Is this one of the greatest grand final performances of the AFL era? Can Brisbane be stopped in 2026?

[PerthBoy86]

I know emotions are high as the dust has barely settled at the MCG, but I still cannot believe what I just witnessed today. You could argue this was as big or even bigger from the Lions than last year. Yes, they came from 3rd instead of 5th, but they also played 4 finals, had many injuries, and were a bigger underdog than vs Sydney, against a side most assumed would romp in easily. The minority who tipped Brisbane (I can't say I was that bold, though I started believing they'd win around half time) only tipped a close win. Almost nobody could have predicted a scoreline that was eerily close to 2024. The individuals and team played the best this year, imo, and the second half was the biggest second half GF demolition after a close first half since the 2021 gf. Unbelievable.

Furthermore, they'll get Allen, Draper etc, will have a fit Neale, Berry, Answerth, Payne, Coleman, maybe Doedee. Their depth is frightening, and I can't see anyone coming close to them. If the Cats - supposedly the best team in it by far - were blown away, I think one side would need to improve dramatically to match them, cos I don't see the Lions dropping, and that can cover their injuries well. Would need a disaster for them to NOT achieve another 3 peat, 90s Chicago Bulls style.

 

[Blackhawk42]

I know emotions are high as the dust has barely settled at the MCG, but I still cannot believe what I just witnessed today. You could argue this was as big or even bigger from the Lions than last year. Yes, they came from 3rd instead of 5th, but they also played 4 finals, had many injuries, and were a bigger underdog than vs Sydney, against a side most assumed would romp in easily. The minority who tipped Brisbane (I can't say I was that bold, though I started believing they'd win around half time) only tipped a close win. Almost nobody could have predicted a scoreline that was eerily close to 2024. The individuals and team played the best this year, imo, and the second half was the biggest second half GF demolition after a close first half since the 2021 gf. Unbelievable.

Furthermore, they'll get Allen, Draper etc, will have a fit Neale, Berry, Answerth, Payne, Coleman, maybe Doedee. Their depth is frightening, and I can't see anyone coming close to them. If the Cats - supposedly the best team in it by far - were blown away, I think one side would need to improve dramatically to match them, cos I don't see the Lions dropping, and that can cover their injuries well. Would need a disaster for them to NOT achieve another 3 peat, 90s Chicago Bulls style.

I don't necessarily disagree, but also, this is the Geelong performance everybody had been waiting for, am I wrong?

Probably the softest run into a top 4 finals spot in AFL history.
The qualifying final was a strong effort, and it must be acknowledged.
However, if you remove Dangerfield from the equation, do we agree that last week would have been 50/50 as a final result?

Today, Dangerfield was basically removed due to having nothing left in the tank, and look what happened.

Brisbane learnt a lot from week 1 of the finals. Then when the whips were cracking, the Cats had nobody to turn the game.
Dangerfield from a week ago and a Cameron with a functioning ulna and radius may have made a bit more of a difference today.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

It'll probably take a Josh Carr

Josh Carr

Age

45

Ht

179cm

Wt

80kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.8

4star

K

10.6

4star

HB

7.2

4star

M

4.0

4star

T

3.3

5star

CL

2.0

4star

No current season stats available

D

12.2

3star

K

7.2

3star

HB

5.0

4star

M

2.6

3star

T

0.8

3star

inspired Port to knock 'em down a peg in 2027, but until then, go you good things.

 

[PerthBoy86]

I don't necessarily disagree, but also, this is the Geelong performance everybody had been waiting for, am I wrong?

Probably the softest run into a top 4 finals spot in AFL history.
The qualifying final was a strong effort, and it must be acknowledged.
However, if you remove Dangerfield from the equation, do we agree that last week would have been 50/50 as a final result?

Today, Dangerfield was basically removed due to having nothing left in the tank, and look what happened.

Brisbane learnt a lot from week 1 of the finals. Then when the whips were cracking, the Cats had nobody to turn the game.
Dangerfield from a week ago and a Cameron with a functioning ulna and radius may have made a bit more of a difference today.

Danger also got the Cats out of jail against the Pies earlier in the year. Pundits were right when they said he wouldn't repeat his performance vs the Hawks. No Danger the Lions could have beaten the Hawks by 50 odd today .

With 5 of 6 of the qf/gf double ups going the loser of the qf's way, it does seem in some ways it is a disadvantage to win the qf. I hope teams won't tank the qf for that reason though. I think while that's the reason, Brisbane again saved their best for the last game. They've always stepped up in must win games this season, the ultimate clutch side.

 

[PerthBoy86]

It'll probably take a Josh Carr inspired Port to knock 'em down a peg in 2027, but until then, go you good things.

Prevent their second attempt at a 4 peat like you did their first. The ghost of Josh Carr.

 

[mchal4]

Midfield Dominance... the rest is just icing on the cake
it's ridiculous to blame individual players e.g. Blicavs, Stanley etc

 

[HurleyHepsHird]

Yes, of course they can.

In terms of individual team brilliance and a gameplan that was ahead of the majority curve, the 07 Cats spring to mind as one of the best teams ever.

Yet they lost in 08, to a young coach and roster full of unbelievable clutch talent. The Brizzy Lions are a fantastic team, but luck and factors beyond their control could disrupt their season, let alone another GF appearance.

