Watch the Hawthorn vs Brisbane AFL Preliminary Final Online for Free

Saturday, September 19, will see the 2026 AFL preliminary final clash between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Brisbane Lions, with the opening whistle set for 5:15 pm AEST (3:15 am ET, 8:15 am BST). The victor advances to next weekend’s Grand Final, turning the game into essential viewing for football enthusiasts.

In Australia, the contest is available free of charge via the over‑the‑air streaming platform 7Plus, the network that airs the AFL domestically. International audiences face geo‑blocking, but using a VPN to connect to an Australian server can bypass the restriction and grant access to the stream.

NordVPN, a technology‑centric VPN provider, is running a limited promotion that cuts subscription costs by 75 %. After installing the service and choosing an Australian endpoint, overseas viewers can stream the match on 7Plus without the typical broadcast charge, assuming they possess a suitable device and a reliable internet link.

Hawthorn arrives at the preliminary final buoyed by a commanding win that eliminated the league’s minor premiers earlier in the finals. That triumph secured their spot in the second‑last match and forced a showdown they had preferred to sidestep, owing to Brisbane’s reputation for gritty, high‑intensity football.

Conversely, Brisbane clinched their berth by overcoming a tough bracket, highlighted by a hard‑won semi‑final victory over a top‑ranked side. Their path has featured a well‑balanced midfield and a forward unit that can swing games in the dying moments—qualities that may tip the scales against Hawthorn’s attacking approach.

Beyond the immediate reward of a Grand Final slot, the preliminary final bears additional significance. The winner enjoys a week’s respite before the season‑closing clash, whereas the defeated side sees its campaign end instantly, highlighting the high‑risk nature of this knockout match.

Viewers intending to watch ought to test their VPN setup before kickoff to prevent last‑minute glitches. While those without a VPN can rely on radio or social‑media feeds for live updates, the fullest experience comes from streaming the entire broadcast on 7Plus. As the AFL hypes a potentially classic duel, the free digital availability guarantees fans around the globe can watch without a subscription hurdle.