The Unyielding Spirit of Brisbane: A Testament to Resilience
As the stage is set for the grand finale, the Brisbane Lions’ remarkable journey to the championship game is a tale of unwavering determination and unrelenting spirit. Their inspiring comeback win against Geelong in the preliminary final, marked by brilliant individual efforts, was a testament to the team’s refusal to give up.
But this season’s narrative is not just about one game; it’s about the Lions’ ability to overcome obstacles that would have derailed a lesser team. From the loss of star defender Keidean Coleman in the first game to the setbacks that followed, Brisbane has consistently shown the “R” word – resilience – in the face of adversity.
Jarrod Berry, still emotional about his late mother’s legacy, has used her memory to fuel his determination. His costly mistake in last year’s Grand Final still lingers, but he’s channeled that pain into a driving force for success. “It’s burned in my stomach since that day… but my late mum taught me about resilience, and this season I’ve tried to let my football do the talking.”
Ryan Lester, the veteran who was delisted and redrafted, has responded with his best season yet. At 32, he’ll play in his second AFL Grand Final in 12 months, a true underdog story. “Absolutely not,” he said, when asked if he could have imagined this scenario a year ago.
Lester’s resilience was on full display against Geelong, where he kept decorated spearhead Jeremy Cameron in check after a shaky start. “I was too far off him early… but after riding out the early storm, I turned the tables in the second half.”
The Lions, having learned from their narrow Grand Final defeat, are now determined to harness that experience as a catalyst for success. Co-captain Lachie Neale believes they’re better prepared this time around. “We know what’s coming. Last year was the first time for a lot of guys. We almost won it, but we probably didn’t play our best on the day. I think that experience was invaluable.”
As the Lions face off against Sydney, one thing is certain – they’ve earned their place in the championship game through sheer grit and determination. Will they finally land the decisive blows when it matters most? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Brisbane’s unyielding spirit will be the driving force behind their quest for victory.
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