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‘Destiny is in their hands’: Can the Lions launch a new dynasty?

Leigh Matthews has long proved he is unflappable under pressure.

First it was as a player, one of the most fearless men to pick up the Sherrin. Then he did so as a coach, spearheading premierships with the same competitive streak that thrust him into legend status.

Leigh Matthews led the Brisbane Lions to its greatest period of dominance.

Leigh Matthews led the Brisbane Lions to its greatest period of dominance.Credit: Getty

And yet, 15 years after he left the coaching world behind, he is stumped.

Matthews began his coaching career with the Collingwood Magpies, immediately after he hung up the boots.

He would go on to guide the white and black outfit to the 1990 premiership, before joining the Brisbane in Lions in 1999 to kickstart what proved to be a Brisbane dynasty.

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From 2001 to 2004, the Queensland club went on to feature in every grand final – losing only the last of those deciders, to Port Adelaide.

Now, as his former clubs prepare to clash on Saturday, he has a foot in both camps.

With Craig McRae, who played under him throughout the Lions dynasty, leading the Magpies, Matthews admits that connection adds an extra layer to his intrigue.

As for the Lions, the 71-year-old said what had hindered them in past pursuits was obvious: they had not been able to get over the preliminary final hump.

Now that they had, game on – and a new dynasty beckons.

Brisbane won three consecutive AFL titles between 2001 and 2003.

Brisbane won three consecutive AFL titles between 2001 and 2003.Credit: Steve Holland

“I spent 10 years of my life at Collingwood as a coach a couple of generations ago,” Matthews said.

“The memories of the black and white jumper being the centre of my existence, that was the way it was for a decade, and the Lions for another.

“The Lions haven’t been able to win the Preliminary Final these past few years. The Lions of 20-odd years ago were able to do that.

“The Lions are in that position right now and destiny is in their own hands.”

Brisbane has been slowly building to be in a position where they can lay claim to becoming the premiership juggernaut they were in their early 2000s heyday.

In each of the past five seasons, bar one, they have finished inside the top four. Yet, this is the first time in that period, and since 2004, that they have reached the last Saturday of September.

For Lions veteran Dayne Zorko, who will play his 250th AFL game in the contest, a Hall of Fame dinner last month reminded the squad of the chance that lay before them: the chance to forge their own era of dominance.

Of the squad who will take the field, six will come off contract at the end of 2024 (as will veteran recruit Jack Gunston, who was not selected for the match). The majority of the group have their long-term futures secured.

Hugh McCluggage will loom as a key retention beyond his 2024 deal.

Hugh McCluggage will loom as a key retention beyond his 2024 deal.Credit: AFL Photos

Hugh McCluggage looms as the most likely priority signing heading into next year, with the vice-captain producing a career-best season after moving from the wing and into the midfield.

Jarrod Berry, whose contract also ends next year, has gone on to average four disposals more a game since a season-ending injury to Will Ashcroft, and has had a fractionally higher output in terms of inside-50s and clearances.

Zorko, who has voiced his desire to keep playing beyond the end of his deal this year, believed this unit had the makings of emulating the feats of the champions of 20 years ago.

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“If anything, it spurs us on to recreate what they were able to,” Zorko said.

“The friendships they built, the camaraderie in that group, we had our hall of fame dinner a month ago and to see all those guys reunited gave us a real kick, a real lift of energy.

“I have goosebumps just thinking about it, because some of the stories shared that night were unbelievable.

“I certainly don’t think it hangs over us – if anything, it drives us to strive towards what they had.”

One youngster who will prove crucial to those dynasty visions will not take to the MCG turf.

Rookie sensation Ashcroft - signed until the end of 2026 - was considered a favourite for the Rising Star gong this year, his exploits in the midfield catching the attention of pundits following his highly touted drafting.

But an ACL injury in Round 19 against Geelong derailed those dreams.

Dayne Zorko is determined to be a part of a new Lions dynasty.

Dayne Zorko is determined to be a part of a new Lions dynasty.Credit: Getty

In his absence, his teammates have risen to the occasion, their impact largely unwavering and increasing in some key areas.

And Ashcroft, whose father Marcus featured in all three Lions premierships, declared that not only would he pick up where he left off, but the Brisbane midfield group also had the tools to become a long-term force.

“I live to play in the big games, the big moments, and we were starting to progress to that spot,” Ashcroft said.

Rookie Will Ashcroft sees a bright future for the Lions midfield.

Rookie Will Ashcroft sees a bright future for the Lions midfield.Credit: Getty Images

“A few rounds to go before finals, that’s when I wanted to be playing my best footy, so that was tough to know it’s going to be a long road ahead, and I was going to miss this finals’ series.

“That was the hardest part. I love running out, playing every week alongside my brothers and competing, especially as a midfield group.

“That’s what I’m really excited about when I get back: the future we have as a midfield group and how we can continue to get better.

“That’s my motivation to get back and contribute to help the team win next year.”

Sean Parnell sends an exclusive newsletter to subscribers each week. Sign up to receive his Note from the Editor.