‘Better than last year’: Fagan hails Lions’ premiership
Anna Harrington and Oliver Caffrey |
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has described the Lions’ stunning grand final blitz of Geelong as even better than their drought-breaking 2024 premiership.
Fagan, who broke his own record from 12 months earlier as the oldest premiership coach in VFL/AFL history, addressed 6000 euphoric Lions supporters at the club’s spiritual Melbourne home of Brunswick St Oval on Sunday.
“I reckon it feels better than last year because it’s bloody hard to do it two times in a row,” the 64-year-old said.
“All the obstacles we had to overcome this year to get to that point (of being in a grand final).
“Even the fact that Geelong beat us three weeks ago (in the qualifying final) and we’re able to turn the tables around, it was just so exciting.”
Fagan made sure to reference young superstar Will Ashcroft, who became the youngest player in history win back-to-back Norm Smith medals.
After Ashcroft was named best-on-ground in last year’s crushing win over Sydney, the talented midfielder was sledged by opponents in a pre-season match, saying he didn’t deserve it.
“Now he’s got one two years in a row so that’s fantastic.,” Fagan said.
With back-to-back premierships in their pocket, gun recruits on the way and hungry players out to prove a point, the Lions have every reason to believe a dynasty is just beginning.
And as a club with a history of three-peats, they don’t have to look far for inspiration.
The Lions previously won three on the bounce under the guidance of the legendary Leigh Matthews between 2001 and 2003 before losing the 2004 grand final.
“It’s funny. We lost our first one (2023) and they lost their last one,” dynamo Cam Rayner said.
“Hopefully history repeats and we can get another one and go again.”
Brisbane officially became the first AFL club to five premierships this century after steamrolling the Cats by 47 points during a stunning second-half onslaught on Saturday.
“This group’s freakish. Hopefully this is just the beginning,” co-captain Lachie Neale said.
Rayner felt the Lions’ success only vindicated his decision to re-sign last October until the end of 2031, adamant more trophies are on the horizon.
“I never had any doubts when I first did it and I feel like we’re only going to get stronger next year,” Rayner said.
“We’ve got so many players that are going to come back and hopefully get a few more coming in that are great players.
“Hopefully we can just keep it rolling.”
The Lions will add top-five prospect Daniel Annable from their academy along with two prized free agents.
Essendon ruckman Sam Draper will head north while Charlie Cameron was licking his lips at the prospect of playing next to West Coast key forward Oscar Allen.
“It’s gonna be pretty cool – but that’s a long way in the distance,” the matchwinning forward told AAP.
The Lions had eight players aged 22 or under in their line-up on Saturday and know plenty of improvement will come from within.
Jack Payne, Noah Answerth, Jarrod Berry, Keidean Coleman and Lincoln McCarthy are among those who missed out this year.
“We went out there with a lot of 22 and unders playing, so it all bodes well for the club as long as we stay calm and don’t get ahead of ourselves,” coach Chris Fagan said.
“But it’s just been an amazing ride.”
There will be players headed for the exit door, too.
Cameron admitted he would be “sad” to see forward line teammate Callum Ah Chee, set to join Adelaide, depart, while Brandon Starcevich could yet take up a big deal from West Coast.
Fan favourite ruckman Oscar McInerney, 31, is no guarantee to play on.
“No idea how it looks (next year). We’ll see what happens,” McInerney said.
After farewelling Melbourne fans, the premiership team will fly home to Brisbane for another fan event at Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday evening.
AAP
