Brilliant retention of skill under pressure that won the Lions the 2025 Grand Final. They smashed the Geelong Cats to pieces and won their second premiership in a row with a 47 point thrashing. The match, held at the MCG, saw a remarkable performance from the Lions’ captain, Lachie Neale, who made a significant impact after returning from injury.
And when Lachie Neale, the Lions’ superstar skipper, ran onto the pitch as a sub … He had missed the final’s lead-up period with a calf injury. Everyone was counting down his return to the gridiron. The coach even injected him into the match at half-time with Brisbane behind Geelong on the scoreboard. The move would be an inspired one, as Neale helped to swing the match in his side’s favor in the second period.
Neale’s performance was nothing short of inspirational. After a tentative beginning, he soon found his rhythm, including kicking a vital goal in the third quarter – lighting the fuse for the Lions’ eventual eruption. Through the entirety of the last two quarters, Neale racked up 16 touches, exhibiting not only his class but his authority when the stakes were highest. His brilliant cameo sparked his teammates into life. It also resuscitated the mood of the supporters gazing from the touchline.
Post-match, Neale was understandably excited about his return to action. He confessed that he was more nervous than usual going into the game.
“At half-time it certainly didn’t look like it was going to be a (final) result like that,” – Lachie Neale
This admission underscores the pressure he faced, not only as a player returning from injury but as the team’s captain in a high-stakes match.
Impressively, the Lions turned the fortunes around with an almighty second-half-term showing amounting to a 10-goal-to-2 blitz against Geelong. The team flourished in Neale’s tenure. As they methodically extended their lead, it became clear that Brisbane were on their way to making it back-to-back premierships.
Here’s what Neale had to say from the interview room post-match about his experience entering the game as a sub. When Abbey Holmes spoke with him at the conclusion of his comeback game, she asked an essential question about the toughest part of his journey home from injury.
“How challenging was it to come in as a sub and how did that unfold during the week?” – Holmes
Neale’s ability to rise to the occasion solidified his status as a key player for Brisbane and highlighted his resilience and commitment to the team.
Kane Cornes, an often cranky typical commentator and permanent player Kane Cornes, hailed Brisbane’s play. He proclaimed their upset win “one of the great grand final victories” he had ever witnessed. This comment goes to show just how great an accomplishment this was for Brisbane and cements their spot amongst Queensland’s greatest in AFL history.
The Lions’ back-to-back premierships represent the pinnacle of the franchise’s success, reflecting their well-rounded dominance and poise in high-stakes moments. As they rejoice in this unprecedented victory, it’s a good time for fans and players alike to take pride in their team’s accomplishments.
