“How many is he getting?”
The words uttered from someone in the glorious Brisbane rooms as Dayne Zorko pulled a seemingly never-ending supply of XXXX beers from an esky and turfed them at teammates as the three premiership cups were proudly marched in.
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The beer was quickly sprinkled in the air and showered the rooms as the players belted out one of the greatest and loudest ever renditions of their song.
They’d completed a premiership three-peat — a second for the club this century. Another dynasty was complete.
Yet there’s still so many young, fresh faces around the room such as the Ashcroft brothers, Darcy Wilmot, Kai Lohmann and Logan Morris.
Chris Fagan had to take a beat at one point and used the esky as a seat while he gave interviews with media.
The three-time premiership coach, of course, had a beer in hand, like every Brisbane player. Some had two.
It was proper can of sardines areas as media, players, staff and fans flooded the joyous, bigger home rooms — not the away rooms like the last couple. At least there was some extra space this year!
Charlie Cameron paraded the cups around for a photo of them with his kids before they headed off to bed. Cameron said to Simon Black as he walked past: “How bloody good?”
It’s still kind of jarring to see Trent Cotchin, a three-time premiership captain for Richmond, dressed in Lions colours as their leadership mentor. Cotchin played the role of photographer in the rooms as players posed with greats of the past.
Notably, Harris Andrews and Ben Hudson got pictures together.
Speaking of legends, Chris Johnson helped Leigh Matthews to the esky — and ‘Lethal’ was in his element, in the thick of celebrations as he drained a few XXXX.
Jonathan Brown, Simon Black and Darryl White were among the old Lions loving the celebrations in the rooms.
Marcus Ashcroft, father of Will and Levi, and Adrian Fletcher, father of Jaspa, stood with great pride. Will, meanwhile, had kept receipts — and didn’t take long to bring them out on his Instagram.
Conor McKenna joyfully marched around with an Irish flag on his back. You sense it would’ve been extra special for the Irishman after he missed out on last year’s flag.
You couldn’t miss Oscar McInerney, who was at the front of the rooms in true Oscar McInerney fashion — clearly not wanting to be too centre stage.
Adam Treloar and his partner, Kim Ravaillion were there to support close friend and ex-teammate Josh Dunkley.
Simply scenes of unbridled joy as players celebrated with friends and family and nothing but beaming smiles everywhere you looked.
Even Brisbane media manager Nick Brown was taking it all in outside the rooms and seemingly still in shock of what just went down.
Saturday’s stunning come-from-behind win over Fremantle played out much differently to the last two flag thumpings over Geelong and Sydney.
Below are the highlight quotes from the premiership heroes spoken to by foxfooty.com.au…
OSCAR ALLEN
“I’m probably just overwhelmed if I’m honest, mate. That was unbelievable. So grateful to be part of that. A bit lost for words. I’m emotional. I started bloody crying on the field with about 10 seconds to go after Logan Morris kicked his second goal. Cam Rayner was like: ‘Mate, f***ing pull your head in, we’re still going’. Unbelievable. Just grateful the club took a chance on me and brought me over here. I just can’t believe it.”
On doubts throughout the year, foot injury…
“Absolutely, we just took it week by week. That’s all it is, really, you’ve got to beat who’s in front of you and we went on a good run in the back-end of the year. To be able to come back from foot surgery was pretty big for me. I’ve been playing with it still partially fractured. It’s been bloody sore. But it’s all worth it.”
On being an emergency for West Coast’s 2018 premiership…
“I remember when the boys won in 2018, Mark LeCras was my idol growing up; he said don’t touch the medal or trophy until you earn one yourself. Eight years later to say I’ve earned this is an unbelievable feeling. I was thinking about (2018) yesterday. Today I just tried to stay in the moment and enjoy the game for what it was and take it step by step. To be honest, with four minutes to go I thought we might be in a bit of trouble. Just the ability for the guys to respond and get over the line was just incredible.”
On Wharfie Time/wild ending…
“We knew it was going to come. ‘Fages’ put it really well; he said they’re playing it because they need motivation to get over the line. Well, if they need that, that should give us confidence, because were right on their hammer there. It obviously helps when Charlie Cameron kicks a goal 20 seconds later and ‘Country Roads’ starts screaming around the stadium. They’d had a great year, game could’ve gone either way, so nothing but respect and credit to them for what they’ve produced all year. The last two weeks, it’s written all over the walls here; believe. The belief we have in the group is just unbelievable. To be able to keep buttering up with big-time plays in big-time moments. Charlie Cameron, Zac Bailey, Logan Morris, Will Ashcroft – big-time players that are able to respond. It’s just awesome.”
