Well before the first bounce, Brandon Starcevich had predicted “a few moments of brilliance is all it’s going to take, and we’ve got plenty of guys to do it”. In the end, there was barely a Brisbane Lion who failed to have one of those moments of their own, as they defied Sydney’s favouritism to avenge last year’s AFL grand final heartache with an 18.12 (120) to 9.
6 (60) demolition. Starcevich was among them, regularly defusing the Swans’ electric midfield to ensure his side held a slender lead at the first break – despite conceding 15 inside 50s to 12. On the back of that, Brisbane kicked 46 points in the second term to place one hand on the trophy.
Brandon Starcevich of the Lions. Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images Kai Lohmann was sensational in kicking four goals, while Joe Daniher and Darcy Fort contained giant ruckman Brodie Grundy to strike back-to-back goals frequently, all in the absence of the wounded Oscar McInerney. Callum Ah Chee continued his faultless finals’ series with four goals, 14 disposals and a pair of goal assists, while Norm Smith Medal winner Will Ashcroft combined with Lachie Neale in unflappable fashion.
They were just some of the names who helped rewrite the wrongs of yesteryear, when Brisbane suffered a four-point defeat to Collingwood, and claimed the Lions’ first premiership since 2003. Charlie Cameron in action for the Lions. Credit: The Age It was the ultimate team performance, with too many Norm Smith Medal contenders to n.