The Brisbane Lions have won back-to-back premierships with a stunning 47-point triumph over Geelong before 100,022 fans at the MCG, 18.14 (122) to 11.9 (69).
The Lions had to do it the hard way through the finals after finishing third on the ladder and being thoroughly outplayed by the Cats in their qualifying final.
Though superstar midfielder Lachie Neale took a calf issue into the decider and only entered the contest at half-time, Will Ashcroft, Hugh McCluggage and Zac Bailey picked up the slack and Neale, himself, slotted a monster goal on the run from 50 with just minutes remaining in the third.
Lachie Neale celebrates his monster goal on the run after being subbed into the grand final at half-time. Credit: Joe Armao
The Lions and Cats were deadlocked at half-time – the first