SAM DRAPER
“So happy. So proud of myself and proud of this group. I’m so glad I get to spend it with my family and teammates. It’s amazing. I’ve been pretty open about last year, when I did my Achilles it was the darkest time of my life. So grateful to the people around me that supported me. To turn around now and reach the pinnacle, we’ve done it, we’ve won a flag. It’s crazy. I’m so happy, so proud. Emotional, the tears were flowing when the siren went. I didn’t know what to do. I just broke down. Especially when my girlfriend and my sister came onto the ground. They were the ones that were there for me when things weren’t good and the toughest moments. I’m looking forward to getting around my family now.”
On Wharfie Time/wild ending…
“We knew Wharfie Time would come at some point and we planned to use it to it our advantage. When they called Wharfie Time, it meant they needed a bit of boost. We upped the level. ‘Fages’ and his mastermind worked.”
On Lachie Neale’s likely departure…
“I’ve loved playing with him, he’s made me look like a really good player. I tap the ball and he gets it. Absolutely love ‘Choccy’. So happy for him. I ran straight to him when the siren went and we tangled each other.”
DARCY WILMOT
“F***ing oath I am (a three-time premiership player), mate! I just want to yell, that’s the only thing in my head right now, yelling as loud as a I can. Just enjoying it, Unbelievable, I can’t believe this has happened. Bit of disbelief, especially the journey we’ve been on. Just super proud and happy.”
On Wharfie Time/wild ending…
“The boys were able to stay composed and get the ball going forward and stuck to our game plan. We spoke about if Wharfie Time came on, we’d try and use it against them. We were able to use it against them. Ah well, too bad.We knew how long was left. There was only a purple of goals in it, so we weren’t thinking it was over. It’s the perfect time to attack them, when they’re thinking they’re all up and about and everything is all safe and happy.”
On Chris Fagan’s uncertain future/Lachie Neale’s likely departure…
“I’ve got no idea and I only just got told ‘Choc’ (Neale) is leaving. I hope they stay but at the end of the day it’s their decision All (Neale’s) accolades and awards speaks for itself. He’ll be thoroughly missed, spewing that he’s leaving.”
On plans for tonight…
“We’re doing lemonades, vodka lemonades, Pepsi Max, everything, mate. We’ll be having a good time.”
KAI LOHMANN
“Happy days. Growing up, I just wanted to get drafted to the AFL. Then I just wanted to play one game, then it was to win one premiership. Here we are, three premierships in five years. Unbelievable. Right now it’s a bit of a blur. I’m pretty grateful, to walk into a club like this and into a winning position. I pinch myself at times, I’m pretty lucky. But at the same time I’ve worked hard and it’s been special. Our connection, brotherhood and how close we are. It stands up in the big moments. Credit to the coaching staff as well, obviously what we’re doing here stands up in the big games.”
On Wharfie Time/wild ending…
“It was a weird one. Wharfie Time came on and we got a bit of a kick out of it, little Uno Reverse Card. Will Ashcroft got three centre clearances and turned it on. Logan Morris kicked them out of his arse. It was unbelievable, so good. ‘Fages’ said pre-game when Wharfie Time comes on, it means they’re in trouble and let’s get a kick out of it and try turn it. We did.”
On the potential of a four-peat…
“Absolutely. We’ve got such a great young core, we can build a dynasty here and keep winning for many years. Pretty special group. Hopefully those boys don’t leave, I’d love to see them stay.”
On Lachie Neale’s uncertain future…
“I reckon it’s the greatest trade ever in history. I think he’s won two Brownlows, three premierships, a Gary Ayres Award, premiership captain. Unbelievable resume. He was probably one of the reasons why this club became so successful. Just a genuinely unbelievable player. Someone you always wanted to watch every game and train. When I got drafted to the club I wanted to work with Lachie. He’s been awesome for this club on and of the field. A great man.”
CAM RAYNER
“That’s unbelievable. That last f***ing five minutes or whatever it was, it was just crazy. They came and we found a way to respond. Honestly, we’re a part of history now. We spoke about Wharfie Time during the week and to be ready for it. The boys were prepared and obviously it worked in our favour.”
On Chris Fagan’s uncertain future…
“That was the first time I’d heard about the last couple of days. I hope he’s coaching us next year, he’s the only coach I’ve ever had and I love him with all my heart.”
On Lachie Neale’s likely departure…
“He’s given everything to this footy club. I wish him all the best. I love him so much, he’s one of my best mates and the amount of effort and intensity he’s brought every single day to Brisbane, you can’t thank him enough.”
Should the Norm Smith Medal have gone to a Brisbane player?
“I couldn’t give a f***, I’m happy with these ones (grabs premiership).”
