When others think about the Brisbane Lions, the AFL world is like the kid in Poltergeist II: The Other Side.
THEY’RE BACK.
We’re Back.
The Brisbane Lions (proudly sponsored by Neds) are back in the Finals and the rest of the football world are shaking in their boots about the prospect of the Lions being kings of the jungle once again.
The wins keep on coming, the players play for each other and right now we are looking very comfortable sitting in the top four.
Because, in the words of Starship – Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.
Not only are the mighty Brisbane Lions (proudly sponsored by Neds) are back in the finals this year, we’ve managed to get rid of some hoodoos this year (West Coast, Sydney, Adelaide) and now it’s time to end this five-game winning streak the Doggies have on us.
With three games in a row at the Gabba followed by a Grand Final dress-rehearsal against the Tigers in Round 23, what better way to make it seven in a row than beating those dirty Dogs.
“Dirty Dogs” you say? Well, of course, the Dogs are dirty – anyone remembers Tony Liberatore attacking Craig McRae or Jose Romeo scratching Simon Black back in the day? Let’s not forget how they couldn’t handle Aker at their club.
Stuff ’em I say. Let’s ruin their finals prospects.
What has tended to be the trend for the Lions, especially when we play at home this season is that we tend to be down at half-time (West Coast, Port, Dees, North) only to come home like a steam train with the crowd right behind us.
The crowd has always had a vital impact on our home games for as long as the club has existed.
Who could forget back in 1988 at Carrara when we prevented Simon Beasley from winning the game for the Dogs against the Bears? I was one of the first ones on the ground! Not that I condone those acts these days, but this is what “fan engagement” and the “matchday expereince” was all about back then.
Think there were a few on the mark for Harry Taylor's kick?
Take a look at what Simon Beasley had to deal with in 1988!#TheFrontBar pic.twitter.com/VespHLaGx8
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 4, 2018
The $6.50 in the half-time/full-time market represents excellent value and the potential winnings are good for your savings account dedicated to finals tickets. flights and accommodation.
I’m a sentimental kind of guy and was stoked to say the Stef Martin put pen to paper for another season at the Gabbatoir.
With the Lions playing finals, why would anyone want to leave?
Stef adds a heap of flexibility and has only kicked four goals this year but what better way to celebrate the big fella sticking with the Lions than kicking a long bomb outside the 50 and slotting it through the big sticks.
The @BrisbaneLions have locked down the centre-piece of their attack, re-signing Ruckman Stefan Martin for next season. @7SportAU #7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/Mmfw9X5Wmy
— 7NEWS Brisbane (@7NewsBrisbane) July 30, 2019
The fire in the belly is alive for our boy Mitch Robinson.
Taking the most coaches votes last round with a solid 28 disposals against the hawks – 21 of them kicks to the forward line, makes him one of our most valuable players.
Finals football and Mitch Robinson is a lethal mix and he’s only just getting started.
Expect a repeat performance this Sunday at the Gabba.
Robbo took home top marks in the Round 19 Coaches Votes, while 3 other Lions were also rewarded ✅
▶️ https://t.co/hiGs2UwIaQ pic.twitter.com/uJDthYZW9p
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) July 30, 2019
I must apologise for my absence last week hence there being no “Betting on the Lion” for the game against Hawthorn.
I was busy setting up camp and making sure I had the front position in the line for Grand Final tickets.
I’m not jumping the gun, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Ned Merrett-Murray is Neds resident Brisbane Lions nuffie.
Born into the Brisbane Lions , Ned’s 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. He currently lives in Woolongabba with his wife Leigh and twins Chris and Brad and pet fish Vossy, Browny and Blacky.