I became an AFL fan about 30 years ago, and although I usually follow another team who didn’t make the finals, yesterday I found myself barracking for the Brisbane Lions. And what a win they had!
The beauty of the match went way beyond the scoreboard to the fans, the wonderful children who presented the players with their medals at the end and the humble but brilliant coach Chris Fagan. Brisbane’s performance was a masterclass in how to succeed — lessons that can be applied not only to sport, but to work, relationships, and life itself. I was so inspired by what I was watching, especially in the second half, that I began jotting down words to capture the spirit of their play. Looking back, those words tell a bigger story that can be applied to almost everything we do.
Master the Basics
Brisbane’s ball handling, accuracy in kicking, and laser-like focus built the foundation of their game. It’s a reminder that success starts with getting the fundamentals right.
The Power of Teamwork
Several of the team’s regulars were absent, replaced by reserves — yet the machine ran smoothly. The players’ unselfishness and generosity stood out: every pass, tackle, and leap seemed to be made with the team’s success in mind, rather than personal glory.
Speed and Anticipation
It wasn’t just about physical pace. Brisbane read the play, anticipated the next move, and acted decisively. In life, too, foresight and sharp instincts often make the difference.
Tenacity and Consistency
They never eased off. Brisbane tackled fiercely, caught under pressure, jumped high, and kept their performance steady. True success often belongs not to the most gifted, but to those who keep showing up with grit and persistence.
Ingenuity and Flexibility
When a catch wasn’t possible, the players often swiped the ball in the direction of another player. Whenever they were blocked, they speedily shifted direction. Their agility and unpredictability kept Geelong guessing and they often had no answer for the clever, novel moves. This made me think that life rarely offers neat solutions and that we all need flexibility and creative thinking to carry us through.
Innovation and Courage
In this ‘must win’ game, Brisbane were never afraid to improvise, to surprise, nor to take risks. I am not suggesting that we shouldn’t approach many life events with caution, but we need to remember that boldness and imagination often, perhaps even usually, separate those who participate from those who win.
The Big Take-Away Lesson
Brisbane’s triumph yesterday wasn’t just a sporting victory — it was a demonstration of what it takes to achieve in any field. Master the basics, work together, stay persistent, adapt with creativity, and be brave enough to innovate.
Yesterday, Brisbane didn’t just claim the AFL trophy for 2025. They gave us a living example of how to compete, how to persevere, how to succeed and how to enjoy the journey!
‘Brilliantly done’ everyone involved.
