“Y ou come at the king, you best not miss.”
When it’s time to raise your banner and sound your horn, ensure the game is secure. You may find yourself in a prime position, yet you must ensure you convert your opportunity. While it’s easy to direct attention toward Fremantle and ponder how they let the championship slip from their grasp, such reflections will linger for all connected to the club until they finally claim a title. However, the true narrative of this grand final lies in the brilliance of the Lions – their composure, consistency, and resilience. Don’t be misled into believing that Fremantle squandered this premiership; Brisbane earned it through their performance.
Memorable moments in the final quarter
This grand final will be regarded as one of the most remarkable in Brisbane’s six premierships. Yet, in the aftermath, the atmosphere at the MCG was one of disbelief, even among the jubilant fans. It was reminiscent of the stunned silence that followed the drawn grand final in 2010. How had they accomplished this? What had just transpired?
The final quarter will be etched in memory due to a series of exhilarating moments – displays of madness, brilliance, precision, and sheer chaos. It will be remembered for the nerve shown by Logan Morris, the commanding presence of Will Ashcroft, the way Lachie Neale evaded three tackles, Zac Bailey’s ‘it may not be your day, but it can be your moment’ goal, Ryan Lester’s chase-down of Josh Treacy, and Josh Dunkley’s smother on Shai Bolton. Ultimately, it showcased Brisbane’s determination to not back down.
Wharfie Time and its significance
Moreover, it will be remembered for Wharfie Time. This is not a moment we can ignore or downplay. When Patrick Voss put the Dockers 17 points ahead during time-on, he seemed poised for a celebratory lap around the MCG. That was the mood of the moment. Nobody knows who activated the moment, but it was initiated. The MCG trembled. History was on the brink of being made. Then, everything shifted.
All the qualities that define the Lions as a championship team were on display in those closing moments. If one wishes to learn how to navigate a stoppage with chaos all around, look no further than Ashcroft’s performance in the final quarter. For an example of the adage “unbelievable, unbelievable” consider Morris’s contributions late in the game. To understand the motivations of this team, one need only listen to the players’ reflections following the match.
Throughout the week, they discussed Wharfie Time and how they harnessed it to their benefit. While such concepts often seem like mere psychology, the Brisbane players genuinely believe in it and embody it. Almost all of them referenced it in their post-game comments. They have consistently been at their most formidable when provoked, when faced with adversity, or when all hope seemed lost. Once the activation button was pressed, they transformed into a team with nothing to lose. However, this was not an act of desperation; they triumphed through skill, precision, and unwavering confidence.
Fremantle had opportunities to seize the grand final, yet they could never deliver the decisive blow. In the third quarter, they enjoyed dominance in ruck contests, controlled the ball, and possessed all the momentum, with the scent of history in the air. Yet, they required a more substantial lead to reflect their control. When Alex Pearce collapsed like a rhino in a nature documentary, they could have crumbled. However, their defenders displayed even greater resolve in his absence. That said, Pearce’s absence was significantly felt during time-on in the final term. They missed his capacity to read the play, absorb pressure, and maintain his composure when others faltered.
Bolton received the Norm Smith medal, although voting for it was particularly challenging this year. At one point, he surged from half-back like Byron Pickett in the 2004 decider, weaving through opponents and slicing through the Lions’ defense. Yet, he will regret two missed chances in the final term when he rushed his shots on goal. Several players could have been worthy winners. Caleb Serong was arguably Fremantle’s most influential player, regularly combining with Luke Jackson. Dayne Zorko exhibited his trademark audacity, and Ashcroft could have claimed the medal based solely on his final term. Two decades ago, a book titled When it Matters Most was published about Norm Smith medallists. The players profiled were not always the stars of their teams, though many were. They all demonstrated remarkable timing and seized their moments on the biggest stages. Ashcroft is the epitome of that; when it mattered, he was the one who changed the game.
In the locker room afterward, Chris Fagan walked around in a daze, repeating “Do it as hard a way as possible” to the many well-wishers. The Lions’ song, a riff on the classic Fitzroy tune, was played frequently. With their youthful roster, immense talent, and relentless desire to defy expectations, it’s a tune we will be hearing for years to come. “Do it as hard a way as possible” appears to be their only guiding principle.
