‘We talked about Wharfie Time’: Lions use the Dockers’ rallying cry to charge to third-straight flag

The Brisbane Lions have become a team for the ages after securing a third-straight premiership, with a stunning seven-point win over Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday, 14.12 (96) to 12.17 (89).

In cold, initially wet conditions, the Lions roared late – pulling within five points with less than four minutes to play after Zac Bailey quietened “Wharfie Time”.

Then, with just a minute remaining, a clutch set shot from Logan Morris put the Lions up by just a point – Chris Fagan’s men then holding on for dear life.

Morris then put the cherry on the cake with just eight seconds left – capping off victory from 17 points down.

While Hayden Young, Shai Bolton, Murphy Reid, Luke Jackson and Sam Switkowski (in his final game) were all outstanding for the Dockers, it was a typically even team contribution for the Lions that got the job done. Will Ashcroft again shone, after winning back-to-back Norm Smith Medals in the past two grand finals.

This Lions side joined their 2001-03 brethren in capturing a three-peat of flags, ensuring their place in history as one of the greatest teams of all-time.

The dominant performance could be Fagan’s last game in charge as coach, for he had hinted on Friday this match could be his last.

More to come

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