The Brisbane Lions are enjoying redemption after last year’s grand final heartache, storming to a 10-goal victory over Sydney on Saturday to claim the 2024 AFL premiership.
In front of 100,013 fans at the MCG, the Lions erased memories of their 2023 grand final loss to Collingwood, winning 18.12 (120) to 9.6 (60).
Kai Lohmann starred for the Lions against the Swans.Credit: Eddie Jim
The Lions broke the game open with a second-term blitz, including six-straight goals, booking a 46-point lead by half-time.
Their dominance continued after the main break, the lead stretching to 73 points by the final break, as they became the second team after the Western Bulldogs in 2016 to win a flag from outside the top four.
Dual-Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale, despite nursing a heel injury which has required pain-killing injections, and fellow midfielder Will Ashcroft were pivotal in the win, as were defenders Harris Andrews and Jack Payne and forwards Joe Daniher and Kai Lohmann, the latter with three goals in the first half.
The Lions dominated uncontested marks and possession through their kick-mark game, ensuring they captured their fourth flag as a Brisbane-based club, adding to the 2001-03 run under legendary coach Leigh Matthews.
Lions fans were in full voice as their side won their first premiership since 2003.Credit: Justin McManus
The victory was particularly sweet for Chris Fagan, 63, the oldest coach in VFL-AFL grand final history, for he took charge of the Lions in 2017 when the club was on its knees.
His decision last year to have his players scribble their emotions down after losing to the Magpies, and then revisiting them through this finals campaign, proved inspiring.
For the Swans, this was their fourth grand final defeat under coach John Longmire, having also lost in 2014, 2016 and 2022, the latter by 81 points. Longmire’s sole flag was in 2012. He is contracted until the end of 2025.
The Swans did not get enough from their top players, including key playmaker Isaac Heeney (who was negated by Josh Dunkley), Chad Warner, Nick Blakey and Errol Gulden when the contest was in the balance.
More to come
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