Sydney's Will Hayward kicked the first goal of the 2024 AFL Grand Final to get the Swans the perfect start at the MCG.

11 minutes into the first quarter of Saturday's decider, Hayward gathered a spilt ball after teammate Joel Amartey was paid a free kick in the pocket. He took the advantage and snapped truly from 20 metres out to score the first major of the afternoon.

The opening goal came after a missed chance early from Charlie Cameron, who couldn't convert a set shot from 25 metres out with almost no angle. Brisbane spearhead Joe Daniher couldn't capitalise on a set shot of his own either, with Hayward's goal the fourth score of the game after James Rowbottom's missed chance.

Brisbane co-captain Harris Andrews won the toss and elected to kick toward the Punt Road end.

Five of the past six first goalkickers came from the premiership-winning side, which will be an early omen for Swans.

Previous Grand Final first goal kickers:

You can follow the 2024 AFL Grand Final via our live blog, while all match stats can be found in our match centre below.

 2024-09-28T04:30:00Z