2004 AFL Grand Final

The 2004 AFL Grand Final was the first ever AFL Grand Final where both competing teams were not Victorian. Port Adelaide were in their first ever Grand Final and the Brisbane Lions were hoping to win their 4th consecutive. Port Adelaide won by 40 points.

Lead Up

Port Adelaide defeated Geelong Cats by 55 points in the Qualifying Final at AAMI Stadium, which gave them a week off and a place in the Preliminary Final. Port Adelaide just defeated St Kilda by 6 points in the Preliminary Final.

Reigning Premiers Brisbane Lions defeated St. Kilda by a massive 80 points the qualifying final at the Gabba. They then defeated Geelong by 9 points in the Preliminary Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Match Summary

The first all non-Vicorian Grand Final saw Port Adelaide win its first AFL premiership, ending Brisbane's dream of a record-equalling fourth successive flag. After a rugged, but absorbing first half, the Power proved too strong, winning comfortably in the end. Coach Mark Williams was a most animated figure after the game, as his side had finished top of the ladder in the previous 2 seasons but failed to make the Grand Final. This time they were there - and this time they were finally premiers (for the first time in the AFL).During the 2004 season, Port Adelaide's captain was Ruckman Matthew Primus, however he was injured for most of the season which allowed forward Warren Tredrea to spend most of the time as captain. Primus was unable to play in the Grand Final, due to injury meaning that Warren Tredrea captained the side.

Score

Norm Smith Medal

The Norm Smith Medal was awarded to Byron Pickett of the Port Adelaide Football Club.
*Kicks - 19
*Handballs - 1
*Marks - 8
*Tackles - 2
*Goals - 3
*Behinds - 2