As Brisbane Lions fans descended on South Bank to watch Saturday’s landmark grand final, Sharon stood out in her black and white.
Sharing a shady picnic rug with daughter Olivia – who has donned the Lions’ colours for the past five years – there was little hint of rivalry.
Mackenzie, Olivia and Sharon found a shady spot at South Bank before snaring a place in the Piazza to watch the grand final live. Credit: Matt Dennien
“I’ve been down there [in Melbourne] for when we won one,” Sunshine Coast-based Sharon said of her Melbourne-based Magpies. “So I’m happy for her to have it ... which is not very good as a Collingwood supporter, apparently.”
The pair – plus Olivia’s Broncos-following partner, Mackenzie, who was “along for the ride” from Gympie ahead of tomorrow’s Brisbane NRL showing – were among the first in line for a seat at the Piazza to watch the Lions-Magpies match-up.
Emma and Farris were among the Lions fans to head to South Bank early to soak up the atmosphere.Credit: Matt Dennien
“I am very nervous,” Olivia said. “I really don’t know who could win today – they’ve both played amazing the whole season, so it’s very tricky. And mum being Collingwood, it’s a bit tricky.
“I watched as a kid, went to games as a kid, but only really found love for Brisbane once I kind of understood the game a bit more.”
Families streamed into the riverside parkland under a crisp blue sky to pose for photos with mascots or a replica of the 2003 grand final trophy – the last time Brisbane snatched it.
That premiership was the third in a four-year grand final run that ended the following year with a loss. It has not been replicated since.
But the Lions have been building again. Four of the past five seasons have seen them reach the top four.
Last time they played Collingwood, who entered the finals on top of the ladder, was in Round 23 at Marvel Stadium. The Lions got up by four goals.
Footy fans have a kick at South Bank before the grand final is screened at the Piazza.Credit: Matt Dennien
Coorparoo local Dan, a decades-long Lions fan who headed to the live site for some morning sun and a kick of the Sherrin with his family before catching the game back at home, said whatever happened would be a huge result.
“They’ve done well. From where they were five or six years ago ... it’s fantastic,” he said.
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Wife Ange added: “I think everyone in the town has been getting around the team.”
A fan for about 10 years, this will be Ange’s first chance to see the Lions play a premiership.
Two-year-old Lucy, in her own Lions kit, will also be seeing her first grand final.
Mother Margie said her toddler was “very excited” – and she had the video of Lucy dancing around at home earlier to prove it.
“It’s a massive achievement, and it’ll be really great for the state,” she said of the Lions’ effort.
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