Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has described the Lions’ stunning grand final blitz of Geelong as even better than their drought-breaking 2024 premiership.
Fagan, who broke his own record from 12 months earlier as the oldest premiership coach in VFL/AFL history, addressed 6,000 euphoric Lions supporters at the club’s spiritual Melbourne home of Brunswick Street Oval in Fitzroy North on Sunday.
“I reckon it feels better than last year because it’s bloody hard to do it two times in a row,” the 64-year-old said.
“All the obstacles we had to overcome this year to get to that point.
“Even the fact that Geelong beat us three weeks ago and we’re able to turn the tables around, it was just so exciting.”
Brisbane officially became the first AFL club to five premierships this century after steamrolling the Cats by 47 points during a stunning second-half onslaught on Saturday.
“This group’s freakish. Hopefully this is just the beginning,” co-captain Lachie Neale said.
After farewelling Melbourne fans, the premiership team flew home to Brisbane for another fan event at Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday evening.
The AFL re-posted a clip on Instagram of Lions players bringing the premiership cup through airport security as carry-on luggage, with the caption “precious cargo”.
Meanwhile a “bitterly disappointed” Geelong coach Chris Scott admitted he would rather have wallowed in bed than turn up for Sunday morning’s club family day.
But he issued a call to arms to fans, pointing to his team’s consistency and urging the Cats to challenge again next season.
While the Cats were left lamenting an opportunity lost, they have finished outside the finals only three times in the past two decades and in that time have won four premierships.
“We’ve had plenty of forks in the road … over the last decade or two. There was the possibility that we turn up our toes and go through a bit of a rebuilding process, and accept the best was behind us,” Scott told Geelong fans.
“We’re just not prepared to concede that – and it’s pretty safe to say I speak for everyone when I say we’re not prepared to concede now, either.
“We’re bitterly disappointed. In this game, sometimes all you can ask for is to give yourself a chance. Our players and our club did that for us this year.”
Scott added his emotions had been “up and down” over the previous 24 hours, but he is up for the fight. “Even though it feels so raw now ... I’m ready for the work, to give ourselves a chance again next year,” he said.
He praised the club’s unity and urged the Geelong faithful to keep sticking with them.
“In moments like these, the temptation is to focus on the things that we didn’t do well. Internally, I’m just so confident that everyone has each other’s back,” he said.
“You’re better than I am. If I had my way, or in a weak moment, I’d still be in bed with the doona pulled over my head.
“Even when we frustrate you, stick with us. We really appreciate it.”
Coleman medallist Jeremy Cameron missed Sunday morning’s function as he was in hospital for tests after fracturing his right forearm in the grand final.
He suffered the injury in a collision with captain Patrick Dangerfield, who likewise told Geelong fans that their team would rally from Saturday’s bitter loss.
“It’s tough and it will ferment over the summer period, but those tough periods are the reason it’s all worth it when you get it right. It’s why it means so much,” he said.
With Australian Associated Press
