Should Brisbane manage to go one step further from 2023 with a triumphant result on Saturday, they will be presented the premiership cup by footballing royalty, the legendary 'lethal' Leigh Matthews.
Club CEO Greg Swann broke the development on Wednesday ahead of the grand final weekend, delivering the news toย RSN Breakfast.
Matthews, one of the most iconic figures in AFL history, will hand the prestigious cup to either Lions co-captains Lachie Neale or Harris Andrews, as well as coach Chris Fagan, if Brisbane wins.
Matthews' association with the Brisbane Lions is legendary. He coached the club to its historic "three-peat" premierships in 2001, 2002, and 2003, a feat that cemented his status as one of the AFL's greatest coaches, building on his almost unmatched AFL legacy.
Leigh Matthews will present the premiership cup to Brisbane should they win on Saturday. Confirmed via Lions CEO Greg Swann on @RSNBreakfast
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) September 24, 2024
Widely regarded as the best player of the 20th century, Matthews is also a revered figure at Hawthorn, where he won four premierships as a player, and at Collingwood, where he coached the Magpies to their drought-breaking 1990 premiership.
Known as "Lethal Leigh" for his physicality and football prowess, Matthews is not just a Brisbane icon but perhaps the most iconic living figure of our game.
A member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame, Matthews' influence transcends his playing and coaching career. His legacy continues in AFL media, where he has been a key analyst and commentator.
The honour of presenting the Premiership Cup is traditionally given to a club legend, and with Matthews' unparalleled connection to the Lions, his selection is a fitting tribute.
Should Brisbane claim victory, the moment of Matthews passing the cup to the Lions will be a reminder of his enduring legacy in AFL and an almighty honour for the triumphant leaders of Brisbane.
Sydney's cup presenter, pending their potential victory, will be former captain Stuart Maxfield.
The club confirming the news in a statement on Wednesday, highlighting Maxfield's impact on the team as the skipper before their historic 2005 premiership.
It comes as an honour for the 52-year-old, having played 200 games before staying on at Sydney in a variety of roles up until 2020.
โI have so much respect for our club, so it's a great honour to present the cup on Saturday if the Swans get up,โ Maxfield said.
โThe team has embraced every challenge this season and have earned the right to play off in the Grand Final.
โIt takes a full club commitment to get to this point and I wish everyone all the best.โ