Search

show me:

'Unbelievable' Lions end 20-year drought in epic prelim

3 minute read

The Brisbane Lions are into their second grand final in as many seasons after beating Geelong by 10 points in an epic preliminary final at the MCG.

CHRIS FAGAN, senior coach of Brisbane speaks to his players during the AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Brisbane Lions at MCG in Melbourne, Australia.
CHRIS FAGAN, senior coach of Brisbane speaks to his players during the AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Brisbane Lions at MCG in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

SNAPSHOT OF THE SECOND AFL PRELIMINARY FINAL

Result: Brisbane Lions 14.11 (95) bt Geelong 12.13 (85) at the MCG on Saturday.

They said it: "It's unbelievable. This group has been up for it all year. To come back and do this. It's all about moments." - Lions star Cam Rayner.

Key moment: Geelong's fifth goal was one of the greatest. Small forward Gryan Miers, who became a meme last year when he was jokingly compared to Lionel Messi, crossed the ball off the ground from the pocket to a sliding Ollie Henry in the goal square, who kicked it through for a jaw dropping goal.

The stat: The Brisbane Lions ended a 20-year drought without a victory against Geelong in Victoria. Their previous win against the Cats outside of Queensland came in the 2004 preliminary final.

Injuries: Lions ruckman Oscar McInerney popped his left shoulder out in the first quarter and seemed done for the day. McInerney was strapped back and went back out there, clearly struggling, and was eventually substituted. Geelong speedster Max Holmes hurt his hamstring in a preliminary final for the second time in three years.

What's next? The Lions will face Sydney in the first non-Victorian grand final since 2006.

What are you really gambling with?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au