Brisbane Lions players and coach Chris Fagan savour their 60-point grand final win over Sydney. Photo: James Ross/AAP PHOTOS 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. Subscribe now for unlimited access .
Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue Lachie Neale (33 disposals) and Norm Smith Medal winner Will Ashcroft (30) starred in the 18.12 (120) to 9.6 (60) victory 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. Lachie Neale was at his prolific best as the Lions cruised to victory at the MCG. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS) He is also the first flag-winning tactician who never played a senior game.
Fittingly, legendary former coach Leigh Matthews presented the premiership cup to Fagan, co-captains Neale and Harris Andrews and former skipper Dayne Zorko, having steered the Lions to a famous hat-trick of flags in 2001-2003. In rising from fifth, Brisbane became just the second team under the current finals system - introduced in 2000 - to win the premiership from .