Freo fan's influence on Lions' flag bid
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The Unlikely Catalyst for a Champion’s Sway
Luc Longley, the three-time NBA champion and Fremantle Dockers’ number one ticketholder in 2006 and 2007, has been credited by Brisbane Lions players as a key factor in their success. A meeting with Longley in July appears to have sparked a renewed hunger to win within the team, which will face off against the Dockers in the grand final on Saturday.
Longley’s conversation with the Lions has been particularly noteworthy given the team’s rocky season. Despite early losses and a record-breaking concession to GWS, they have managed to overcome obstacles to reach the final day. The players credit Longley’s words as a turning point, citing his emphasis on maintaining motivation and desire to win despite already experiencing success.
Longley’s message resonated with the team because it echoed the values of a bygone era in sports: teamwork and selflessness above all else. This approach contrasts sharply with the modern game’s focus on superstar players and lucrative contracts. Jarrod Berry, a Brisbane midfielder, noted that Longley’s team-first work ethic was an inspiration to him and his teammates.
Brisbane’s attempt to become the sixth team to win three consecutive V/AFL premierships will be closely watched, particularly given Melbourne’s record for winning three flags twice between 1960-62 and 1977-79. Hawthorn achieved this feat between 2013-15, while Brisbane itself won a brief stint as champions in 2001-03.
The grand final on Saturday is set to be an epic showdown between two teams driven by different philosophies and values. Will Brisbane’s renewed hunger to win, sparked by Longley’s words, prove decisive? Or will Fremantle’s strong squad and home-town advantage be too much to overcome? Whatever the outcome, it’s clear that Luc Longley has left his mark on this year’s AFL grand final – a reminder of the power of motivation and teamwork in achieving true greatness.
Reader Views
- TCThe Cart Desk · editorial
The influence of Luc Longley on Brisbane's flag bid is more than just a feel-good story - it highlights the disconnect between old-school values and modern-day expectations. While Longley's emphasis on teamwork and selflessness resonated with the players, we can't overlook the fact that these qualities are no guarantee of success in today's game. The Lions' resurgence is all well and good, but will it be enough to overcome Fremantle's strong squad and home-ground advantage? What's missing from this narrative is an analysis of how Longley's message fits into a broader sports culture that often prioritizes individual stars over team cohesion.
- PRPat R. · frugal living writer
What's interesting here is how Luc Longley's influence mirrors the same kind of teamwork ethos that Fremantle embodies, which often gets overlooked in favor of flashy individual performances. It's clear Brisbane values this approach, but will it translate to on-field success? Given their tumultuous season and record concession, I'm not convinced they can maintain momentum against a strong Freo team. The Dockers' home advantage is also crucial – don't count out the Lions just yet, though.
- SBSam B. · deal hunter
It's about time someone shone a light on Luc Longley's behind-the-scenes influence on the Brisbane Lions' resurgence. What's more interesting is how his emphasis on team-first mentality could signal a shift in the AFL's cultural landscape. With so much focus on superstar players and lucrative contracts, it's refreshing to see a veteran like Longley preaching the importance of unity and selflessness. Whether or not it's enough to propel the Lions to victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it's given them a renewed sense of purpose ahead of Saturday's grand final showdown with Fremantle.