As the 2016 Toyota AFL Grand Final prepares to deliver us another day of unforgettable moments, a competition in its infancy on the bank of the Yarra River will take centre stage on Friday, as competitors battle it out in Fox Footy’s longest kick competition.
Like the end of any good grass roots footy training session, bragging rights will be on the line for those fighting it out to be named as the game’s biggest “superboot”.
Whether you refer to it as the Torp, Barrel, Roost or just “uncorking the genie”, everyone loves a good long bomb, and here are some of the fine displays of kicking power in Lions history.
Tayla Harris – Melb/WB
Don’t let the colours confuse you. Tayla is ours. As a Marquee player for the Brisbane Lions Women’s team next year, Harris looked to be in mid-season form as she unleased this 55m effort in the women’s exhibition match against Melbourne in September.
Daniel Rich – Rd 21, 2009 v Port Adelaide
In effort that would make Ben Graham proud, in just his 21st game, Daniel Rich was on the receiving end of a Scott Harding handball defensive side of the centre circle. With a short gallop and eyes locked on the open goals, Luke Power and Jonathan Brown were powerless as the ball sailed over their heads for six points.
Michael Voss – Rd 9, 2000 v Collingwood
In what wouldn’t be his last memorable play against Collingwood, the Brisbane skipper had his arms chopped by Paul Licuria and after exhausting all passing options decided to take a set short from 65m…with a drop punt. And it was never in doubt.
Jonathan Brown - Rd 20, 2007 v Sydney
Jonathan Brown kicked his fair share of goals – 594 to be precise - before becoming the most intimidating man in the Fox Footy Studios, but very few of them were more timely, lengthy or as gun-barrel straight as this almighty roost in the dying seconds against the Swans in 2007.
Ashley McGrath – Rd 13, 2013 v Geelong
The footy Gods could not have written it up any better for Ashley McGrath’s 200th game. A 52 point come back, kick after the siren, and Anthony Hudson providing one of the iconic football calls of all time in what would become known as “The Miracle on Grass”.
Matt Maguire – Rd 18, 2014 v Gold Coast Suns
“Goose” didn’t make a habit of kicking goals, but the reliable defender made them spectacular when he did. Against the Gold Coast Suns in 2014, Maguire found himself in unfamiliar territory on the half forward flank but made the most of it with this “rain maker” from the outside 50m.
Watch the video at the top of the article and tell us which long-bomb was your favourite.
Our marquee player @TaylaHarriss will be flying the flag for @AFLWomens at @FOXFooty longest kick comp this weekend. Can she beat the boys? pic.twitter.com/BwVJGxFiFM
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) September 28, 2016