How to watch Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide FC – AFL Semi-Final 2 2026
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Brisbane Lions host Adelaide Crows in the Second Semi-Final of the 2026 AFL Finals Series on Saturday, September 12th, at 7:35 PM AEST at the Gabba. The Lions, back-to-back premiers in 2024 and 2025, were beaten by Sydney in last week's Qualifying Final and must now win to keep their three-peat bid alive. Adelaide arrives full of confidence after ending a nine-year finals win drought in week one, despite falling to Brisbane by 52 points (127–75) in their sole meeting during the 2026 home-and-away season. The winner advances to a Preliminary Final; the loser is eliminated.
For viewers in Australia, every final is free on Channel 7 and 7plus. Fans in the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, and elsewhere can watch via local broadcasters or WatchAFL, and overseas viewers can also unlock the free 7plus stream with a VPN. Kickoff converts to 10:35 AM BST in the UK, 5:35 AM EDT / 2:35 AM PDT in the US, 11:35 AM CEST in Central Europe, and 9:35 PM NZST in New Zealand.
Where to watch Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide Crows
Below is a complete overview of confirmed viewing options for the Second Semi-Final by region.
| Region | Free option | Paid option |
| Australia | Channel 7 / 7plus | Kayo Sports / Foxtel (from $29.99/month) |
| The United Kingdom | 7plus via Australian VPN | TNT Sports (from £40.98/month) |
| The United States | 7plus via Australian VPN | Fox Sports US (from $19.99/month) |
| Canada | 7plus via Australian VPN | TSN (from CA$24.99/month) |
| New Zealand | 7plus via Australian VPN | Sky Sport NZ (from NZ$29.99 for Day Pass) |
| Global | 7plus via Australian VPN | WatchAFL (from $72.00 for Finals Pass) |
How to watch Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide Crows for free with a VPN
The Second Semi-Final is free to stream live on 7plus, the official streaming home of Channel 7's AFL coverage. The platform is geo-restricted to Australia, so if you are watching from the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, or anywhere else overseas, you will need a VPN with Australian servers to access the free stream. For a full comparison, see our guide to the best VPNs for streaming.
- Choose a VPN with Australian servers. We recommend NordVPN – it runs a large server fleet across Australia, uses the fast NordLynx protocol for smooth HD live sport, and reliably unblocks 7plus from overseas.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TV, or Fire TV).
- Connect to an Australian server. This gives you an Australian IP address that 7plus accepts.
- Go to 7plus.com.au. Create a free account – you will need an email address and an Australian postcode (e.g., 3000 for Melbourne).
- Find the Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide Crows live stream in the sport section and start watching for free.
Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide Crows match preview
Brisbane Lions come into this semi-final on the back of a Qualifying Final loss to Sydney at the SCG. The Lions won back-to-back premierships in 2024 and 2025 and remain one of the competition's strongest lists, led by co-captains Harris Andrews and Lachie Neale, with Cam Rayner, Will Ashcroft, and off-season recruit Oscar Allen among their key names. A second straight finals loss, however, would end their three-peat dream in straight sets.
Adelaide Crows snapped a nine-year finals win drought with their week-one victory, washing away some of the pain of last year's straight-sets exit as minor premiers. However, it is Brisbane that holds the recent upper hand, having defeated the Crows by 52 points in Round 7 during their sole meeting of the 2026 home-and-away season. Their tall forward line, led by Riley Thilthorpe, shapes as the biggest test for Brisbane's defence at the Gabba.
Why you need a VPN
Broadcasters pay for the right to show AFL only in specific countries. Because of this, the same match is free in Australia on 7plus but locked behind subscriptions elsewhere, and 7plus itself blocks viewers outside Australia through IP detection.
If you are an Australian traveling overseas, or an international fan in a market where AFL coverage is expensive or limited, a VPN routes your connection through an Australian server so 7plus treats you as a local viewer. This restores access to the same free, legal stream that Australian viewers get at home. Keep in mind that 7plus requires a free account with an Australian postcode, and that VPN access may vary – if the stream does not load, switch to a different Australian server and clear your browser cookies. For more options, see our guide to the best VPNs for streaming.
FAQ
What time does Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide Crows start?
The Second Semi-Final starts at 7:35 PM AEST on Saturday, September 12th, 2026, at the Gabba in Brisbane. That is 10:35 AM BST in the UK, 5:35 AM EDT / 2:35 AM PDT in the US, and 9:35 PM NZST in New Zealand.
What channel is the AFL Semi-Final on in the UK?
TNT Sports holds AFL broadcast rights in the UK. Alternatively, you can stream the match free on 7plus by connecting to an Australian VPN server.
How can I watch the AFL Semi-Final in the USA?
Fox Sports US carries AFL coverage in the United States. The free option is 7plus via an Australian VPN server, with kickoff at 5:35 AM EDT.
How can I watch Brisbane Lions vs Adelaide Crows for free from overseas?
The match streams free on 7plus in Australia. Connect to an Australian server with a VPN such as NordVPN, create a free 7plus account with an Australian postcode (e.g., 3000), and stream live.
Is the match on WatchAFL?
Yes, WatchAFL, the AFL's official international streaming service, shows the finals live outside Australia. A 2026 Finals Pass costs $72.00 USD.
