Lions have overcome the pain of defeat in last year’s decider, a poor start to this season, and hefty deficits in two finals to earn another shot at glory

The Lions players were jumping around the MCG, their true colours having finally emerged in the glorious climax of a famous AFL preliminary final. There was Kai Lohmann and his blonde mullet, hurling himself at Cam Rayner in delight, Eric Hipwood lurching to join in the celebrations.

Players in Fitzroy red scurrying this way and that, arms aloft or high-fiving fans on the boundary. A beaming coach Chris Fagan, walking out to share the joy, shaking hands and sharing hugs.