For a team that just lost a grand final by a kick, the Lions rooms weren’t as flat as you might expect.
If anything, the staff and club officials look more shattered than the players.
In fact, there was a unique contrast with a group of kids running around in joy, kicking a footy around to perhaps create a sense of perspective for the sombre players.
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The children would occasionally accidentally kick the ball into or themselves bump into players, who, if only briefly, smiled and interacted with them in those moments
Lincoln McCarthy in particular was in the thick of it with the kids, crouching down to their level and chasing them around.
True to the Queensland brand, most players had XXXX Gold Lager stubbies in their hands as the reality that their season had ended, in brutal fashion, was clear.
Some players were still dressed in their full match attire, others had a club polo on.
Two key Brisbane members did look particularly gut wrenched.
Lachie Neale, who earlier this week became the 16th player in league history to win multiple Brownlow medals, stood in a circle of friends and family with tears in his eyes.
You could tell how hard the loss had hit the co-captain and star midfielder.
On the opposite end of the rooms, straight-faced coach Chris Fagan stood in a more private area. It was the look of a man who knew one got away, and that he might never get back there.
In another corner, Keidean Coleman and a shirtless Charlie Cameron, who’d both played huge games to nearly get Brisbane over the line, sat in conversation – likely discussing what just transpired at the MCG.
Cameron was one of the more active Lions in the rooms in general though, making his way around different groups.
He hugged a woman and told her he loved her in an emotional exchange.
Another touching image was Oscar McInerney, who you can’t miss, holding a baby while chatting to friends and family. The ruckman was clearly emotional.
Leigh Matthews,the man who led the club to a three-peat of flags at the start of the 2000s and board member, seated to the left with his hands crossed. He was upbeat enough with a slight grin at times.
And after all, Matthews’ Lions did get two of those flags over the Magpies, and he’s already seen plenty of success both as a player and coach.
You couldn’t help but notice Jack Payne dressed in casual clothes with a jumper wrapped around his neck and wondered what the result might’ve been with the defender available.
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Fellow injured star Will Ashcroft was out the front with an empty Gatorade bottle in hand.Similarly, you had to ponder how the vibe of those rooms might’ve been different if he’d played.
There’s no ifs, buts or maybes on grand final though and only one premier crowned. While these Lions might yet get back there, they’ll be left to play this one over in their heads a thousand times until next season.
