Brisbane Lions defender Keidean Coleman produced a scintillating performance in his team's preliminary final win over Carlton last night.

The Dalabon man gathered 21 disposals, including 11 intercepts, 10 marks and a team-high 627 metres gained in the Lions' 16-point win.

The 11.13 (79) to 9.9 (63) victory will earn Brisbane a spot in next weekend's AFL grand final against Collingwood – the team Coleman supported as a young child.

Last night was Coleman's most important performance in Lions colours.

The use of his attacking left foot created many offensive opportunities for his team, especially during the five-goal to one second term in favour of the home team.

Another highlight came during the third quarter when he started the passage of play that led to Charlie Cameron's goal and in the final term when an intercept mark ultimately resulted in Lincoln McCarthy kicking the sealer.

Lions coach Chris Fagan was full of praise for Coleman's performance during his post-match press conference.

"He's just a young fella and to play in a big final like that … some of the bits of play that he showed tonight was just fantastic," Fagan said.

"I thought our defence stood up particularly well in the first quarter; we had to defend 20-odd inside-50s and to only concede six shots is probably a pretty fair effort."

Coleman was raised in a small community called Barunga, 80km southeast of Katherine.

He eventually moved to Queensland for school and sport and began playing with QAFL team Morningside.

Coleman was originally overlooked in the draft, but after a string of solid performances for the Brisbane Lions Academy, he was selected the following year.

The Territorian was taken with pick 37 in the 2019 AFL National Draft after the Lions were forced to match a bid from Essendon.

He has played 63 games for Brisbane at the elite level after making his debut against Collingwood during the Covid-interrupted 2020 season.

Next week's grand final clash against the Magpies will be even more significant as Coleman will hope to help his team break a 20-year premiership drought.

Pinjarup Noongar, Nyikina and Yawuru man Callum Ah Chee had eight disposals and a goal in last night's win.

If successful next week, Ah Chee will be the first Australian with Chinese heritage to win a flag.

Lardil man Charlie Cameron looked dangerous up forward but finished with an inaccurate 1.3.