In a quiet part of Brisbane, about 25 minutes north of the CBD, the triumphant Brisbane Lions squad filters into a bar tucked between a shop that sells metal detectors and another that offers home loans.

It's an unassuming little area, a long way from the Gabba and a far cry from the small AFL pockets like Bulimba and Hawthorne that dot themselves around rugby league heartland.

Hugh McCluggage cradles the premiership cup. Lachie Neale cradles a can. Most of them probably cradle a hangover. Loading Instagram content

And all of them, subtly, either carry a shopping bag or a pile of clothes into the venue.

Within the bags and draped over their arms are op shop clothes for later, each player buying an embarrassing outfit for a teammate, outfits that are only for the eyes of Lions playe

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