AFL Grand Final 2023: Lachie Neale says Brisbane will be back after heartbreaking loss to Collingwood

At Brisbane’s fan day in Melbourne on Sunday, Lachie Neale admitted his ‘heart still hurts a lot’. But as his daughter stole the show, the star Lion made a stand.

Brisbane Lions fans can take some hollow happiness into summer that their premiership window is still well and truly ajar.

The heartbreak of a four-point grand final defeat will live long in the memories of the players, staff and supporters who rode the rollercoaster of emotions to a crashing halt in Saturday’s season decider.

But this is not the first crossroads these Lions have faced. They are already plotting a revenge tour.

“We’ll be back,” skipper Lachie Neale promised to the throng of thousands that assembled at Brunswick St Oval to send their heroes off on Sunday.

“To come so close … the last 12 hours I’ve been thinking about every little moment throughout the game and what I could have done better to help the team. I’m sure all the boys are going through moments in their head.

“My heart still hurts a lot – I bloody wish we won that game. We can’t get it back now, but what I do know about this group is we just try to get better year after year.

“We’ll be back. This group, all we want to do is get better and we’ll be back next year.”

Lachie Neale on stage with daughter Piper at the Lions fan day on Sunday. Picture: Lachie Millard

Piper stole the show as dad declared Brisbane will be back in 2024. Picture: Lachie Millard

Of course, AFL history is riddled with good teams who never got a chance to be great.

But the heartbeat of Chris Fagan’s side will continue into season 2024 and there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

Instant AFL sensation Will Ashcroft will return from an ACL injury and immediately upgrade the Lions’ mighty midfield with his class and poise.

His 2022 draft partner, Jaspa Fletcher, gets another off-season to hone his craft, build his body and become a better version of an already impressive young footballer.

Those are just two from a Lions list littered with players yet to enter their prime.

Of the 23 who ran out on the MCG on Saturday, only four – Dayne Zorko, Ryan Lester, Jarryd Lyons and Neale – will be over the age of 30 come round one next season.

In the post-match malaise, Fagan declared the club’s premiership window was still wide open and on Sunday, star midfielder Hugh McCluggage agreed.

“I think so,” he said.

“We still have quite a young group. Guys like Darcy Wilmot and Keidean Coleman played great footy throughout the year and in the finals as well.

“Then a lot of guys – Cam Rayner, myself, Bez (Jarrod Berry) are all in that age bracket where we still feel like we have a lot to give and our best footy is ahead of us.

“So yeah, while it’s disappointing we couldn’t get it done on Saturday … we’re confident that we can bounce back and give it a good shot.”

Cam Rayner signing autographs. Picture: Lachie Millard

Will the Lions get their chance again? Picture: Lachie Millard

As the Brisbane bus rolled into Brunswick St Oval – the traditional home of the Fitzroy Football Club – players were left baffled by the number of fans waiting to greet them at the gates.

There were tears, cheers and even a sorrowful Country Roads serenade.

Having pocketed their pain for the club’s post-game function at Crown Palladium the previous night, players were asked to do it all again on Sunday morning.

But the pride of Brisbane town picked them up by their bootstraps.

“To be truthful we all feel a bit flat,” Fagan told the crowd.

“We went there with the sole purpose of winning and we didn’t get it done.

“We’re really disappointed, but chatting to the boys after the game they’re more motivated than ever to get back there next year and change that result.

“Your support yesterday was greatly appreciated; your support all year has been greatly appreciated.

“It helps the club not only survive, but thrive.”