BRISBANE, Australia — The Brisbane Lions are drawing inspiration from a legendary moment in their history as they prepare to face the formidable North Melbourne in the AFLW Grand Final at Ikon Park this Saturday night. The Lions are reviving a famous phrase from 2001, when coach Leigh Matthews inspired his team with a scene from the movie “Predator,” where Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character declares: “If it bleeds, we can kill it.”
This iconic moment led the Lions to a memorable victory over Essendon, setting the stage for their first of three consecutive premierships. Fast forward 24 years, and Brisbane captain Bre Koenen is invoking the same battle cry to rally her team against the Kangaroos, who have achieved a record-breaking 26-match winning streak.
“They are a great team and favourites for a reason,” Koenen told AFL.com.au. “They’ve had an amazing year, but what’s Leigh Matthews’ old saying? If it bleeds, we can kill it. That’s our mentality.”
Brisbane’s Journey to the Grand Final
The Lions’ path to the Grand Final has been anything but straightforward. They began the season with a rocky start, including a significant 29-point loss to North Melbourne in round five, which left them with a 2-3 record and seemingly out of finals contention. However, the team persevered, adapting to a new game style and overcoming early setbacks.
Brisbane’s remarkable turnaround saw them win nine consecutive games, including overcoming quarter-time deficits against Melbourne and Carlton in November to secure their place in the Grand Final. Koenen credits the team’s resilience and ability to learn from adversity as key factors in their success.
Leadership and Growth
Koenen, who stepped into the leadership role following the retirement of inaugural captain Emma Zielke, has been instrumental in guiding the Lions through their ups and downs. As she prepares to lead her team in a fourth successive Grand Final, Koenen reflects on her growth as a leader and the lessons learned along the way.
“Having now been a few years into my journey, I have so much more appreciation for how much influence I can have on the group,” she said. “That calmness and clarity with myself just gives the rest of the group so much belief.”
Koenen’s leadership has been pivotal in fostering a culture of belief and resilience within the team. Her ability to remain task-driven and focused, even in the face of adversity, has been a source of strength for the Lions.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The Lions’ current campaign echoes their storied past, reminiscent of the early 2000s when they dominated the AFL. The team’s ability to draw on historical inspiration while forging their own path speaks to the enduring legacy of the Brisbane Lions.
Koenen acknowledges the significance of the upcoming match, not just as a chance to claim another premiership, but as an opportunity to cement the Lions’ place in AFLW history. “Just to be here again with the opportunity is so exciting,” she said. “Seven in 10 years – I don’t think we’ll appreciate how amazing that is until we’re long retired.”
As the Lions prepare to face North Melbourne, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter that could redefine the balance of power in women’s Australian Rules football. The outcome of this match will not only determine the 2023 premiership winner but could also influence the future trajectory of both clubs.
With the echoes of past triumphs and the weight of current expectations, the Brisbane Lions are poised to take on their greatest challenge yet, armed with the belief that “if it bleeds, we can kill it.”
