The Tackle: Champs, chumps and coaches with questions to answer
Week one of September action is done and dusted. MARK ROBINSON looks through whose legend grew and who was a let-down over week one of the finals in The Tackle.
Brisbane
Carlton blasted over ‘horrible’ team calls
The Blues went bold at the selection table ahead of their elimination final clash against the Lions, but it didn’t pay off.
Gutted star deletes claim club locked him out
There has been a big twist after a former AFL cult hero claimed he was denied entry to his former club’s rooms after a messy departure.
Opening Round demons? Inside Lions’ navy Blue exorcism
Brisbane leading Carlton by a huge margin at the Gabba — it felt all too familiar. But in comparison to Opening Round, when Carlton came from 46 points down, there were some key differences. CALLUM DICK unpacks them.
Gone backwards? The brutal reality Blues must face
After surging to a preliminary final last year, Carlton was supposed to be a premiership contender. Instead, it dished up 50 minutes of the worst finals football any team has played in a long time, writes SCOTT GULLAN.
‘Disgraceful’ 50-year AFL nightmare savaged
Carlton has only just avoided the worst opening half in AFL finals history after a horribly one-sided effort against the Lions.
Player ratings: Blues crumble under finals heat
Carlton didn’t show up until late in the second term when it was too little too late. CALLUM DICK and SCOTT GULLAN rate every player from the elimination final.
‘Huge, huge risk’: Leading doc’s fears for returning Blues
How many is too many? Carlton has taken the punt on six inclusions for its elimination final against Brisbane Lions — and a leading sports doctor thinks it could come back to haunt the Blues.
Neale, ‘Big Chief’ and surviving the Lions’ darkest hour
In their first year as co-captains, Lachie Neale and Harris Andrews went within moments of a premiership. Dealing with that heartbreak seemed trivial compared to what they had to face only a few months later, as CALLUM DICK finds out.
‘Plenty of battles’: Fagan’s Blues prophecy fulfilled
Chris Fagan called it a long time before anyone else — Brisbane Lions against Carlton was about to become one of the AFL’s fiercest finals rivalries. CALLUM DICK unpacks the key battles.
The two finals weapons that Lions didn’t have in ‘23
Brisbane fell ever so short of glory in the 2023 grand final. But they didn’t have these two weapons at their disposal, CALLUM DICK writes.
Plea to umpires to keep their ‘eyes open’
The Lions are preparing for one of their stars to be targeted in what they expect will be a “fiercely contested” elimination final against Carlton.
Robbo: Midfield concerns? Cats still have trump card to play
The Cats midfield looks like being exposed by Port Adelaide — but they still have an important card to play, writes Mark Robinson. Robbo previews who whill shape the finals series.
‘Enjoy the ride’: Dunkley’s message to Lions
There’s one Brisbane Lions player who knows what’s required to win the AFL premiership from the bottom half of the top eight.
‘Best footy’: Brownlow winner’s finals warning
They’ll have to do it the hard way but Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale is adamant he and his team and going so well they can go all the way.
Key defender set to return for Lions
Brisbane will be able to call on the services of a key defender in Saturday’s elimination final against Carlton.
Ultimate finals guide: The key factors that will decide every final
Who’s racing the clock, who needs to lift and what weaknesses could be exposed in week one of AFL finals? ED BOURKE runs the rule over each match in our ultimate finals guide.
Fagan ‘not unrealistic’ on future as premiership expectation builds
Lions coach Chris Fagan says he would walk away if he felt he was not the man to guide Brisbane to an elusive premiership, as the club attempts to take the long road to glory in September.
‘We may as well dance’: Fagan on his GF regret, Lions’ brotherhood
It wasn’t a grand final hangover, but Chris Fagan knew something had to change at Brisbane in the middle of the season. It was time to dance. Fagan goes one-on-one with JAY CLARK.
AFLW champs still searching for ‘respect’
The Brisbane Lions have plenty of incentive as they search for a third AFLW premiership.
Covid, ACL pain and pregnancy: Lions hero back after 644 days
Triple All-Australian Kate Lutkins is back for Brisbane almost two years since she last pulled on the boots. The new mum opens up on her long road back to the Lions.
‘Disappointed’ young Lion puts hand up for accuracy woes
Brisbane’s inaccuracy in front of goal has been a big talking point throughout season 2024 with senior players in the gun. But a first-year Lion says he is just as much to blame.
Issue Lions keen to ‘forget’ about
The Lions are desperate not to become too fixated on a major problem that has haunted them in recent weeks.
Why finals fixture switch is blessing for Lions, Blues
Brisbane and Carlton were initially preparing for a Friday night finals showdown — but a new timeslot could prove a blessing for both sides.
Lions lock in home final but huge questions linger
Brisbane Lions will have to take the long road in this year’s AFL finals — but their quest for glory will start at the Gabba after sealing a home elimination final despite an unconvincing win over Essendon.
