How the Brisbane Lions beat the Geelong Cats for back-to-back flags
THE CRITICAL FACTORS IN BRISBANE’S GRAND FINAL WIN
* Geelong lost defensive general Tom Stewart to concussion in the preliminary final win over Hawthorn, robbing them of his valuable intercept marks. Brisbane were able to play Lachie Neale despite his calf injury, and he was invaluable when brought on as the sub for the second half.
* Since the current finals system was introduced in 2000, qualifying finalists have had a grand final re-match six times. The losing team in week one is now 5-1 in the game that really counts. After Geelong dominated them three weeks ago, Brisbane did their homework - particularly in the midfield. Hugh McCluggage beat Oisin Mullin’s tag this time.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.* Late in the second quarter, Geelong stars Patrick Dangerfield and Jeremy Cameron collided heavily. The friendly-fire incident left Cameron with a broken arm, and while he bravely played out the second half, the Coleman Medallist had minimal impact.
* Dangerfield carried Geelong on his back in the preliminary final win over Hawthorn. He had minimal impact on Saturday.
* Lions livewire Charlie Cameron has struggled for most of this season, but on Saturday his three goals in a 10-minute period either side of three-quarter time proved a firestarter for Brisbane. Cameron finished with a four-goal haul that put a dagger through the Cats’ collective hearts.
