The Brisbane Lions have delivered coach Chris Fagan an extraordinary birthday gift of club records, personal milestones, and renewed hopes for the finals.
Celebrating his 63rd birthday on Sunday, Fagan witnessed a dominant performance by the Lions at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
They achieved their highest-ever score against Port Adelaide, triumphing 23-14 (152) with their largest winning margin of 79 points in the 43rd encounter between the two teams since Brisbane joined the league in 1997.
In addition to these team achievements, individual players also made significant contributions. Eric Hipwood elevated himself into the elite ranks of Brisbane’s goal kickers by reaching 250 goals, joining a prestigious group of Lions legends.
Meanwhile, Oscar McInerney had a standout game with a career-best three goals, and Bruce Reville doubled his goal tally for the season with his first two-goal performance. Cam Rayner also had a career-best with four goal assists, showcasing his playmaking skills.
The victory not only marked a historic performance but also injected a substantial boost to Brisbane’s chances of making the finals. Currently sitting 10th on the ladder with a 7-1-6 record after a slow start to the season, the Lions are now well-positioned with eight games remaining.
They boast the second-best percentage in the competition, providing them an advantage in potential ladder tiebreakers. As Fagan prepares for future challenges, this emphatic win serves as a testament to the team’s resilience and potential heading into the business end of the season.
