Sport
27 September, 2024
Local support to power the grand final
Sydney and Brisbane set to meet in historic grand final clash with local ties.
When the Swans and Lions clash on the MCG’s battlefield tomorrow for the 2024 AFL Grand Final, the action will permeate all the way to Maryborough — pitting locals against each other as allegiances are put to the test.
With the arena set, and the stakes raised, this year’s big dance will create history no matter the victor.
If Brisbane take home the silverware, it would make former local and Lions’ young gun Kai Lohmann a Maryborough legend.
Drafted in 2021 and making his debut in the following year, Lohmann has become a rising star for Brisbane, playing 25 games so far this season.
At just 21 years of age, the local product is set to achieve something many could only dream of — playing in the AFL Grand Final, and he has no shortage of home-grown supporters.
But if Sydney clench the flag, it could forge a lifelong memory for a local father-son duo.
For someone who had no choice but to barrack for the Swans, Graeme Gourley’s unyielding faith in the team has required no coercion.
“Now I feel like I’m almost a speaker for the Swans — if anyone wants to know anything about them I’m the person they come to,” Graeme said.
“I’ve been supporting them for as long as I can remember because it was just in the family and I’m continuing that tradition with my son Jude too.”
Much like his dad, Jude wasn’t given a vote, he just became a part of the flock — an unavoidable position when you’re named after one of the AFL’s greatest footballers — Sydney Swans’ Jude Bolton.
“To have Jude in this with me makes the whole thing even better,” Graeme said.
“Being part of something like this with your son is amazing. For some people it’s only a sport but for me and Jude, it’s so much more than just a game.
“It’s part of your inner fabric.”
Having scored tickets to tomorrow’s grand final, the Gourleys hope to witness Sydney win its first premiership since 2012.
“We’re really nervous but in my heart, I feel like it’s our time,” Graeme said.
“The last month has come with a lot of ups and downs but I’m feeling confident.
“It’ll be such a special moment if they win because we’ll be at the game and it’ll be something we remember for the rest of our lives.”
While birds of a feather flock together, in Maryborough with Swans supporters in short supply, the Gourleys have limited company.
They’re also among the few, who while supportive of local Lohmann’s aspirations, are counting on the Lions to lose.
“I wish Lohmann all the best,” Graeme said.
“Obviously, he’s not only a gun player but he’s a great young kid as well.
“But my allegiances lie with the red and white.”
Donning different colours, wrapped up in blue, maroon and gold, another Maryborough based dad-son tag team are on the lookout for redemption.
Henry Potter and three-year-old Theo, are dogged members of the pride and after last year’s grand final upset, they’re ready to once again rally behind the strong Lions outfit.
“It actually took a bit to get over their 2023 loss — it was very hard,” Henry said.
“But hopefully we get to win this time.
“I’m really passionate about the game and I think it would be very heartbreaking if we lose again.”
According to Henry, among his most memorable moments with Brisbane has been Lohmann’s ascent to the top.
“He has really stepped up to play great AFL football and it’s such a privilege to see a young kid that you’ve coached a couple of games playing at this level now,” he said.
“It’s wonderful to see him on that stage. It’s exciting as a town as well, everyone wants to see that kid just thrive and that’s exactly what he’s doing.”
For young Theo, who doesn’t quite understand the game yet, there’s already a sense of belonging and comfort with the Lions.
“Sometimes he has to watch them play before he can fall asleep,” Henry said.
“He loves the Lions chant — he loves all of it.”
Henry said Theo could very well be singing the team’s victory tune tomorrow.
“Two years in a row we’ve made it to the grand final but this year it’s feeling different,” he said.
“The Lions’ catchphrase is ‘Believe’ and I am 100 percent buying into that — you’ve got to have belief and I do.”
Although the Gourleys and Potters will be cheering for two different teams tomorrow, beyond their rivalry the big dance has also highlighted a similarity between the two.
It’s a shared love for community footy in Maryborough.
“Sporting is massive in our town and events like the grand final remind us that more needs to be done locally as well,” Henry said.
“We need more volunteers and staff — unfortunately we can see local footy dying and we need everyone to try to stop that.”
Graeme’s feelings also closely mirrored Henry’s.
“Everyone has their allegiances but that doesn’t matter when it comes to supporting Maryborough’s footy,” Graeme said.
Brisbane will be out for blood in Saturday’s blockbuster clash, having lost in last year’s final by only four points.
The last time the side claimed a grand final win was in 2003, marking the club’s third victory in as many years.
For Sydney, the side has been in six premierships and won two since the turn of the century including their drought-breaking win in 2005 and their last triumph in 2012, with their sights no doubt set on adding another trophy to their cabinet.