When Brisbane Lions Chairman Angus Johnson addressed the 900 guests at the inaugural Hall of Fame induction last Saturday night, he labelled the event "one of the most historic and important nights in the history of the Club".

It was also the culmination of a memorable day for Lions fans, who continued to celebrate that afternoon's win against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium well into the early hours of Sunday morning.

The event evoked a real passion among those fortunate to be in attendance on the night, and left the current Lions players with an even stronger sense of pride for their Club.

But most of all, the function helped unite three separate histories by acknowledging the 17 most outstanding individuals from Fitzroy, the Bears, and the Brisbane Lions.

Johnson's opening address paid tribute to the Lions' unique history and reaffirmed the Club's underlying values for the future:

"Tonight's a night of some 126 years in the making.

A night where, as a Club, we stand together, united as one, celebrating our greats in the presence of our next generation of stars.

On reflection, the 1996 merger between the Fitzroy Football Club and the Brisbane Bears - the only one of its kind in our Indigenous game, was a difficult period for fans of both Clubs.

It triggered a passion like never before. But, what it also managed to do, was give way to the emergence of a Club like no other.

Our three premiership cups as the Brisbane Lions are joined here on stage tonight by three of those won by Fitzroy.

I’m delighted to no end, that our current team can be here tonight to see that - while witnessing a new chapter of Brisbane Lions history unfolds before their eyes.

Gentlemen, when you talk about Club Culture, this is it.

Make sure you make the most of tonight because you’re in the presence of greatness."

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As a Football Club - we are nothing without our history.

The Brisbane Lions Hall of Fame will ensure that this Club continues to celebrate and protect its past, its history and its traditions as we move further into the future.

Congratulations to all of those that are being inducted tonight and a warm Brisbane Lions welcome to you and your families and friends.

Regardless of whether you played for Fitzroy, the Bears or the Lions, you are all greats of the Brisbane Lions Australian Football Club. Your contribution to our Club should never be understated.

You will always be a part of our Club and tonight we are delighted to be able to officially recognise and celebrate that.

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Of course, the lessons of the past, plot the course of the future.

Last year, we determined that, as a Club, the Brisbane Lions needed to be Relentless, we needed to be Respectful, but most importantly on an occasion like tonight, we needed to be United in order for us to get back to the top.

The full house sign for this event went up three weeks ago.

To everyone in this room tonight - that is not only a wonderful achievement, but also a sign that this Club is firmly headed in the right direction."

- Angus Johnson (Brisbane Lions Chairman)