Rayner's heart-warming moment caps Lions' back-to-back AFL glory

Brisbane Lions star Cam Rayner delivered a heartening moment for football fans as his team claimed back-to-back AFL premierships with a 47-point victory over Geelong at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. Rayner was outstanding in a dominant performance that helped Chris Fagan's side complete a finals run that culminated in their fifth flag this century.

After the final siren, Rayner shared a touching moment with a starry-eyed AusKick youngster. "I want to be just like you," the boy told him. Rayner replied, "I wanna be like you." Teammate Darcy Wilmot celebrated on stage with his typical high-energy theatrics, a signature moment that echoed last year's on-stage celebration after Brisbane's win over the Sydney Swans as the Lions captured their first of back-to-back titles.

Geelong had no answer in the second half as Brisbane pulled away, mapping a decisive third and fourth quarters after a halftime deadlock. The Cats looked promising at the break with a 36-36 draw, but the margin widened as Brisbane converted more of its attacking forays and the Lions' defense clamped down.

Lions co-captain Lachie Neale, who entered the decider nursing an injury cloud, finished with 17 touches, seven clearances, three tackles and a goal from 50 metres. Brisbane became the first club to win back-to-back AFL titles since Richmond in 2019 and 2020, and it stands as the Lions' fifth premiership since the turn of the century.

Geelong skipper Patrick Dangerfield earned praise for a gracious post-game speech that acknowledged the season's outcome and thanked the fans.