‘Intoxicated and pissed off’: Shock excuse for racist Rankine abuse
An aspiring sports journo has had his Brisbane Lions membership cancelled after posting vile abuse towards Crows star Izak Rankine online.
‘No excuses’: Fan banned for racist comments
The Lions have acted decisively in condemning racist comments made by a club member against an Adelaide Crows star.
‘Couldn’t really give a s**t’: Rayner defiant on early criticism
Cam Rayner says criticism used to get to him early in his career but now it’s all white noise as the former No.1 pick hits his goalkicking straps – and he’s ready for a teammate to do the same.
Lions on the doorstep of top four after downing plucky Crows
After being blown out of the water early in the season, last year’s runners-up are on the cusp of the top four. And the scary thing is they can only get better, writes CALLUM DICK.
Still underrated? How Neale raised his game — and made rivals pay
The numbers show Lachie Neale is in one of the best purple patches of his lucrative career. And there’s a potent added layer to Neale’s game this season, writes CALLUM DICK.
Lions champion says Fagan has weathered the storm with no ‘bull****’
Jonathan Brown says Chris Fagan has survived the rockiest point of his coaching tenure with Brisbane, as the Lions champion prepares to coach a team of his own, the Hampden League’s Under-23.
‘We’re second’: Lions coming with a big rush
The Brisbane Lions are stirring after a slow start to the season and now coach Chris Fagan has delivered a message to the rest of the competition.
Country roads keep Charlie home: Cameron, Berry re-sign with Lions
Brisbane has recorded a double signing coup, with Charlie Cameron and Jarrod Berry both extending their contracts. CALLUM DICK has the details.
‘Pretty easy’: Lions score another big contract win
Yet another potential free agent is off the table after Brisbane convinced an important midfielder to stay long term.
Proud Goody praises Oliver – but ‘brutal’ Dees let this one slip
It was a game no one gave the Demons a chance to win – but they almost did. Despite the final term and Hugh McCluggage dagger, Friday night was important for Melbourne, writes CALLUM DICK.
Star Lion on ‘dark days’ after injury
Brisbane youngster Will Ashcroft has spoken about the impact a serious knee injury that cruelled his rookie season had on him.
Hugh beauty: Lions sink Demons in last-minute thriller
Brisbane Lions have stunned Melbourne with an almighty last quarter comeback that was only sealed in the final minutes thanks to an improbable Hugh McCluggage goal.
Three SuperCoach takeaways from Lions’ heartstopping win
A wayward Brisbane has pinched a nail-biting victory over Melbourne to surge into the top eight for the first time this season. See the SuperCoach takeaways and relive all the action here.
No.1 pick is back and ‘hungry’
There’s no fear at the Brisbane Lions or for Will Ashcroft who will be injected straight into the AFL less than 12 months after an ACL injury.
‘Absolutely elite’: Lions buzzing for No.1 pick’s return
He still needs the final approval from the coach to play but if his teammates have their say Will Ashcroft will be an automatic pick for his return on Friday.
A ‘freak’, the feeling and a big ‘f— you’: Flag heroes revisit ‘04 GF
Almost 20 years ago, Port Adelaide and Brisbane met in the 2004 grand final. Ahead of Saturday’s Adelaide Oval clash, MATT TURNER spoke to the big names on both sides of that historic decider.
‘Open mind’: Shock plan for No.1 pick
It’s been nearly 12 months to the day since Will Ashcroft injured his knee and a stunning return for the Brisbane Lions could be on the cards.
‘Critical’: What made Lions skipper player he is
A war could be brewing between clubs and the AFL over proposed draft changes and access to academy picks as the poster boy for Queensland spruiked his support.
Wife’s text message amid footy kiss storm
A frustrated Abbey Holmes has responded after a post-game kiss with Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale sparked a bizarre footy controversy.
‘Never before’: AFL kiss raises eyebrows
A furore has erupted over a post-game kiss between a star and a Channel 7 host with an AFL legend saying it’s never happened before.
Fear the Roar: Inside Brisbane’s surge toward finals
Brisbane’s season was on the brink only six weeks ago. But the Lions are a huge threat again and a huge next month looms for their finals hopes. We examine the key matches and what’s behind the turnaround.
‘I’ll get a birthday cake out’: Sarcastic Lyon laments Saints’ start
St Kilda kicked their highest score of 2024 despite losing to Brisbane by 20 points. But it was little consolation for coach Ross Lyon.
Lions put top eight on notice by withstanding Saints surge
Brisbane Lions are closing in on the top eight after seeing off a last-quarter onslaught from St Kilda to bank a crucial round 14 victory.
SuperCoach takeaways: Neale tag woes, Steele headache
Ross Lyon asked this week if Lachie Neale is taggable. Now, we have our answer. Plus, what’s up with Jack Steele? Full SuperCoach takeaways from Brisbane’s win over St Kilda.
Lions legend backs Fagan’s side for finals charge
As Brisbane Lions battle to rescue their 2024 campaign, one of the club’s all-time greats says he’s “confident” Chris Fagan’s side will feature in finals this year.
Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/brisbane