Can the Brisbane Lions end 20-years of AFL pain?

At the start of the 2023 AFL season, very little was expected from the Brisbane Lions, and they certainly weren’t seen as grand finalists in the eyes of many punters and AFL betting sites. 

However, the Lions have shown their class throughout the campaign, coming good when it matters to finish 2nd in the regular season table.

Heading to the 2023 AFL Grand Final, Brisbane certainly have the bit between their teeth, and they will bang up for this one against a Collingwood side they have already beaten twice this term.

20 years of pain to end?

Back in 2003, the prospect of Brisbane having to wait two decades for another AFL Premiership title would have been laughed at.

Fresh off their 3rd consecutive AFL title, the Lions looked set to continue their dominance in the AFL, but a 2004 Grand Final defeat proved to be the start of a barren spell.

They remain one of the biggest sides in the AFL and their performances are always tracked by punters and betting sites alike but they haven’t been able to deliver consistently for a whole season.

This has changed in 2023, with the Lions imperious at The Gabba and hard to beat on the road, making them one of the most feared sides in the AFL.

Neale the difference on the big stage?

With 2023 Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale in their squad, the Brisbane Lions will feel that they are capable of beating anybody.

Neale, who last won the Brownlow Medal back in 2020, pipped Saturday’s opponent Nick Daicos to his second career award.

The 30-year-old has been a key cog in the Brisbane machine this season and he will be hoping to bring out the best from his team mates in the Grand Final.

Do Brisbane hold a psychological edge over Collingwood?

The season enjoyed by Collingwood this term looks set to go down in AFL folklore, with the Magpies too good for all in front of them.

Interestingly though, the Brisbane Lions are the only side to have beaten Collingwood twice this season and they will believe that they have the raw materials to do the same again here.

Home advantage does make Collingwood favoruites with many betting apps but the Brisbane Lions have a habit of being able to produce big performances under pressure and they will fancy their chances in this one. 

Whichever way it goes, having the top two sides in the regular season go at it in an AFL Final is a real treat for fans and Collingwood vs Brisbane should be an epic.