The party is only just getting started in those Brisbane rooms, and for Lions fans all over the country, but the final siren is about to blow on our blogs for this 2025 AFL season. We've blogged every single game this season, and to those of you who have followed along and chipped in throughout the journey, we all thank you very much.

The good news is the footy is not done yet! We're still midway through the AFLW season, and we have blogs prepared for the upcoming trade period and then the draft in November. Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.

Until then, congratulations to the all-conquering Brisbane Lions and see you again real soon!

There was no more influential player in the second half than Lachie Neale. In a game that was won and lost in the clearances, he put on a total masterclass.

I thought Neale looked a little underdone when he first came on, but that didn't last long. He very quickly looked like a two-time Brownlow Medallist superstar, and the Cats never had another look in.

One of the stories of grand final week has a happy ending for Lachie and the Lions.

Grand finals are pretty easy, aren't they? Will Ashcroft has been best on ground in two of them.

Read more about his incredible performance today below:

Had a few of these questions today. Don't worry, nobody was booing Bruce Reville!

What you could very clearly hear was the Lions fans getting behind their cult hero with a deep and hearty "Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuce" chant. He's a beloved figure in Brisbane, and he had a pretty damn good game today too.

The Cats will be in disbelief as to how quickly that game got away from them. Things unravelled at such a speed the game had gone before Geelong had an opportunity to respond. But that's what the Lions can do to you.

Jeremy Cameron played more than half of that game with a broken arm, I'm sure of it. Patrick Dangerfield spent most of it at full forward, away from the play and unable to make an impact. Max Holmes was good, Lawson Humphries excellent. But they got hit by a tidal wave and couldn't hold it back.

They'll be good again next year, but it's not easy to get here.

They've been coming in hot today, and sorry I haven't been able to get to all of them, but here's a taste of what has come through after the final siren.

When the Lions are good, they are seriously bloody good. We are 22 years on from the club's last three-peat and it is now well on its way to another one.

This is still a young side. It is about to add Oscar Allen, Sam Draper and academy player Daniel Annable (in my opinion, the best player in this year's draft) to its list for 2026. On paper, the Lions will likely be stronger next year than they were in the premiership years of 2024 or 2025.

It might not be the time to think about it, but just how good could the Lions get?

A two-time premiership coach and the envy of the league, here is Chris Fagan:

"I'd like to say thank you to Geelong. You're an awesome footy club. You always give yourself a chance and I have total respect for you. I am sure you will be back bigger and better next year.

"To our supporters, you've been absolutely amazing for us all year. We love the way you made a noise for us today and inspired us. Thank you so much.

"To our football department, what a brilliant job you've all done. I will thank you all in the next few days but you're a pleasure to work with. You come to work every day and put your best foot forward, so well done on that.

"To our players, what an amazing group you are. It's been pretty tough this year at times. And we have found a way. I have total respect for you, well done. Thank you."

The brilliant Brisbane captain is delivering his speech:

"To the families, the coaching staff, everyone inside footy club, we're very, very grateful for your support. We can't do what we do without you guys. Thank you so much for all the sacrifices you make week in, week out.

"To the playing group, what a special group of guys. Obviously the guys who played today but the extended group, the whole playing list. It's a special place to come to work every day. I count myself very lucky that I can be part of it. Unbelievable.

"A big thank you to all the fans that came today. To our fans, the a big thank you to all the Brisbane Lions fans who came today. Thank you so much for coming along the journey over the last couple of years. It's been awesome.

"We really appreciate the love and support down here and all around Australia. Hope you guys enjoy this."