Sport

1 October, 2024

Lohmann instrumental in Brisbane’s win

An unforgettable 30-minute patch from former Maryborough local Kai Lohmann was critical in propelling the Brisbane Lions to a drought-breaking first premiership in 21 years against the Sydney Swans.

By Michael Thompson

Maryborough’s Kai Lohmann reached new heights on Saturday, playing in Brisbane’s drought-breaking AFL Grand Final. The Maryborough product was instrumental in the win, kicking four goals in what was a head-turning performance.
Maryborough’s Kai Lohmann reached new heights on Saturday, playing in Brisbane’s drought-breaking AFL Grand Final. The Maryborough product was instrumental in the win, kicking four goals in what was a head-turning performance.

In front of a remarkable MCG crowd of 100,013 people, Lohmann, for much of the first half, appeared to be the star attraction, kicking three of the first five goals for Brisbane to settle Lions’ nerves after conceding the opening two goals of the match.

Brisbane’s opening goal was kicked by Lohmann, and it was a precursor of what was to come throughout the day as a stunning kick from Hugh McCluggage opened up the MCG, before Callum Ah Chee selflessly passed up an opportunity to kick a goal himself to set up Lohmann, who delivered from 20 metres out on a slight angle.

From the bounce, Lohmann would soon run his opponent, Sydney’s Oliver Florent, ragged.

Lohmann caught Florent ball-chasing, getting himself into the perfect position to receive a good handball from Eric Hipwood, and would deliver his second goal in a minute, this time on his opposite foot, to give the Lions a lead they would not relinquish for the balance of the afternoon.

Brisbane took an eight-point lead at the first change, but after a nervy start to the second quarter, nobody was quite prepared to step up yet.

That was until Zac Bailey found space on the wing, setting up Lohmann to kick a fine running goal on the half forward flank for his third goal.

Brisbane soon went on a rampage, and Lohmann was still in the thick of the action, with several score involvements, plus a goal assist to Hipwood, who kicked the goal of the day with a terrific effort from the boundary line.

Six goals in the final 10 minutes of the quarter meant it was a 46-point lead at half time, and the Lions were never losing from there.

At the break, Lohmann was arguably the toast of the footballing world, and was thrust into conversations for the Norm Smith Medal.

The third quarter was party time for the Lions, and although Lohmann had a quiet quarter, the fact that he had such a damaging first half meant that Sydney shifted their focus onto him up forward, which allowed the likes of Ah Chee and Cam Rayner, son of Talbot premiership hero throughout the 90s, John, to thrive.

A 67-point lead at the final break was the result.

Lohmann had one more part to play in the final quarter. With the game done and dusted, Jaspa Fletcher launched a ball up forward, and it was Lohmann who expertly sprung off the back of Dane Rampe to take a spectacular mark.

Lohmann capped off the day of his dreams with his fourth goal, the most in a VFL/AFL grand final by a Maryborough local since John Nicholls’ celebrated haul of six goals in 1972, as Brisbane scored a 60-point win.

The win helped Lohmann join brother Jake as a premiership player in 2024, with Jake earlier securing success with the Morningside Panthers in the QAFL competition.

Including the history of the merged clubs, Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears, the Lions were lapping up a fourth premiership in 80 years.

Lohmann’s game would earn a Norm Smith Medal vote from judge Rory Sloane, who rated him as the third-best player on the ground.

It was well and truly young talent time at the Lions, with Will Ashcroft becoming the youngest Norm Smith Medal winner since Wayne Harmes in 1979, while Ah Chee proved to be a significant goalkicker in partnership with Lohmann, kicking five goals.

Brisbane celebrated in style throughout the night, before reconvening at Brunswick Street Oval to honour their Fitzroy connection on Sunday morning.

Speaking to afl.com.au’s Footy Feed post-game, Lohmann revelled in the celebrations.

“It’s still very new and very surreal,” Lohmann said.

“I’m just so proud of myself for getting here, and everyone for helping me get there. It’s a world of emotions, but I’m super pumped.”

Lohmann revealed how he treated his preparation for the grand final, utilising 34 games of previous experience.

“I love coming home and playing in front of family and friends,” he said.

“The big crowds at the MCG, I don’t know what it is, but I just love coming back and playing here and I love September, it’s what you live for, and as a kid, coming to these games, you want to be a part of it.”

With Brisbane set to secure a draft bounty later this year, with Ashcroft’s younger brother Levi and Academy player Sam Marshall also due to join the team as a standout prospect, the Lions could be set for a significant dynasty, and if Saturday is anything to go by, Lohmann looks set to play a massive part.

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