Some people might relate this quote to Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 movie “Predator”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNr0WXQ3Ho4
But for me, I associate it with Leigh Matthews in the lead up to the mighty Brisbane Lions taking on Essendon back in Round 10, 2001.
There were superstars on every line as the Lions squared up to the reigning premiers, the Bombers in round 10, 2001. #AFLDonsLions pic.twitter.com/1spsO8AzwI
— AFL (@AFL) April 12, 2019
“IF IT BLEEDS, WE CAN KILL IT.” – Leigh Matthews
And kill it we did.
The Lions beat the Bombers by 28 points at the Gabba that night and then you may remember we beat the Bombers in the Grand Final by 26 points that year?
The thing is, ever since then Essendon has been bleeding, and we basically killed it.
The Dons haven’t won a final in 15 years, I can now enjoy an XXXX at the Pineapple Hotel/Draught at the Royal Derby in Fitzroy with people who haven’t lived to see an Essendon premiership and they have had more false hope/possible release dates since Guns ‘ N Roses’ “Chinese Democracy” album.
Now, the mighty Brisbane Lions (proudly sponsored by Neds) are back in town.
It will be fantastic to have a full dress rehearsal on the hallowed MCG turf before we return in September either for the Lions playing finals, or the group tour I was going to take there.
Along with this, it’ll be great for Essendon fans to see what a club with a bright future looks like
I’m not saying the lid is off, but merely that I’ve got it covered in Cling Wrap at this stage.
With that and more let’s dive in deep on how the mighty Brisbane Lions will be 4-0 by Saturday night.
We’re three from three to start the season and that charge in the last quarter to get the job done over Port Adelaide was delicious.
Essendon, who have not won a final in 15 years, come off finally getting its first win for the season with a solid victory over the Dees last week.
The Bombers will want to make it a 2-2 start to the season, but the mighty Brisbane Lions (proudly sponsored by Neds) will be looking to make it 4-0 for the first time since the glory days and I believe they can do it.
With the Bombers missing Shaun McKernan, they are a forward down, so if old war horses like Hodgey can keep Jake “The Package” Stringer out of the game and the Lions can quickly get the ball out of the middle, which they have been brilliant at – we’re looking at another big scoring day for the pride of Brisbane Town.
The Lions don’t get many runs on the MCG and will want to make the most of it.
It’s set to raise the hairs at the back of your neck with the “LIONSSSSSSSS, LIIIIIOOOONNNNNNNSSSS” chant around the ‘G late in the last quarter.
Many have compared young Cam Rayner to Dustin Martin, but right now Rusty Dusty should be comparing himself to Cam Rayner.
The kid is a bloody gun and he’s about to make the most of a rare appearance on the G.
Expect him to burst through the pack and roost a ripping goal from outside the 50 in the first 30 seconds of the game to get the Lions on the board.
He’ll probably get 30+ touches and dominate all the day.
This is the game the Rayne-man becomes one of the AFL’s elite.
There’s nothing better than Luke Hodge haunting Essendon.
He did it plenty of times back when he was at the Hawks and there’s no doubt Hodgey will seize the opportunity to do it again in a Lions jumper at the G.
Now Hodgey has been spending most of his time down back, but expect him to get a bit hungry in the last quarter, finding himself up forward and slotting one through.
He’ll carry on as well, and the boys will get right around him, especially if we’re kicking to the end where the Bombers cheer squad is sitting.
Get used to this phrase come Brownlow medal time “Brisbane Lions (Proudly sponsored by Neds) – L. Neale – 3 Votes.”
Three rounds in and Neale boasts league-high averages for disposals (38.33) and handballs (23.67) and sits second behind Patrick Cripps for clearances with 9.3.
He is third behind Cripps and Ben Cunnington for contested possessions (18.33).
This is career high stuff for the former Freo player that just wanted to play with his mates.
He loves his mates. He loves the Lions. I love him already.
If you’re keen – he’s currently at $6 to win the Brownlow behind AFLX sympathiser, Patrick Dangerfield who’s currently the favourite at $4.
Ned Merrett-Murray is Neds resident Brisbane Lions nuffie. The child of the ultimate Brisbane Lions parents, whose mother rattled tins to save Fitzroy and Dad dined with Christopher Skase at Carrara, Ned was a Brisbane Lions diehard from birth. Ned constantly reminds his wife and kids that 2001, 02 and 03 Grand Final’s were the best days of his life and nothing compares to it. Ned never misses a game, training session, JLT, AFLW, NEAFL and Fitzroy Ammos match. Ned lives in Woolongabba with his wife Leigh and twins Chris and Brad and pet fish Vossy, Browny and Blacky.