Brisbane Lions Celebrate Premiership in Low-Key Style

The Brisbane Lions celebrated their recent premiership victory in a quiet bar located about 25 minutes north of the city center. The venue, nestled between a metal detector shop and a home loan office, provided a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of the Gabba. Players, including Hugh McCluggage and Lachie Neale, arrived with the premiership cup and cans in hand, likely nursing hangovers from the festivities.

Each player carried shopping bags filled with op shop clothes, which they had purchased to dress up a teammate in embarrassing outfits. These costumes are meant for private viewing only, to be worn once the doors are closed and the blinds are drawn.

In contrast, the Geelong Cats, the Lions' grand final opponents, celebrated at the Wharf Shed, a prominent venue on the city’s waterfront. The Cats arrived in their Mad Monday costumes, eager to showcase their outfits to a throng of media and fans. Geelong has a history of embracing accessibility during their post-season celebrations, with past events drawing significant attention.

The Cats have been known for their lighthearted approach, with players often dressing in humorous costumes. However, some past choices have sparked controversy, such as Jimmy Bartel and Mitch Duncan's 2011 costumes that drew criticism from footy legend Ron Barassi. This year, Patrick Dangerfield opted for a safe cowboy costume, while Bailey Smith dressed as Brad Pitt from "Legends of the Fall," despite admitting he had never seen the film.

Max Holmes chose to dress as footy reporter Caroline Wilson, continuing a tradition of playful costumes. However, the Geelong players who dressed as the controversial Irish band Kneecap faced scrutiny due to past incidents involving anti-Semitism. Despite this, they received a warm reception online as Kneecap's popularity grows.

The celebration took an unexpected turn when Smith's social media posts drew attention. In a photo with Holmes, he commented that Wilson "had never looked better," referencing the challenges she has faced in her career. Another post with Dangerfield included a caption suggesting they resembled characters from "Brokeback Mountain," which some interpreted as offensive.

Dangerfield later confiscated Smith's phone, indicating he may not have been aware of the context in which the photos were shared. This incident has raised questions about the implications for the club and its leadership.

Geelong has long been praised for its openness with fans and media, but this situation may prompt a reevaluation of their approach. The club's reputation is now at stake, as years of goodwill could be jeopardized by the fallout from this incident. The Lions' more private celebration style may now seem more appealing in light of recent events.