Brisbane Lions defend AFL crown as Auskick moment sparks conspiracy chatter

Brisbane Lions have claimed back-to-back AFL premierships with a Grand Final victory over the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The result capped a dominant showing in the second half, as Brisbane shrugged off a tight first half to seal a win that makes them the first team to win consecutive premierships since Richmond in 2019 and 2020. The Lions’ performance in the third and fourth quarters underscored their title credentials, with Lachie Neale leading a midgame push that broke the game open and provided a platform for Brisbane to close out the occasion.

The Cats entered the final two quarters tied at 36-all, but Brisbane moved decisively in the second half, turning a close match into a one-sided finish as they converted on multiple forays and stifled Geelong’s counterpunches. Neale, who started the day under an injury cloud, finished with 17 disposals, seven clearances and a goal from 50 metres, delivering a veteran performance that anchored Brisbane’s midfield. The Lions also received contributions across the field, with teammates stepping up as Geelong’s resistance waned and late majors piled on in a display that masked any lingering nerves for the eventual premiers.

In the aftermath, the presentation ceremony drew as much attention for its emotional content as for the trophy handshakes. After the siren, Lions players were called to the podium to accept their medals from Auskick participants. Cam Rayner was among those on stage when a young Auskick attendee told him, “I want to be just like you.” Rayner responded with a warm exchange, replying, “Oh, thanks, I want to be like you,” before the pair shared a brief high‑five. The moment quickly spread online, with many viewers praising the gesture as a heartwarming post‑match highlight.

Yet the moment also sparked a wave of online commentary. Sports journalist Mark Gottlieb posted on X that the instances he had seen previously felt “forced,” suggesting the microphone was turned up at an opportune moment for a child to say something endearing. Others on social media criticized the exchange as potentially manufactured for television or AFL marketing purposes, arguing that Auskick kids wearing microphones could be guided toward “cute” lines. Reddit threads carried similar opinions, with users describing the moment as “cringey,” “scripted” and an example of the league’s desire to control the narrative on a marquee day.

Geelong entered halftime level and briefly carried confidence into the third, but Brisbane’s discipline and cohesion proved decisive after the break. The win marks Brisbane’s fifth premiership since the turn of the century and their first back-to-back premiership since the club’s 2001–02 era, a milestone the Lions celebrated with a performance that reflected resilience and depth across the lineup. Neale’s leadership and the sustained pressure from Brisbane’s midfield helped set the tone for a late, draining surge, and the Lions’ backline ultimately withstood Geelong’s late attempts to re‑balance the ledger.

The decision to stage the post‑game Auskick ceremony with the microphone moments has become a talking point in AFL post‑season coverage. While many fans admired the sincerity of the expressions and the camaraderie on display, others argued that modern grand finals are crafted to maximize viral moments and positive engagement. Both perspectives reflect broader tensions in professional sport between authentic emotion and carefully managed storytelling, especially on the sport’s biggest stage.

Brisbane’s victory also solidifies the Lions’ status as one of the competition’s most consistent teams of the era, a consistency reflected in their premiership count and in the breadth of contributions across the squad. The club’s achievement echoes a recent trend toward long-term squad development and tactical adaptability, enabling them to navigate the pressure of a grand final against a Geelong team that had entered the day with strong expectations.

As the AFL season concludes, attention will turn to how clubs calibrate their on‑field performance and off‑field presentation in the wake of a widely discussed post‑final moment. For Brisbane, back-to-back titles and the weekend’s viral Auskick moment will likely be remembered together as a landmark chapter in the franchise’s history, just as the club adds a new page to its enduring legacy in Australian sport.