So, this is it.
It’s September and I’m writing about the mighty Brisbane Lions (proudly sponsored by Neds) playing in a final.
It’s been a bloody long time since we’ve featured in the finals and there’s no sugar-coating it, things looked grim and no one knew where the light at the end of the tunnel was.
But there was hope. A group of young Lion cubs played some exciting footy, led by a Father figure coach in Fages and we’ve come so far from where we were.
I’ve got three words for you – Why not us?
Anything is possible, now is the time to believe and now is the time to think of a fourth flag to be placed in the trophy cabinet at the Gabba.
To get you all inspired for the upcoming finals series, let’s take a leaf out of The Dream with Roy and HG from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games – GO YOU GOOD THINGS!
“Brisbane has had an amazing season, but they can’t win it.”
“The Premiership window isn’t open for the Lions yet.”
“They just don’t have enough finals experience.”
These are just the normal lines people have who are in denial about the chances of the mighty Brisbane Lions (proudly sponsored by Neds) this finals series.
The fact is we finished 2nd on the ladder, and if we win three more games – another premiership cup is headed to the Gabba.
What a Test it will be to take on a homesick Richmond on our turf for a change.
We took it right up to the Tigers at the MCG in Round 23 and now it’s our house, our rules.
It’s been a bloody long time since we’ve beaten the Tiges, so what a perfect way to end this losing streak.
We’ll do it by matching Richmond by being harder, brutal and making Dusty feel a little Rusty.
The Gabbatoir is very much back in business and are in for a reminder about who the true kings of the AFL jungle is.
Don’t mind the doubters, we could still win the flag and they’d think we aren’t ready for it.
Too soon? Too inexperienced? No way.
Check out the AFL's official Lions TVC. pic.twitter.com/fE7So5FWbc
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) August 30, 2019
Dylan Grimes better learn to play by the rules, because there will be no room for him to do the dodgy on Charlie Cameron this Saturday night.
He may have had a tough day at the office at the MCG, but Charlie is raring to go for finals.
What better way to start the first Brisbane final in over a decade with Charlie Cameron bringing the house down with the first goal of the game?
The roar of the crowd will be electric and the “Tiger Army” and Dylan Grimes won’t know what hit ’em.
.@Richmond_FC have thrown fuel on the fire on the war over illegal tactics that nullified @brisbanelions goal freak Charlie Cameron, declaring there is more on the way. @BenDavis74 #7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/U2Ef9EbNhC
— 7NEWS Brisbane (@7NewsBrisbane) September 2, 2019
We all know the reason why Hodgey joined the Lions wasn’t to add some experience and be an on-field coach, it was to play in another premiership.
What Hodgey lacks in finals and premiership success, is goals in season 2019.
Luke Hodge is a vital cog for the Lions, especially in finals with all his experience.
However, his goal-tally for this season is donuts, a big fat zero.
With that in mind, what a way for Hodgey to show he means business in the final by jagging his first sausage roll for the Lions in 2019 in a final.
Luke Hodge reveals what he said to his team straight after Brisbane lost to Richmond at the MCG.#TalkingFooty pic.twitter.com/Rpz4J1MTPw
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 2, 2019
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.