Patrick Cripps and Nick Daicos are the biggest roadblocks in Lachie Neale’s path to Brownlow immortality,but the spectre of Isaac Heeney’s controversial suspension hovers over football’s night of nights.
If the Blues are to advance from pretenders to true premiership contenders,they must put all their resources towards luring Geelong defender Sam De Koning to Princes Park.
Carlton were flying … and then Charlie Curnow lost his footing in a pre-game warm-up.
There were moments of brilliance from the Lions’ young brigade,but others which will not be forgiven in the semi-finals. How are they placed for the Giants?
The disappointment of finals defeat was all too familiar for Carlton,but Sam Walsh and Sam Docherty are promising the team will learn from the experience and come back stronger.
Carlton coach Michael Voss was right when he said all the issues that had bedevilled the team in 2024 rose to the surface in a humiliating start to the elimination final when the Lions kicked 60 points before the Blues scored.
If there were any doubts about the rising stars of the Brisbane Lions and their ability to stand up in the big moments,they have largely been laid to rest.
Follow along as the Blues and Lions battle to keep their finals campaigns alive after Swans beat Giants in an unforgettable qualifying final.
The Blues coach will meet his old club,the Brisbane Lions,for the second time in a final,on Saturday night.
When Carlton’s No.42 lines up against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night,he will be embodying the aspirations of a community that has followed his rise to stardom.
Football is more than a game for this Carlton-loving family,who are flying to Brisbane for Saturday night’s final despite last year’s crushing loss.