JARROD BERRY
“It’s pretty sweet (after missing out last year through injury). The highs and lows of footy. Our group is just so resilient. We knew we were going to fight back, momentum is a funny thing in football. The rest is history. It’s unreal.”
On Wharfie Time/wild ending…
“It was wild. We spoke about Wharfie Time being a bit of fuel for us. (Will) Ashcroft around the ball was sensational and got it going forward, it’s probably something we lacked throughout the day. The rest is history after that.”
On Chris Fagan’s uncertain future…
“It’s going to be an interesting few weeks. But he’s giving so much to this club, so whatever he does, he’s got our full support. We love him. He’s going to go down as one of the greats.”
On Lachie Neale’s likely departure…
“He’s one of those guys we traded for, him and Charlie Cameron, and they ignited our premiership charge. He’s given so much to the boys. To be able to play with a player like that, dual Brownlow medalist and a three-time premiership player, I just feel so lucky. I wish him well, definitely look forward to coming up against him for the Pies. There’s a bit of a rivalry there, I can’t believe he’s jumped ship. But he’s given so much to our club, so we owe him.”
HUGH MCCLUGGAGE
“Relief, disbelief, too. The boys stepped up. We do so much hard work throughout the year for these moments, we have great connection, an amazing team and amazing group blokes. Wharfie Time was probably a bit louder than I thought! We didn’t want to be three goals down when it came on. But obviously it flicked a switch for some guys. I really don’t know what to say, it’s just crazy.”
On his injury troubles this year…
“I definitely had my doubts personally on if I could get myself right for finals. I kept thinking, it might not be my year, but I can have a moment or two in the finals and help the boys. Just proud of how I handled myself throughout it.”
On Chris Fagan’s uncertain future…
“Haven’t heard anything, I’d like to think he’d tell me if he was going to finish up. But I love him and it’d be such a shame if he left. At the same time, he deserves to make the call, he’d been enormous for this club.”
On Lachie Neale’s likely departure…
“He’s carried so much load for this team for so many yards. He taught us how to win contests pretty much singlehandedly when he came to the club. We wouldn’t be in this position without him. He’s been a great player for us, skippered us to two flags and helped a lot of the young guys develop.”
LEVI ASHCROFT
“I can’t believe it, really. It was an insane last four minutes. Really ecstatic. As soon as Wharfie Time came on, it felt like it gave us a bit of a lift. Sort of like, let’s get going, there’s not long left, we’ve got put the foot down here and have a crack. We did that and the rest is history. Will, again, seems to lift when we need someone to. Very proud of what he’s been able to do in the big games.”
On winning premierships with Will…
“It’s the best. We love it. We’ve been dreaming and thinking about these moments and games for a long time. It’s definitely so special to share the field with him and play for this great club. We’re so grateful to be involved the Lions and follow in our dad’s footsteps.”
On Lachie Neale’s likely departure…
“I’ve loved playing with ‘Choc’, he’s one of my best mates at the club. He’s been a great leader for me and I really appreciate playing alongside him and what he’s done for the club — a two-time Brownlow medalist, premiership captain and three-time premiership player. Very proud of what he’s done this year as well with a few things that happened behind the scenes. It’s a mighty effort to play in another premiership, really proud of him and thankful to play alongside him.”
JASPA FLETCHER
On Wharfie Time/wild ending…
“‘Fages’ said yesterday in the team meeting when Wharfie Time comes on, let’s use it for our advantage and go back at them. It was pretty loud when it came on and I think all the boys got up and about. Our runner came out after ‘Loges’ kicked the goal and said: ‘Eight seconds left’. I couldn’t believe it, I thought the quarter went that quick. I was just hanging for the siren to go, hanging for the siren to go. It finally did. I couldn’t believe it. I feel like the season has gone that quick. I probably haven’t had my best season, I’m not really proud of it, but I’ll be back better next year. It’s just good to be part of this, I’ll soak it all up now.”
TY GALLOP
On Wharfie Time/wild ending…
“We addressed Wharfie Time throughout the week so we knew what we were up against. We said, when that comes on, there’s no reason why that can’t lift us as well. I was on the bench, but the boys lifted, ‘Loges’ (Logan Morris) kicked a couple of goals and we ended up winning.”
On keeping Josh Treacy to one goal…
“It’s all credit to the other defenders I’m working with. Dale Morris has been a great role model. The great man Darcy Gardiner has been a great role model, same as Harris Andrews and Ryan Lester. I just try to take a bit from everyone’s game. I ended up getting a pretty big matchup today. He probably got the better of me at the start, but I feel like I clawed my way back in. It was good.”
