The Brisbane Lions’ resounding 60-point victory over the Sydney Swans in the 2024 AFL Grand Final was not just a historic moment for the club and its fans, but also deeply personal for two of its most notable alumni and co-hosts of Neds AFL Unpopular Opinions, Tom Rockliff, and Alastair Lynch.
With both men having captained the club at one stage, they shared their perspectives on what this monumental win means to them in the final episode of Neds AFL Unpopular Opinions for season 2024.
Tom Rockliff, who captained the Lions through some of their toughest years from seasons 2015-2016 and played 158 games for the club before finishing his career with Port Adelaide, described the victory as “massive” not only for the club but also for players like himself, who endured the lean years.
“I got a bit emotional when I saw guys like Dayne Zorko and Ryan Lester cuddling after the win,” Rockliff admitted, reflecting on the difficult periods they had all experienced.
There’s so many blokes at the Lions that I’m happy for but none more so than Ryan Lester & Dayne Zorko.
Longesr two tenured players at the club but more than that the culture this club has can be in many ways attributed to what they do behind the scenes. Absolute legends. #AFL pic.twitter.com/yp3EJidTWb
— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) September 28, 2024
He spoke fondly of Lester, who was close to retirement just two years ago but went on to become a key player in the premiership win. This story resonated with Rockliff, who led the Lions through turbulent times when player retention issues and poor on-field results marred the club’s progress.
The victory, Rockliff emphasized, is a testament to the resilience of the Lions, highlighting how they had evolved from being a dysfunctional club to a championship-winning team.
“For blokes like Harris Andrews and Eric Hipwood, who were there when the club was struggling, it’s just incredible,” Rockliff said, recalling how the team managed to bounce back from years of hardship to claim their first premiership since 2003.
Rockliff was also quick to praise the leadership of former football manager David Noble and coach Chris Fagan, who helped rebuild the club’s culture and foster a winning mentality from when they first arrived at the start of 2017.
“The work that Fages has done, especially around relationships and team unity, was crucial,” he said, stressing the importance of the club’s focus on maturity and selflessness.
Rockliff also took note of Dayne Zorko’s honesty in a post-game interview with Jacqui Reed on 3AW, with Zorko admitting that he and Harris Andrews, had offered to step aside for younger talent if necessary during a mid-season slump.
"I'll let you in on a little secret."
Dayne Zorko has revealed the meeting he had in round 12 with some senior players at the club, which helped turn their season around!
FULL INTERVIEW 👉 https://t.co/p73ZdGfwpb#AFLGF pic.twitter.com/n5wbJjKo6L
— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) September 28, 2024
“That just shows the selfless mindset of this group,” Rockliff noted, calling it one of the key factors behind their premiership success.
For Alastair Lynch, a key figure in the Lions’ early 2000s dynasty, the 2024 victory held a special significance, rekindling memories of Brisbane’s golden era.
Lynch, who played in the Lions’ historic three-peat from 2001-2003, couldn’t hide his admiration for the current team’s achievement and while he was full of praise for the entire squad, he picked out Harris Andrews as one his best.
“If I was picking someone out of that game to play for me next week, it would be Harris Andrews,” Lynch said, echoing Rockliff’s sentiments about the importance of the Lions’ defensive stalwart.
Lynch also marveled at the club’s ability to overcome adversity, including numerous injuries and being written off mid-season.
He compared the 2024 win to Brisbane’s first premiership in 2001, noting similarities in how both teams had to claw their way back into contention after shaky starts. “It could be the start of something extremely special for this group,” Lynch said, suggesting that the current Lions squad, brimming with talent and young stars, could potentially emulate the success of his era.
As for the future, both Rockliff and Lynch were optimistic about the Lions’ chances of building a dynasty similar to the one they enjoyed in the early 2000s.
With stars like Will Ashcroft (and the prospect of his brother Levi joining who’s touted as a potential number one pick under father/son) along with the likes Josh Dunkley playing pivotal roles, the club seems poised for continued success.
However, Lynch was quick to point out the challenges ahead, noting that the potential loss of key players like Joe Daniher could significantly impact the team’s dynamics.
Brisbane’s 2024 AFL Grand Final victory was not just a momentous achievement for the current Lions squad and their fans but also a source of pride for former players like Rockliff and Lynch, who have both seen the club at its highest and lowest points.
For them, this premiership win signifies a culmination of years of hard work and perseverance, and for Lynchy and Rocky they are hopeful it marks the beginning of another golden era for the Lions.
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