AFL finals LIVE: 'He's cooked!' Drama aplenty as Lions get 'gift ...

It’s a repeat of one of the great modern semi-finals as GWS hosts Brisbane with a spot in a preliminary final up for grabs.

The Giants (4th in home & away season, lost qualifying final to Sydney by 6 points) looked the better side all day last week before fading late, and now face the prospect of a straight sets exit. But they’re hoping to repeat the feats of five years ago when they beat Brisbane by a kick in a semi-final, then winning an MCG preliminary final to earn a Grand Final spot.

The Lions (5th in home & away season, won elimination final over Carlton by 28 points) are playing in their 14th final under Chris Fagan, but this is just the fifth away from the friendly confines of the Gabba. They’ve won just one interstate final in that time (2022 semi-final vs Melbourne).

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These sides met twice during the home and away season with GWS winning on both occasions - by 54 points on ANZAC Day in Canberra, and by 18 points just a month ago at the Gabba.

Tonight’s winner will face Geelong in the Second Preliminary Final next Saturday evening at the MCG, while the loser will be eliminated.

This match gets underway at 7:30pm AEST from ENGIE Stadium.

Watch it live on Fox Footy (channel 504), streaming on Kayo or via Hubbl from 6:30pm AEST.

GWS GIANTS v BRISBANE - LIVE UDPATES

There are no late changes at ENGIE Stadium, with Xavier O’Halloran (Giants) and Conor McKenna (Lions) the starting substitutes.

Joe Daniher rushed his first shot of the night but made no mistake with his second attempt as he beat Giant Sam Taylor one-on-one and goaled from the square.

Giants skipper Toby Greene had the immediate response off just half a step to put his side back in front in the first quarter arm-wrestle.

When James Peatling nailed two ripping snaps in the space of four minutes, the Giants opened up some breathing space.

But just as GWS held a 20-point buffer, there was a sudden momentum shift.

After coughing up the free kick to Isaac Cumming, Daniher was given a “gift” goal seconds later.

The Giant was called to play on despite Lion Callum Ah Chee cruising within the protected area, and Daniher pounced.

He laid the tackle just 20m out, directly in front and was rewarded with the goal.

Oscar McInerney could have doubled the pain seconds later after he was walked inside 50 but couldn’t convert.

A blow to Stephen Coniglio (cheekbone) soured GWS’ stellar start as the star came from the field and was subbed out after a heavy Harris Andrews hit.

At the first change, it was GWS leading 33-23.

Brisbane continued to press in the second as the margin closed to just four points.

A patched up Jesse Hogan cashed in on Dayne Zorko’s frustration after the Lion gave away possession just as his side was looking to attack.

Zorko’s quarter didn’t get much better moments later when Greene opted to take him on and escaped - opening up a 17-point buffer.

Hogan added a third and at the main break it was GWS holding a 55-34 lead.

Follow GWS v Brisbane in the First Semi Final in our live blog below!

Hubbl is your go-to destination for all footy finals content. Our dedicated Footy Finals section on the homepage features the latest minis and highlights, including the option to deep dive into your team. Stream the AFL and NRL finals on Kayo and catch the Grand Final fixtures on 7Plus for AFL and 9Now for NRL.