The Brisbane Lions are on the hunt for back-to-back premierships after their thrilling triumph last year, showcasing resilience against adversity, including injuries and personal losses. This steely mentality was vividly illustrated during their season-opening match against the Sydney Swans on March 15, 2025, where they clinched victory by just four points, winning 12-14 (86) to 12-10 (82).
Brisbane faced notable challenges before the match. Their preparations were hampered by the effects of Cyclone Alfred, which wreaked havoc on their training schedules. The Lions also suffered significant injuries, with Linc McCarthy sustaining another ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and Sam Day having tragically lost his father shortly before the game. On game day itself, they contended with the last-minute withdrawal of Charlie Cameron due to calf problems, alongside additional injuries including Kai Lohmann’s ankle issue and Brandon Starcevich, who experienced his third concussion in just eight months.
Lions star Hugh McCluggage reflected positively on the team's ability to prevail under such difficult circumstances. “Our mindset didn’t really change whether we were down or whether we were up… the experience you get from all the things we’ve been through helps,” he noted. His emphasis on maintaining focus amid adversity sets the tone for the Lions’ upcoming challenges as they aim for another AFL premiership.
Brisbane began the match slowly, allowing the Swans to score the first four goals. The Lions, undaunted by this setback, rallied and showcased their determination to emerge victorious. McCluggage expressed pride, stating, “You gain confidence from winning the competition, but you’ve got to stay humble. We’ve got to keep focus, keep everything in the now, not look too far back or too far forward.”
Beyond injuries, the emotional impact of missing teammates weighed heavily on the squad. McCluggage revealed how “deflated” he felt following news of McCarthy’s ACL injury, recognizing the toll such setbacks take on personal and professional levels. “I’d seen how much work he’d done and for it just to be taken away… was disappointing for him as a footballer but also as a mate,” he shared.
Realizing the necessity of supporting one another, McCluggage described how the Lions rally around players facing hardship. This approach contrasted with their handling of similar situations in previous years. “What we do well is wrap our arms around players when something like happens… Probably in the past when things like this have happened, we haven’t really dealt with it as well as we have last year and this year as well,” he said.
Looking forward, the Lions must not underestimate the West Coast Eagles, who suffered a crushing 87-point loss to the Gold Coast Suns. McCluggage emphasized the unpredictability of football, stating, “One thing I’ve learned from my time playing in the AFL is the week before just does not matter. There are so many times when you play a team, and the week before they’ve had a disappointing result and probably not brought the effort.”
Interestingly, Starcevich’s injury has raised concerns about player safety across the league, especially considering the rising number of concussions. McCluggage voiced his worries, having experienced concussions himself. “It definitely is tough to see… it can be quite concerning when you’re not really sure how you're going to recover,” he said, expressing hope for Starcevich's recovery.
Starcevich's third concussion, which he sustained following a head clash with Swans forward Justin McIerny, marks his second concussion within three weeks. This adds to the growing concern among players and fans about the long-term health impacts of repeated concussions. Brisbane's coaching staff has deployed concussion protocols to prioritize player health, and McCluggage insisted on the importance of supporting Starcevich throughout his recovery. “He has enough time off, and we’ll see how he goes from there,” he stated.
The Australian Football League (AFL) has witnessed strict scrutiny over player safety, especially after several players medically retired last season due to concussion-related issues, highlighting the inherent risks of the sport. McCluggage’s insights reflect both personal and collective concerns within the league.
Returning to the field, Brisbane’s players are expected to embody resilience, unity, and focus as they aim to advance past the early hurdles of the season. Overcoming emotional and physical adversities will be key as they proceed to face their next opponents, with McCluggage reinforcing the importance of mental fortitude and camaraderie. Tight-knit teamwork will be at the forefront as they challenge the West Coast Eagles at the Gabba this upcoming Sunday.
Though setbacks have surfaced, the Brisbane Lions are determined to rise, proving, time and again, their capacity to dig deep and perform under pressure. With the lessons learned from their inaugural victory and the firm belief they’ve cultivated through adversity, the Lions are poised to tackle every challenge they encounter as they chase another premiership.
