His best moments largely came with the game hanging in the balance – coming up with a couple of clutch goal-saving marks in the opening half, with the scores locked at 36-all at the major break.
He finished with 29 disposals – only bettered among his fellow Lions by close friend Ashcroft – eight score involvements and six intercepts conpleted a remarkable shift to the backline this season.
It is a move Fletcher admits may not be permanent, having come into the Lions as a winger, with backline stars Keidean Coleman, Jack Payne, Noah Answerth and Tom Doedee all still to come back from injury.
“It’s different to have a different role and develop my game, but to be honest wherever Fages [coach Chris Fagan] puts my magnet is where I’m going to go out and play,” Fletcher said.
“I’m pretty confident I know the roles across the board. I wouldn’t say it’s permanent, we’ll see what happens, but I like to see I can grow my game in different areas.”
Wherever he ends up, Fletcher and Ashcroft headline a brimming youthful contingent who are poised to make Brisbane a premiership contender for the next decade.
Lachie Neale of the Lions handballs while being tackled by Bailey Smith.Credit: Getty Images
Veterans not done yet
Charlie Cameron had been doubted and written off all year. This was the ultimate reminder he was not done with yet.
The 31-year-old’s prodigy Lohmann hinted the champion would silence the naysayers on the biggest stage, and his four goals did just that.
When Cameron last faced Geelong, he had just one touch after an early goal, while his 28 goal haul heading into the decider was his fewest tally since 2018 – a campaign in which he played just 11 games.
Charlie Cameron was among the Lions’ best on Saturday.Credit: Joe Armao
But he proved once again he still had plenty in the tank, and his fellow tried and tested stars all joined him in taking the game on.
Neale’s remarkable recovery from a calf injury, brought on as the Lions’ sub, culminated in a brilliant goal and seven clearances, while McCluggage (four goals, 26 disposals, five clearances, three goal assists) reminded the AFL world again his All Australian blazer had been long overdue.
Even with rising prospects Sam Marshall, Levi Ashcroft and Bruce Reville sniffing for their chance, these veterans hav so much more to offer.
Hugh McCluggage of the Lions celebrates a goal.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
New faces inbound
Despite the win, this is hardly the way Brendan Starcevich would have wanted what could be his final game as a Lion to end.
The gutsy defender was taken from the field with yet another concussion issue, having done a brilliant job keeping Cats star Patrick Dangerfield contained.
Starcevich is heavily tipped to make a move to the West Coast Eagles, while Callum Ah Chee has been strongly linked to an Adelaide shift.
But such has been Brisbane’s strength since returning as a finals force in 2018, they have suddenly become a destination club.
Eagles forward Oscar Allen is set to join the Den, as is Essendon star Sam Draper.
The Eagles’ Oscar Allen will join the Lions next season.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The pair would provide invaluable experience and support to Brisbane’s livewire young forwards Ty Gallop, Kai Lohmann – whose two goals against Geelong followed his four-goal heroics in last year’s decider – and Logan Morris.
Injury comebacks for Eric Hipwood and Lincoln McCarthy will only strengthen this growing depth.
Queensland growth to power on
If this Lions squad is to surpass the famed triple premiership dynasty side of the early 2000s, Queensland as a whole need to ensure they are thinking beyond the elite levels.
Once the glory of those years settled, the Lions endured a horror period – reaching just one finals series after their 2004 grand final defeat until becoming a consistent contender from 2019.
Coach Chris Fagan celebrates the victory.Credit: Joe Armao
But the work of AFL Queensland to keep the grassroots of the game thriving in the rugby league dominated state suggests the current success can prosper for the long haul.
Almost 85,000 participants laced up the boots in the sunshine state this year, a 13 per cent spike as the code surges in popularity.
This success will only strengthen that hold they are building, and grow a base of players who will dream of donning the maroon and yellow guernsey.
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