Brisbane's euphoric celebrations continue after their emphatic 60-point victory over the Sydney Swans in the 2024 AFL Grand Final, marking the club's first premiership since 2003.
As the team basks in their success, injuries loom over several key players, including co-captain Lachie Neale, who played through significant pain to help secure the victory.
Lachie Neale revealed post-match that his foot injury, which had been troubling him throughout the finals series, escalated during the Grand Final.
Despite feeling "something snap" in the final term, the dual Brownlow medallist was unfazed, stating, โI couldn't give a s***โ when asked about the injury in the wake of his team's triumph.
Neale, who required pain-killing injections just to participate in matches, gathered 35 disposals and was voted second-best on ground, trailing only his teammate Will Ashcroft. Again sporting a moon boot, Neale is set to consult a specialist about his foot but remains focused on relishing the team's victory.
Lachie Neale has had to push through serious pain to become a premiership player.
More details: https://t.co/bTJcCf6dir#AFLGF pic.twitter.com/8P7t8KhEqO
— AFL (@AFL) September 28, 2024
Key forward Eric Hipwood also faced injury challenges throughout the season, battling osteitis pubis that flared up during the finals. Hipwood managed to make significant contributions, notably kicking a miraculous goal against the breeze from the boundary, pulling out Jason Akermanis' famous gobsmacked expression in celebration.
Reflecting on his journey from the club's struggles in previous years to this year's success, Hipwood shared, โI'm incredibly proud to be a local boyโฆ It makes it extra specialโ.
With a short recovery ahead, he aims to enjoy his hard-earned premiership glory before focusing on rehabilitation.
In contrast to Neale and Hipwood, ruckman Oscar McInerney watched from the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in the preliminary final against Geelong. Despite missing out on the grand final, McInerney shared remarkable humility, celebrating his teammates' achievements wholeheartedly.
"Our club's built on that brotherhood," he stated, reflecting on the team's collective journey.
McInerney's attitude resonates with the spirit of the team as led by coach Chris Fagan, emphasising that the premiership victory is a testament to the entire squad's efforts.
Several other players missed out on this year's premiership due to injuries sustained earlier in the season. Lincoln McCarthy Keidean Coleman, both of whom suffered ACL injuries, were part of the team that faced heartbreak in the 2023 Grand Final against Collingwood.
Recruit Tom Doedee also suffered a devastating ACL ahead of the season, still yet to take the field with his new teammates.
McInerney highlighted the sacrifices of these players, noting, โIt takes a squad to do this,โ reinforcing the idea that the premiership is a collective achievement .
As the Lions prepare to celebrate their victory with fans and reflect on their journey, the camaraderie and resilience of the squad shine through, with an eye on repeating similar successes down the line, with the inclusions of a number of handy names mentioned and incoming talent.
