AFL grand final: Brisbane Lions thump Sydney to earn redemption for 2023 with premiership triumph

Grand final redemption has rarely felt so sweet. Brisbane are the 2024 premiers with a 18.12 (120) to 9.6 (60) win over Sydney avenging last season’s thrilling loss to Collingwood, but this was more than just a change to the scoreboard.

When Brisbane reviewed their 2023 loss, they promised to learn their lessons.

Last year, Collingwood small forward Bobby Hill did the damage inside 50 in the first half. This time, Kai Lohmann electrified the Lions with three early goals and four for the day.

Last year, the Lions conceded goals late in quarter. This time they kicked goals inside the final minute of the first three terms.

Last year, Lachie Neale had 21 possessions and Will Ashcroft didn’t play while recovering from a knee reconstruction. This year, they controlled the midfield. Neale had 34 possessions, nine clearances and his four bounces in the second quarter was more than he’s ever had in a game.

Ashcroft was outstanding. He had 30 disposals, five clearances and kicked a sensational goal.

Last year Callum Ah Chee was subbed out with only six touches. This year he kcked four goals and set up more.

Last year, Brisbane’s forwards struggled to take marks inside 50, managing only five. This year had 14 at half-time and 22 for the day.

Last year, Eric Hipwood couldn’t do anything right and didn’t kick a goal. This year, he fell over near the boundary line, got back up and kicked truly from an insanely difficult angle on the wrong side of the field for a left footer.

Last year, Jarrod Berry was devastated after conceding the 50m penalty that led to Steele Sidebottom kicking Collingwood’s last goal. This year, he kicked a goal at the other end of the field to put the Lions 29 points up.

This game was over at half-time when the Lions led by 45 points. They didn’t give Sydney a sniff from there.

Teams aren’t meant to win premierships when they miss the top four. Brisbane finished fifth after a 2-5 start to the season.

Brisbane learnt their lessons from pain. Often criticised for having selfish forwards, their change was summed up when Joe Daniher centred the ball to Ah Chee instead of taking a shot during the third term. Daniher was magnificent all day.

On a day that started with Katy Perry singing Teenager Dream, Firework and Roar, the Lions lived out their teenage dreams, produced their own fireworks and their fans roared with delight.

Redemption is sweet.