The Brisbane Lions have managed one of the most extraordinary turnarounds in a finals series to win this grand final in a canter against the same Geelong that dismembered the Lions only 22 days earlier.
Warm favourites entering this grand final, the Cats succumbed to the youthful talent and audacious skill of the Lions.
If anything, the pre-grand final near-consensus was that the Cats had the edge, in part because they had fewer banged-up or compromised players.
Callum Ah Chee of the Lions celebrates with fans.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
But this analysis, shared by this journalist, was completely awry. Brisbane utterly demolished the Cats after half-time, turning a deadlocked game into a rout. They booted seven goals in a row in the last quarter, owning territory, possession and, not least, scoring.
Youngster Will Ashcroft and co-captain Harris Andrews were pivotal figures, while Zac Bailey’s profligacy probably cost him a chance at the Norm Smith medal. Hugh McCluggage, too, was outstanding, as was Charlie Cameron (four goals).
Incredibly, the margin was one point during the third quarter. The momentum shift occurred after Max Holmes booted a goal, to briefly capture the lead for the Cats.
It’s a result that will create a discussion about the pre-finals bye, as another qualifying final winner was swept away in the season finale. And it is an ominous result for the competition given the Lions have eight players in this team who are aged 22 and under, including the Ashcroft brothers.
The decision to play Lachie Neale as sub turned into a blinder for Chris Fagan, too.
Remarkable by the Lions. They’re a dynasty.
