the MCG to secure their first AFL premiership since 2003.

The Swans were in the contest at quarter time when they trailed by eight points, but the Lions stepped up a gear in the next two terms to establish a 73-point lead at the final change.

Fox said the Swans could not handle the pressure applied by the Lions.

"It was physical to start with. They came for the fight and we weren't up to it," he said.

"Then it turned into a mental game and you just have to be off 1 or 2 per cent.

"It's just disappointing to not show up … it's funny to say we had a great feeling before the game. Everyone was calm and composed."

It was the Swans' second grand final defeat in the space of three seasons.

Geelong handed them an 81-point thrashing in the 2022 season decider.

The Swans have lost four grand finals since their most recent premiership in 2012.

Fox concedes the Swans were off the pace for much of the contest against the Lions. (Getty Images: AFL Photos/Michael Willson)

Fox said the club felt primed to win the flag after claiming the minor premiership by finishing the home-and-away season on top of the ladder.

"We had such a good year to put ourselves in this position and then it's just that cherry on top," he said.

"We were a little bit more in it this time around.

"To put ourselves in such a good position, finishing top, having the week off and getting back here, it does hurt just to not show up again."

AAP