Brisbane Lions Face Adelaide Crows in AFL 2026 Semi-Final With Free 7Plus Stream

Brisbane enter the match after a heavy qualifying final defeat. Chris Fagan's two-time reigning premiers were drawn against an embattled Sydney but were blown away by the Swans, losing by 53 points at the SCG. TechRadar reported that it was the heaviest loss Brisbane have suffered in 21 finals games under Fagan. The Lions have recent experience of recovering from such a result: twelve months ago, they were hammered by Geelong at the same stage before winning three straight matches and beating the Cats in the Grand Final for their second consecutive premiership.

Adelaide arrive in less familiar territory. The Crows survived a late rally from the Western Bulldogs to win 90-68, securing their first finals victory in nine years after last year's dismal finals displays as minor premiers. Coach Matthew Nicks may look to his defense, with Adelaide's recent run of 10 wins from their past 13 games built on a solid rearguard. Their attack will also need to fire if they hope to upset the champions. Izak Rankine was the difference against the Bulldogs last week, and the 26-year-old will be expected to step up again.

For viewers in Australia, the match is being shown on free-to-air Channel 7 in all regions, with live streaming available via 7Plus. TechRadar said users can create an account using a valid Australian postcode, such as 2042. In the United States, live coverage is on FS2, which is carried by Fubo, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV; each offers a free trial to new users. In the UK, the game is on TNT Sports 1, available as an add-on to Sky, Virgin Media or EE TV packages, or through an HBO Max plan that includes TNT Sports, with prices starting at £25.99 per month on a one-year commitment. Canadian viewers can watch on TSN2, or through the TSN Plus streaming service at CA$24.99 per month.

TechRadar also noted that viewers outside their home country can use a VPN to access their usual broadcaster. It recommends NordVPN, which it says offers up to 75% off and three extra months free and can unlock 7Plus. The guide states that most broadcasters have streaming services accessible through mobile apps or phone browsers, citing 7Plus's dedicated app. TechRadar said it tests and reviews VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses, such as accessing a service from another country subject to that service's terms and conditions, and protecting online security and privacy when abroad; it does not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services.

Editor's Summary The AFL 2026 semi-final between Brisbane and Adelaide will decide which team advances to face Sydney in the Preliminary Final, with free coverage in Australia on 7Plus and broadcasts across the US, UK and Canada. Brisbane are seeking to rebound from a 53-point qualifying final loss, while Adelaide are chasing another upset after their first finals win in nine years. The match is scheduled for 7.35pm AEST on September 12.