How to Stream the Hawthorn‑Brisbane AFL Preliminary Final for Free

The Australian Football League’s 2026 preliminary final pits the Hawthorn Hawks against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday, September 19, with kick‑off scheduled for 5:15 pm AEST (3:15 am ET, 8:15 am BST). The winner will secure a place in next weekend’s Grand Final, making the contest a must‑watch for fans of the sport.

Australian viewers can catch the match at no cost on the free‑to‑air streaming service 7Plus, which carries the AFL’s domestic broadcast. For those outside Australia, the channel’s geo‑restriction means the stream is not directly accessible, but a virtual private network (VPN) can route traffic through an Australian server and unlock the feed.

Tech‑focused service NordVPN is promoting a limited‑time offer that reduces the price of a subscription by 75 %. By installing the VPN and selecting an Australian endpoint, international fans can watch the game on 7Plus without paying the usual broadcast fees, provided they have a compatible device and a stable internet connection.

Hawthorn entered the preliminary final on a high after a dominant performance that saw them defeat the league’s minor premiers earlier in the finals series. The victory not only earned them a place in the penultimate round but also set up a clash they had been hoping to avoid, given Brisbane’s reputation for resilient, high‑pressure play.

Brisbane, meanwhile, earned their spot by navigating a challenging draw that included a hard‑fought win over a top‑ranked opponent in the semi‑final. Their journey has been marked by a balanced midfield and a forward line capable of turning matches in the final minutes, attributes that could prove decisive against Hawthorn’s aggressive style.

The preliminary final carries extra weight beyond the immediate prize of a Grand Final berth. A win will provide the champion team with a week’s rest before the season‑ending showdown, while the loser’s campaign ends abruptly, underscoring the high stakes of this single‑elimination encounter.

Fans planning to watch should verify their VPN connection ahead of the match to avoid last‑minute technical issues. Those without a VPN can still follow live commentary via radio or social‑media updates, but the most comprehensive viewing experience will come from streaming the full broadcast on 7Plus. As the AFL builds anticipation for what could be a classic showdown, the accessibility of the match through free digital channels ensures that supporters worldwide can tune in without a subscription barrier.