Character.
How a team stands up in the face of adversity speaks volumes about them, and as the Pies slammed on six goals to zero in the second quarter, it appeared as though the character of the Brisbane Lions was under question.
How would they respond?
Could they respond?
They’d hit the Pies hard in the opening quarter, racing out to a 20-point lead, but the Pies displayed character of their own, and in a withering burst, left the Lions in their wake to take the lead at the main break. It was a blistering six-goal quarter from Collingwood, holding teh Liosn goalless in the process.
The injury front had levelled out, with Jarrod Berry joining Magpie Legend, Scott Pendlebury, on the sidelines, and despite the efforts of Hugh McCluggage, it appeared as though the Pies were ready to overrun the reigning premiers.
But you never question the heart, or the character, of a champion. And make no mistake, this Brisbane Lions outfit is a champion team.
With the composure, aggression, and surety that can only come from playing and winning finals, the Lions roared back to start the third quarter, kicking the first four of the half to put the pressure back on Collingwood. It was as though the Lions went into half time with their tails between their legs, and emerged ready to devour their opposition.
Cam Rayner, after not having a kick in the first half (five handballs) awakened, and slotted two for the quarter. Will Ashcroft reminded everyone just why he is a Norm Smith Medallist, slotting two of his own, and the half-back duo of Darcy Wilmot and Dayne Zorko started to cut the Magpies to ribbons.
Again, I come back to character.
The Lions now have a tremendous reputation in the football world, but reputations are fleeting. They change quickly, and really, they’re just how others perceive you.
Character… that is who you are. Character is your values, your passion. And it was the character of the Lions that was on display as they withstood everything the Collingwood Football Club could throw at them.
Yes, there was some controversy.
Yes, there always is, but this win by the Brisbane Football Club, continuing one of the greatest road seasons in the AFL era, was one that proved the character of the club. They believe in themselves, even when you may not.
They’ll have their rematch with Geelong next week… and they have a right to feel they can turn the tables.
Time to jump into The Mongrel’s Big Questions from this cracker at the MCG.
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