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Lions' Three-Peat: How Desperation Won the Flag
29 Sep
Summary
- Lester's goal-saving tackle and Bailey's hard ball-win proved critical.
- Young's handball out of bounds and Treacy's inaction were costly errors.
- Neale's lucky shank and Ashcroft's brilliant run sealed the Lions' win.
Brisbane's incredible three-peat in the 2026 AFL Grand Final hinged on several critical moments in the game's dying minutes. Ryan Lester's desperate goal-saving tackle on Josh Treacy, although followed by a goal from Patrick Voss, set a tone of resilience for the Lions.
Zac Bailey then delivered a pivotal play, winning a hard ball against Caleb Serong and snapping a skillful goal to reduce an 11-point deficit. These acts of brilliance contrasted sharply with Fremantle's errors.
Hayden Young's decision to handball out of bounds near his own forward fifty proved costly, leading to a Brisbane free kick. Josh Treacy's perceived lack of urgency in returning to defence also came under scrutiny.
Further misfortune struck Fremantle when Lachie Neale's unconventional kick unexpectedly found Hugh McCluggage, leading to a mark for Logan Morris who kicked a go-ahead goal. In the final moments, Will Ashcroft's exceptional individual effort, capped by a pass to Morris for his third goal, sealed Brisbane's remarkable premiership.
Despite Fremantle winning the next clearance through Shai Bolton, his long kick was repelled by Brisbane's staunch defence, with Lester again instrumental. Ashcroft's dazzling run and pass to Morris secured the victory, completing Brisbane's historic achievement.
