Clearing The Field: Can Brisbane Dominate Footy In 2025?
Brisbane could be in line for footy finals domination this year if the Broncos can down Melbourne Storm in the upcoming NRL Grand Final.
On the same weekend Brisbane Lions defeated Geelong Cats to claim back-to-back AFL premierships, Brisbane Broncos pulled off a miracle victory against reigning champs Penrith Panthers in the NRL prelims to earn a grand final match up with Melbourne Storm. It was the first time in history both the Lions and Broncos have played grand final series games in the same season.
It was only in 2023 Brisbane had the rare and elusive opportunity to achieve an AFL-NRL duopoly, but it eluded our grasp. Our time has come again though, and with one in the bag already, it all comes down to the Broncos. Renowned league underdogs, the Broncos are no strangers to snatching victory from the snarling jaws of defeat, evidenced by their stunning dethroning of Penrith from the top of the table.
For anyone who missed the action or struggling to recall after indulging in post-game shenanigans, here’s a quick reminder of this past weekend’s big wins.
Lions Roar As Cats Quiver
On Saturday afternoon, fans at the MCG witnessed an epic showdown between Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats, the first time in VFL/AFL history the two teams have faced each other in a grand final match. Lions dominated with a commanding performance resulting in a definitive 47-point victory (final score 122:75), leaving Geelong to lick their wounds and wonder where it all went wrong.
The final quarter saw Brisbane put away nine goals as the Cats struggled to close the widening points-gap. The Lions’ Will Ashcroft earned his second successive Norm Smith medal, with 32 disposals and ten clearances.
The Lions’ second consecutive premiership win has already elicited excitement among fans and pundits for a long awaited return to the club’s golden era of 2001-2003, when Brisbane claimed three back-to-back premierships and became the pride of Brisbane. Celebrations were also in effect in the Lions’ spiritual home of Fitzroy.
Broncos Trample Panthers In Surprise Finish
While Lions fans were still celebrating, the Broncos battled Penrith at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a nail-biting match that brought an unexpected end to Penrith’s four-year premiership reign. Trailing 14-0 at half time, the Broncos delivered a momentous come-from-behind performance to seal a 16-14 victory at the final whistle.
A last-minute sideline conversion from Adam Reynolds brought Penrith to their knees and confirmed Brisbane’s place in the grand final against Melbourne Storm. On Friday, Cronulla missed out on a shot at finals glory in a 22-14 defeat against the Storm, aligning Brisbane and Melbourne for this weekend’s grand final line-up at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Brisbane last faced Melbourne in a grand final back in 2006, Brisbane winning 15-8. This was also the last time Brisbane won a premiership title.
But the drama doesn’t end on the field.
The NRL is scrambling to secure pre-game entertainment after headliner, US singing sensation Teddy Swims unexpectedly cancelled upcoming performances due to vocal issues. There are fears Swims won’t be able to perform at the grand final, having walked off stage during a show on Friday and cancelling his Hawaii concerts.
Teddy Swims’ NRL performance was spruiked by NRL head honcho Peter V’landys as a coup for the league following the announcement of hip hop heavyweight Snoop Dogg playing at the AFL grand final. Swims was also onboard to help promote the NRL’s US expansion in Las Vegas.
Bring It Home For Brisbane
Congratulations to the Brisbane Lions for a spectacular win, and here’s wishing the lads and ladies of the Brisbane Broncos squads all the best for stampeding home with a double victory for Brisbane footy fans.
The Brisbane Broncos are also competing for grand final glory in the NRLW, facing off against the Sydney Roosters at Stadium Australia prior to the NRL match. The NRLW Broncos team are seeking their fourth premiership win and Sydney Roosters their third, meaning there’s every chance Brisbane will be the proud holders of not one or two, but three premiership football wins in a single year.
