The Brisbane Lions have rebounded from last year’s grand final heartbreak in stunning fashion, belting Sydney by 60 points to claim their first AFL premiership in more than two decades. Lachie Neale (33 disposals) and Norm Smith Medal winner Will Ashcroft (30) starred in the 18.12 (120) to 9.
6 (60) win at the MCG on Saturday, which completes the Lions’ long climb to the summit under Chris Fagan. The 63-year-old took over eight years ago after a three-win season and is now the competition’s oldest premiership coach. He is also the first flag-winning tactician who never played a senior game.
It is Brisbane’s fourth flag since the Bears-Fitzroy merger in 1996, and first since the famous hat-trick of triumphs in 2001-2003. In rising from fifth, the Lions became just the second team under the current finals system – introduced in 2000 – to win the premiership from outside the top four. Neale and co-captain Harris Andrews led superbly, while Callum Ah Chee and Kai Lohmann both kicked four goals.
Ah Chee executed his role on All-Australian defender Nick Blakey perfectly, as did Brandon Starcevich on dangerous Swans forward Tom Papley. Dayne Zorko (26 disposals) was also influential and Joe Daniher (16 touches, 2.4) stood out in what could be his final game, with the veteran forward considering retirement.
It has been a year full of adversity after Brisbane’s four-point defeat to Collingwood in last season’s decider, with the Lions losing five players to long-term kne.