Brisbane Lions celebrate first premiership in 21 years as fans flock to see their heroes

Jake Santa MariaThe West Australian
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Camera IconBrisbane Lions players are presented on stage after winning the 2024 AFL Grand Final at Brunswick Street Oval. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Brisbane’s premiership stars continued their grand final party in front of thousands of fans in the club’s Melbourne heartland of Fitzroy on Sunday.

Bleary-eyed players took to the stage on a wet day at Brunswick St Oval — home of Fitzroy — but the biggest attraction was newly-minted premiership captain Lachie Neale.

The former Fremantle star, who battled a heel injury through the finals series, was seen sporting a moonboot on stage.

But the two-time Brownlow medallist wasn’t bothered at all.

“I couldn’t give a s***,” Neale said.

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Camera IconMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Lachie Neale of the Lions looks on after winning the 2024 AFL Grand Final at Brunswick Street Oval, on September 29, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. The Brisbane Lions won yesterday's AFL Grand Final defeating Sydney Swans at the MCG. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“It’s a little bit sore this morning but that’s probably because I was up until 6am on it, so the physio has put me in a boot this morning. I’ll be fine.”

The Lions blew Sydney off the park at the MCG on Saturday in a 60-point victory that sealed their first premiership in 21 years.

One man everyone was chasing a selfie with was Will Ashcroft who became the youngest player in history to win the Norm Smith medal at just 20-years-old.

Camera IconWill Ashcroft of the Lions poses with fans. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Camera IconWill Ashcroft takes a selfie with fans. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

A few players were rocking sunglasses with it not hard to imagine some saw very little sleep overnight though the premiership medals around their necks would likely relieve any ill feelings.

Camera IconMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Jarrod Berry, Cam Rayner and Hugh McCluggage of the Lions look on after winning the 2024 AFL Grand Final at Brunswick Street Oval, on September 29, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. The Brisbane Lions won yesterday's AFL Grand Final defeating Sydney Swans at the MCG. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Camera IconMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Hugh McCluggage, Callum Ah Chee and Kai Lohmann of the Lions look on after winning the 2024 AFL Grand Final at Brunswick Street Oval, on September 29, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. The Brisbane Lions won yesterday's AFL Grand Final defeating Sydney Swans at the MCG. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Neale made the high-profile switch to Brisbane from Fremantle at the end of 2018 in chase of premiership success.

Having now reached the top of the AFL mountain he said it’s even better than he imagined.

“You always imagine that moment and think it’s going to be incredible,” Neale said.

Camera IconFans watch on as players celebrate after winning the 2024 AFL Grand Final at Brunswick Street Oval. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“Words can’t really describe how incredible the last (period of time) since that final siren.

“I can’t really say the best moment of my life, otherwise my wife will kill me, but very close.”

The Lions flew home to Brisbane on Sunday afternoon, where their flag celebrations are expected to kick on.

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