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Lions go back-to-back
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Lions go back-to-back

Brisbane Lions are back-to-back AFL premiers after storming home against a bruised and battered Geelong side.

17 stories
Harris Andrews (with a snag) greets fans.

Brisbane Lions the toast of the town, Geelong Cats commiserate after 2025 AFL decider

Brisbane Lions are back-to-back AFL premiers after overcoming a lacklustre Geelong side. Follow our coverage as we take you inside the celebrations and bring you the post-game wash up.

  • by Ashleigh McMillan
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‘The boos are like cheers for me’: Jeered Lion happy to play the villain

Not even Geelong’s high-profile midfielder Bailey Smith attracted more heat from opposition fans in the AFL grand final than Cam Rayner.

What’s his name? Snoop Dogg, right, and doppelganger Eric Finch.

When Dogg met Dopp: The night Snoop and his lookalike finally came face to face

Like matter and anti-matter, or the two Captain Kirks, Snoop Dogg and his doppelganger can’t exist in the same place … or can they?

  • by Karl Quinn
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Lions coach Chris Fagan is doused in sports drink.
Updated

Fagan reveals the inspiration behind the Lions’ back-to-back premierships

Chris Fagan said a quote from Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist, had been crucial to the Lions’ rise.

  • by Jon Pierik and Russell Bennett
Will Ashcroft won the Norm Smith Medal for the second straight year.
Updated

What does a Norm Smith medallist do before the grand final? Googles himself

On Saturday morning, Will Ashcroft googled himself. He found a YouTube clip of last year’s grand final and him winning the Norm Smith Medal. Then he went out and created another highlight reel.

  • by Michael Gleeson
The Lions celebrate on the siren.
Analysis

A rare contest, a 50m goal and an unholy trinity of errors: The moments that turned the grand final

The 47-point margin suggests a romp but until time-on in the third quarter, few could have predicted with any confidence where this game was headed.

  • by Andrew Wu
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AFL grand final player ratings: Which three triumphant Lions scored a perfect 10?

Who soared, and who flopped, on the AFL’s biggest stage? In a grand final in which Brisbane killed off Geelong’s spirit, their influential players were far easier to spot.

  • by Libby Birch and Brendan McCartney
Lachie Neale celebrates his monster goal on the run after being subbed into the grand final at half-time.

‘It looks like a masterstroke now’: Super sub Neale is the match winner

Chris Fagan called Lachie Neale into his office on Monday. He had a suggestion for the two-time Brownlow medallist.

  • by Peter Ryan
The disappointed Cats watch on at the medal presentation.

‘Ultimate devastation’: The most shattered Cat in the rooms after grand final thrashing

The crestfallen Cats sought out family in the aftermath of their crushing loss amid tears, hugs – and resolve to go again in 2026.

  • by Danny Russell
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Will Geelong pursue St Kilda’s Rowan Marshall to replace Rhys Stanley, who also started his career at the Saints, in the ruck.
Four Points

The Cats gambled on Rhys Stanley. It didn’t work. Now it’s time they holler for a Marshall

The Cats were already in hot pursuit of St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall. Their centre-square mauling on Saturday might expedite their push for a trade.

  • by Michael Gleeson
Jeremy Cameron’s injury moment.

‘Pretty big snap’: Cameron played out grand final with a broken arm

Jeremy Cameron played out the grand final with a broken arm after injuring it in a heavy collision with superstar teammate Patrick Dangerfield shortly before half-time.

  • by Steve Barrett
Lion power: Brisbane’s Logan Morris and Kai Lohmann enjoy the moment.
Analysis

Lazarus Lions pull off miracle in a premiership with huge ramifications

Brisbane’s stunning back-to-back triumph is a premiership that holds ramifications for the competition, on three key questions.

  • by Jake Niall
Snoop Dogg at the MCG

Snoop Dogg live at the AFL grand final: Hip-hop superstar rises to the occasion

The American rapper promised to bring an Australian element to his pre-game performance, and he was good to his word.

  • by Karl Quinn
Charlie Cameron.

The NBA connection: The conversation that proved a ‘turning point’ for Charlie Cameron

This is the story about how Charlie Cameron learnt to smile again, with some help – in a roundabout way – from NBA superstar Tim Duncan.

  • by Marc McGowan
Brisbane Lions grand final celebrations GIF

What’s next for the Lions? How premiership defence can inspire unrivalled dynasty

They have claimed back to back premierships to announce themselves as one of the finest AFL sides of the century. But can they go even further?

  • by Nick Wright
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The disappointed Cats watch on at the medal presentation.

Rebuild? No way: Sombre Cats vow to chase Lions all the way in 2026

Feeling worse for wear after their grand final loss, Geelong are vowing to dust themselves off and chase the “epic” Brisbane Lions again in 2026.

  • by Peter Ryan
Charlie Cameron is ecstatic.
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AFL grand final - Geelong Cats v Brisbane Lions at MCG

Geelong Cats v Brisbane Lions battle for this year’s premiership cup at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

  • by Danie Sprague

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/lions-go-back-to-back-20250927-p5myda.html