The Secrets Behind Brisbane Lions’ 2025 AFL Premiership Victory

The Brisbane Lions have once again stamped their dominance in the AFL by clinching back-to-back premierships, this time with a commanding 47-point win over Geelong in the 2025 Grand Final.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/sep/27/afl-grand-final-winner-results-geelong-cats-vs-brisbane-lions-match-report

But such success isn’t just about raw talent, it’s about strategy, depth, resilience, culture, and performing when it matters most. Here are the key secrets behind their triumph:

1. Elite Finals Performer: Will Ashcroft

According to theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/sep/27/afl-grand-final-norm-smith-medal-winner-will-ashcroft-brisbane-lions, One of Brisbane’s biggest X-factors in 2025 was Will Ashcroft. He secured his second consecutive Norm Smith Medal for best on ground in a Grand Final, an extraordinary feat for a player only just emerging into his prime.

In the final, Ashcroft tallied 32 disposals, including contested possessions, clearances, and even contributed a goal, showing he can influence both attack and midfield during high-pressure moments. His performance underlines how having a player who thrives on big occasions can tilt the balance in finals.

2. Depth of the Squad & Balance of Youth + Experience

While stars get the headlines, the Lions’ depth across the list ensured they could cope with injuries, fatigue, and shifts in match momentum.

• Veterans like Harris Andrews in defense provided leadership and aerial dominance, disrupting Geelong’s forward structure.

• Players such as Dayne Zorko remained crucial, not only for performance but in mentoring younger teammates.

• Rising talents, including Levi Ashcroft (brother of Will), Jaspa Fletcher, Ty Gallop, and others, contributed meaningful moments, scoring or applying pressure when needed.
  

This balance meant Brisbane didn’t collapse when challenges came. They adapted seamlessly across quarters and phases of the game.

3. Brisbane Lions Resilience & Turning Points

The 2025 season and finals campaign were not without adversity. There were wobbles midseason, injury concerns, and pressure in important matches. Brisbane’s ability to respond under pressure was a defining feature.

In the Grand Final, the first half was competitive, Geelong matched Brisbane in intensity. But after halftime, Brisbane unleashed a dominant second half, effectively breaking the game open with a flurry of goals and superior physicality.

4. Strategic Coaching & Game Plan Flexibility of Brisbane Lions

Chris Fagan’s coaching was pivotal. Several coaching decisions and tactical tweaks stood out:

• Starting star players differently: There was a smart move in how some star players were managed (e.g. Lachie Neale coming back from injury) to ensure freshness and impact when needed.

• Brisbane’s defensive structure: Containing Geelong’s attacking mids and dangerous kicks forward was critical. Harris Andrews’ aerial control, and the way smaller defenders were used to negate space, especially after Geelong had early momentum, frustrated the Cats.

• Variation in attack: They had multiple scoring avenues. When one route was blocked, others opened. For example, small forwards and young players stepped up alongside experienced goal kickers.

5. Breaking “Hoodoos” & Psychological Edges

Psychological barriers can weigh heavily in sport. Brisbane has been knocking off “hoodoos” in recent seasons under Fagan, building confidence through breaking negative streaks.

• Earlier in 2025, the Lions finally won at Geelong’s Kardinia Park, ending a 22-year drought. That was a big mental lift.

• They also had strong home-and-away performances despite injuries and tough fixtures, which helped reinforce belief that they could win anywhere, against anyone.

These wins helped them internally build the mindset that nothing is insurmountable.

6. Physical Fitness, Contest Intensity & Defensive Pressure

Multiple matches in 2025 showed Brisbane’s ability to win the physical contests: contested possessions, clearances, tackles, and aerial duels. These are often the differences in finals football.

• In the Run home (late in the home-and-away season) Brisbane showed they could grind out wins even when their scoring was sloppy or conditions weren’t favorable.

• In the Grand Final, their defensive pressure in the second half stifled Geelong’s use of the ball and forced turnovers

7. Brisbane Lions Culture, Unity & Leadership

Beyond tactics and skill, culture plays a huge role. Brisbane’s culture under Chris Fagan seems deeply rooted in resilience, humility, and continuous improvement.

• Senior leaders such as Andrews, Zorko, and others are reportedly very engaged with younger players, building a unified group rather than a star-driven club

• There is also a sense that losses and setbacks (e.g. injuries, midseason pressure) were used as learning moments rather than reasons to lose confidence. That mental toughness shows up in finals.

8. Momentum & Form Entering Finals

Momentum matters: carrying strong form into finals helps build confidence and match readiness.

• Brisbane’s 2025 home-and-away campaign was described by Chris Fagan as one of their best ever, despite challenges.

• Key wins late in the season, along with maintaining fitness and form, meant the Lions entered the finals with belief they could defend their title.

Final Thoughts: What Makes This Victory More Than Just Another Premiership

The 2025 Grand Final victory for Brisbane Lions wasn’t just about winning, it was about continuity and establishing a dynasty in the making. With back-to-back flags, a mix of youth and experience performing consistently, elite finals temperament, and strong culture, the Lions look set up for sustained success.

For fans, analysts, and future challengers alike, the lesson is that premierships are earned not just by flashes of brilliance but by preparation, depth, adaptability, and psychological strength.