 

[BigVic]

Last year was remarkable that they won it from 5th, had to play 3 interstate finals after Week 1 and after a close prelim vs Geelong, they thumped Sydney

This year is even more remarkable. Brisbane was $2.57 on Sportsbet 2.5 hours to go before the Opening Bounce to easily defeat Geelong, the team they lost to 3 weeks ago a QF to go back-to-back while missing key players and risking Neale at the selection table

 

[PenfoldsFan]

Prevent their second attempt at a 4 peat like you did their first. The ghost of Josh Carr.

Its a heavy cross to bare but someones got to do it.
Just hope Cox and Harley drags your mobs up to maintain the sustained lockout.

 

[HurleyHepsHird]

Midfield Dominance... the rest is just icing on the cake
it's ridiculous to blame individual players e.g. Blicavs, Stanley etc

The one thing that may prevent Brisbane from becoming an all time team, if they aren't already, is the lack of a big, reliable marking and set shot goal kicking key forward.

But that is quibbling, Lions could easily win 3 in a row even with patchy accuracy and the mosquito fleet + young key target.

 

[Coolangatta]

It'll probably take a Josh Carr inspired Port to knock 'em down a peg in 2027, but until then, go you good things.

Beating Port in a GF is one thing I’d love to see in my lifetime. We owe you one

 

[kreuze_missile]

Carlton will sort them out.

Comfortably.

 

[HurleyHepsHird]

Last year was remarkable that they won it from 5th, had to play 3 interstate finals after Week 1 and after a close prelim vs Geelong, they thumped Sydney

This year is even more remarkable. Brisbane was $2.57 on Sportsbet with 2.5 hours before to go before the Opening Bounce to easily defeat Geelong, the team they lost to 3 weeks ago a QF to go back-to-back while missing key players and risking Neale at the selection table

Ashcroft was dominant.

The introduction of Neale at half time and McCluggage finishing more cleanly was enough to bundle up Geelong, as Baz had a mare and Danger vanished.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

The one thing that may prevent Brisbane from becoming an all time team, if they aren't already, is the lack of a big, reliable marking and set shot goal kicking key forward.

But that is quibbling, Lions could easily win 3 in a row even with patchy accuracy and the mosquito fleet + young key target.

3, more like 5.

They're only getting better and I cant see anyone getting close.
If the AFL's love child with a 17-4 halftime free kick advantage couldnt stop them, who can?
Not even the AFL can sign off on that level of umpiring corruption in b2b GF's.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

Beating Port in a GF is one thing I’d love to see in my lifetime. We owe you one

I'd be happy to see another one against a fellow Interstate side knowing we'd get fair umpiring.

 

[Coolangatta]

I'd be happy to see another one against a fellow Interstate side knowing we'd get fair umpiring.

Oh yeah, more all interstate GFs please.

If we did lose to your mob in 27, at least we’d hopefully have a three peat to drown the sorrows with.

 

[timokane]

Good for now 2026 methinks theres some one else tho.
Next wave incoming next year now.
Thinking hawks freo suns for example.
Time for that next wave coming through.
Still dont discount the Pies either they will start be around the mark again.
But as in 2026 i think this is where both cats and lions will be found out with the charging pack

 

[Coolangatta]

Carlton will sort them out.

Comfortably.

 

[PenfoldsFan]

Oh yeah, more all interstate GFs please.

If we did lose to your mob in 27, at least we’d hopefully have a three peat to drown the sorrows with.

Covid killed Vic football, it broke their development continuity and theres very little coming through.
Interstate clubs who have/will recruit closer to home will dominate the AFL landscape for the next decade.

 

[The_Eagles]

Brisbane are on track to storm ahead of the competition to be the outright unassailable team of the AFL engraved chalices in our lifetimes (hyperbole - someone will also have a run inshallah)
I feel they have 2 more in them this decade, cementing a dynasty

 

[Coolangatta]

Brisbane are on track to storm ahead of the competition to be the outright unassailable team of the AFL engraved chalices in our lifetimes (hyperbole - someone will also have a run inshallah)
I feel they have 2 more in them this decade, cementing a dynasty

The Suns could trouble us. Lot of talent coming through like we do and soon they’ll have more depth. Dockers another one.

If interstate teams dominate the rest of this decade then we might see the AFL split into conferences in the future just so the VFL can have Vic clubs win something again.

 

[kaiserchief13]

The Suns could trouble us. Lot of talent coming through like we do and soon they’ll have more depth. Dockers another one.

If interstate teams dominate the rest of this decade then we might see the AFL split into conferences in the future just so the VFL can have Vic clubs win something again.

Freo aren't winning shit, they don't get gifts from AFL like the Northern clubs

 

[Handsuper47]

It was an absolutely fantastic performance and there's no doubt in my mind they can still improve even more than what they are - but Gold Coast, Fremantle and Hawthorn have a lot of improvement in them as well. Giants and Bulldogs I expect to be around the mark again and there's tons of upside to St Kilda, Sydney and Adelaide. Let's wait and see how the Trade/Free Agency period goes and of course for the fixture which will give us a better idea instead of folding into a panic.

 

[SC_Power]

Brisbane 2026

Everyone else

“If it bleeds….”

 

[Coolangatta]

Freo aren't winning shit, they don't get gifts from AFL like the Northern clubs

Hey I’d love the WA and SA clubs to have academies like the Northern clubs do instead of just next gen.

Let’s stick it up the Vic’s.

It might suck to see a team you don’t barrack for rake it in with the talent and depth that we do have but hey, Vic’s have won the vast majority of the flags these past 20 years so **** em, let em eat shit.