How to watch Hawthorn vs Brisbane Lions – AFL Preliminary Final 2 2026
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Hawthorn and the Brisbane Lions face off in the second 2026 AFL Preliminary Final on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the MCG in Melbourne, with the first bounce at 5:15pm AEST. That is 8:15am BST in the UK, 3:15am EDT / 12:15am PDT in the US, 7:15pm NZST in New Zealand, and 10:15am EEST in Eastern Europe. The winner books a place in the Grand Final at the MCG on Saturday, September 26.
In Australia, the match is free to watch on Channel 7 and 7plus, which carry every final. Overseas, coverage sits behind paid broadcasters – TNT Sports in the UK, Fox Sports US, TSN in Canada, and Sky Sport NZ – but because 7plus streams every final free, international viewers can watch legally for free by connecting to an Australian VPN server. This guide covers every option by region.
Match details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | AFL Preliminary Final 2, 2026 |
| Teams | Hawthorn vs Brisbane Lions |
| Date | Saturday, September 19, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 5:15pm AEST |
| Venue | MCG, Melbourne, Australia |
| UK | 8:15am BST |
| USA | 3:15am EDT / 12:15am PDT |
| New Zealand | 7:15pm NZST |
| Eastern Europe | 10:15am EEST |
Where to watch Hawthorn vs Brisbane Lions
| Region | Free option | Paid option |
| Australia | Channel 7 / 7plus (free) | Kayo Sports / Foxtel (from $29.99/month) |
| UK | 7plus via AU VPN | TNT Sports (from £40.98/month) |
| USA | 7plus via AU VPN | Fox Sports US (from $19.99/month) |
| Canada | 7plus via AU VPN | TSN (from CA$24.99/month) |
| New Zealand | 7plus via AU VPN | Sky Sport NZ (from NZ$29.99 for Day Pass) |
| Global | 7plus via AU VPN | WatchAFL (from $72.00 for Finals Pass) |
In Australia, Channel 7 and 7plus broadcast every game of the Finals Series free, and the Grand Final is exclusive to Seven – it is not shown on Foxtel. Kayo Sports and Foxtel carry all finals except the Grand Final, ad-free, on paid subscriptions. For viewers outside Australia, WatchAFL is the AFL's official international streaming service and offers a Finals pass.
How to watch Hawthorn vs Brisbane Lions for free with a VPN
7plus is the free streaming home of the AFL finals in Australia. The platform is ad-supported, so no subscription is required, but it is geo-restricted to Australian IP addresses. If you are in the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, or anywhere outside Australia, you will need a VPN to access the free live stream. Here's how you can do it:
- Choose a VPN. We recommend NordVPN for streaming. It runs a large server network with multiple Australian locations, and its NordLynx protocol keeps speeds high for smooth HD live sport – important for a four-quarter final with no buffering at the bounce.
- Download and install the VPN app. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and supported smart TVs, and one account covers multiple devices.
- Connect to an Australian server. Open the app and select Australia to get an Australian IP address. If the stream does not load, switch to a different Australian server.
- Go to 7plus.com.au. Open the site in your browser – a private window or cleared cookies can help if it previously detected your real location.
- Create a free account and stream live. Registration requires an email address and an Australian postcode (for example, 3000 for Melbourne). Find the live AFL broadcast and watch the full preliminary final free. Keep the VPN connected for the whole match.
Match preview
Brisbane arrive in red-hot form after demolishing the Adelaide Crows 21.18 (144) to 13.13 (91) in their semi-final – a 53-point statement win that sent Chris Fagan's side through to a fifth consecutive preliminary final. The Lions have been the competition's benchmark finals side in recent years, with three consecutive Grand Final appearances from 2023 to 2025 and back-to-back premierships in 2024 and 2025, remaining one of the most experienced September outfits in the league.
Hawthorn, meanwhile, hold two advantages: home territory at the MCG and a fresher body. The Hawks earned the week off by winning their qualifying final against Fremantle, while Brisbane had to take the long route through the semi-finals. The Hawks will also want revenge – Brisbane beat them when the sides met in Round 22 earlier this season.
The stakes could not be higher: a Grand Final berth on September 26. Hawthorn's young, fast-moving side against Brisbane's battle-hardened finals machine is one of the most compelling preliminary final matchups in years.
FAQ
What channel is the AFL preliminary final on in the UK, USA, and NZ?
In the UK, the match is on TNT Sports, in the US on Fox Sports US, in Canada on TSN, and in New Zealand on Sky Sport NZ. In every one of those markets, the free alternative is 7plus via an Australian VPN server.
How can I watch Hawthorn vs Brisbane Lions for free from overseas?
The match streams free on 7plus, which is geo-restricted to Australia. Connect to an Australian VPN server, open 7plus.com.au, create a free account with an Australian postcode, and stream live. We recommend NordVPN – see our best VPNs for streaming guide for a full comparison.
What time does Hawthorn vs Brisbane Lions start?
The first bounce is 5:15pm AEST on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the MCG – 8:15am BST, 3:15am EDT, 12:15am PDT, 7:15pm NZST, and 10:15am EEST. Confirm the time at afl.com.au closer to the match.
Is WatchAFL free to watch?
No. WatchAFL is the AFL's official paid international streaming service, and a Finals pass is available for $72.00. The free alternative for international viewers is 7plus with an Australian VPN connection.
Does 7plus show every AFL final?
Yes. Channel 7 and 7plus carry every game of the AFL Finals Series free in Australia, and the Grand Final is exclusive to Seven. You need a free 7plus account and, from overseas, an Australian VPN connection.
