By Nick Wright
Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan wasn’t bothered by the poor kicking that almost cost his reigning premiers a top-four finish, declaring their defence the “best ever” regular season of his nine in charge.
The hosts defied more Gabba wobbles to edge past Hawthorn and lock in the second-chance in their AFL title defence, winning 11.23 (89) to 11.13 (79) in Dayne Zorko’s 300th game on Sunday.
The hosts began with eight straight behinds and then, with the game at their mercy, kicked nine consecutive points and another out on the full in a tense Sunday night high-stakes battle.
The Hawks would have shot to fourth with victory but will instead begin the finals from seventh or eighth, depending on the result of Wednesday’s last home and away game between current ninth-placed Gold Coast and Essendon.
The Lions were 7-4 at the Gabba but lost just two games on the road in a 16-6-1 season that defied regular injuries and a hazardous draw.
“It’s probably been our best ever,” Fagan said ahead of a seventh consecutive finals appearance.
“I’m really proud of the boys that they’ve been able to withstand all the pressure, the scrutiny everyone, picking their game to pieces when you when you win a flag, and here we are.
“We’ve earned a double chance again.”
Hugh McCluggage (32 touches, two goals, three assists) and Darcy Wilmot (27 touches, eight rebound 50s) were brilliant for the hosts.
“He’s had a marvellous season,” Fagan said of McCluggage.
“It’s All-Australian week this week and I just hope he gets one because I’ve never seen someone deserve it more.”
While it will not serve the Lions this season, confirmation West Coast Eagles skipper and key forward Oscar Allen will explore his options as a restricted free agent has heightened speculation he will link with the defending champions, in what would be a telling boost upfront unit.
Until then, the Lions need to be more clinical with the wealth of opportunities they are giving themselves, if they are to replicate the club’s dynasty feats of the early-2000s.
Undoubtedly, the Lions will need to improve in front of the sticks, but the fact that their midfield continued to create an avalanche of chances while their best player was on the sidelines issued an ominous warning to the rest of the competition.
Co-captain Lachie Neale is due back for the team’s qualifying final clash against Geelong in two weeks, with the club confirming he is on track in his recovery from a quad concern.
In his absence, Josh Dunkley (33 disposals, five clearances, eight tackles), Will Ashcroft (28 disposals, seven clearances), Zac Bailey (25 disposals, six clearances) and McCluggage (32 disposals, three clearances) roared on Sunday night.
Youngster Sam Marshall (23 disposals, two clearances) also produced his most promising showing, as the Lions dominated the contest for clearances (42 to 34) and inside 50s (63 to 55).
Jarrod Berry (shoulder) is set to join Neale in making his comeback at the perfect time, however Eric Hipwood will likely spend an extra week away due to a calf issue.
The energiser bunny and the man of the moment
When Brisbane needed someone to stand up and settle the nerves in front of goal, Kai Lohmann answered the call.
The 22-year-old has endured a frustrating 2025 campaign hampered by several niggling injuries – his latest a calf problem – which he only returned from on Sunday.
Kai Lohmann’s two goals sparked the Lions in the second quarter.Credit: via Getty Images
Lohmann’s two quick goals in the second quarter, which followed Jaspa Fletcher’s major, triggered a momentum swing for his side, with Charlie Cameron and Cam Rayner each striking to give them the lead – despite Jack Ginnivan’s buzzer beater as the halftime siren sounded.
En route to last year’s flag, Brisbane rallied around the energy their young contingent brought to the field, with Lohmann at the centre of it, and the rising forward made his mark again at a crucial juncture.
It helped awaken Rayner from a quiet opening quarter, whose goal from 55-metres out got him back into the game to finish with 22 disposals, three clearances and a pair of goal assists.
In the final quarter, as the Hawks threatened a boilover to get within two points, Bruce Reville’s sensational boundary snap – one in controversial circumstances as Hawthorn were pinned for a deliberate touch – was immediately followed by Rayner’s second.
That breathing space proved enough to guide the Lions home.
Legend celebrates in style
Dayne Zorko’s journey to 300 AFL appearances is one which will go down in Brisbane folklore long after he hangs up the boots.
Despite being overlooked at four straight drafts in his youth – ultimately making his debut as a 22-year-old – the premiership champion has revolutionised his game deep into his career, becoming one of the code’s premier halfbacks 14 years later.
Dayne Zorko celebrated 300 AFL games with a win.Credit: via Getty Images
Signed on to go around again in 2026, Zorko finished with 22 disposals and two clearances.
However he was outshone down the back by Darcy Wilmot, whose clinical defensive pressure in his 27 touches proved to be the greatest thorn in the Hawks’ attack.
with AAP