The 2015 Club Champion saw four Brisbane Lions crowned with the prestigious Merrett-Murray medal.
In their acceptance speeches, Mitch Robinson, Stefan Martin, Dayne Beams and Dayne Zorko all praised the direction of the Club while thanking those that have been their through it all.
Mitch Robinson:
In his first season with the Brisbane Lions, Mitch Robinson stepped up and performed beyond expectation.
He thanked Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann who he said was “the reason I’m up here.”
“I was in Costa Rica last year and I didn’t have a job. Swann got the deal done for my so I’d love to give the medal to you.”
“And thanks to Leppa for a great year and my Mum and Dad.”
Robinson didn’t finish without thanking his partner (now fiancée) Emma McNeill who has been there for him through thick and thin.
“I want to thank my partner Emma, she’s been a great mother to my son Chance and the other one on the way. I couldn’t think of anyone better to spend the rest of my life with, well hopefully soon anyway.”
Watch Mitch Robinson's speech from 1:00.
Stef Martin:
Stefan Martin took to the podium to thank the Club who he said took a gamble on him three years ago when they recruited him from Melbourne.
“Thanks to the coaches, thanks for allowing me to play ruck for this Club. It’s probably the thing I’m most proud of in my life.”
Martin also thanked the playing group and staff who have been there throughout his injury woes of the past.
“Thanks to the playing group, I couldn’t think of a better bunch of blokes, I really appreciate coming in everyday and hanging out with you guys, its been unreal.”
“I was injured for the first 18 months coming to Brisbane – it was a really dark time there but a bunch of people stuck by me.
“Thanks to the medical department in Paul McConnell and Smithy and the PPT Team.”
“The physios, especially Pete for consoling me when I’m crying on the Gabba after I’ve torn my third hamstring.”
Stefan left special thanks for those who helped him with his transition to the Club in his early days.
“Thanks to Manny Lynch and the Lynch family – they’ve been like my family in Brisbane.
“Leonie is the most genuine woman you could meet and Manny is the best bloke.
“He did everything within his control to keep everyone happy and it doesn’t always work out that way but he’s been like a brother to me and they took me into their home - they’ve been like my family up here.
And then he thanked his real family who he said has sacrificed a lot for his career to blossom.
“Growing up, my siblings and I had six days of basketball a week and they took us around and basically sacrificed their whole 30’s and 40’s to get us to play sport.
“I couldn’t ask for better parents. I love you so much - the best parents in the world.”
On closing his speech, Martin congratulated those who stood around him as well as thanking the Club for their continuing support.
“Congratulations to these boys. Dayne you won it in about 10 rounds so well done. And to these boys, I’m very humbled to be in your company up here.”
“And thank you to the Brisbane Lions and taking a gamble on me three years ago. It’s a great family we’ve got here and a lot of good people around.”
“I really wanted to try and repay the club for the patience they’ve given me the first 18 months."
Watch Stefan's acceptance speech from 2:00.
Dayne Beams:
Although he was out injured for most of the season, new recruit Dayne Beams still managed to poll 130 votes for the top spot in his first year and he had plenty to say about his new Club.
“The process of getting to this footy club was a really drawn out thing and I was overseas at the time,” said Beams.
“It wouldn’t have been done without the help Greg Swann, Peter Schwab and Justin Leppitsch so first of all, thanks for getting me to the footy club that I wanted to.
“And the rest of the coaches along the way, particularly Simon Black and Danny Daly – they’re the two midfield coaches I’ve worked with throughout the year.
“You guys have been very important in my career and I’ve been able to slot into the Brisbane midfield so I thank you guys as well.”
Beams’ move to Brisbane was driven primarily by a want to be back near his family.
“Obviously my family, who I’ve made the decision to moved back for,” he said on thanking his family.
“Footy for me is a small part of my life – these guys are my rocks.
“And to my fiancé, Kelly. Kelly’s a born and bred Melbourne girl so it’s never easy to get up and shift your life - I appreciate everything you’ve done and that you’ve been able to come with me.”
To the rest of the playing group, Beams had a strong message, which prompted a chorus of applause from the audience.
“To the rest of the boys – there’s been a lot of movement going on throughout the last few weeks and I’ve come from a successful organisation and I’ve been able to taste success so if there’s one thing I could say to you boys is just to stick around.
“It’s not far around the corner and it can turn around quickly.
“If we can keep the current group together and build a bit of continuity within the group, I think we can do some special things.
“There are teams within the competition now who have been able to turn things around pretty quickly so who’s to say we cant play finals footy next year.
And speaking on behalf of the Club as a whole, Beams thanked the departed and the retirees for all that they’ve provided to the Club.
“To the boys that are departing the footy club, I wish you all the best in the future.
“I hope you guys can either go onto bigger and better things or pursue your careers at another footy clubs and do well.
“Thank you guys for the service you’ve provided the club.”
“Last of all, the rest of these boys who I’ve been able to share this honour with tonight, thank you for the year that you’ve given the Club and let’s go onto bigger and better things next year.”
Watch Dayne Beams speech from 5:37.
Dayne Zorko:
Finally, the fourth Club Champion and vice-captain Dayne Zorko took to the microphone to thank those who have given to the Club.
“First of all congratulations to Dayne, Stef and Mitch – all fantastic players of the footy club and thoroughly deserve the award, even though Dayne did win it in just 15 rounds.”
“It’s an exceptional effort, we had a fantastic year.”
Zorko echoed Beams’ plea for support within the playing group to stick together through the tough times.
“Big thanks to Leppa and the coaching staff.”
“It’s been a tough year but as Dayne said, there’s bigger and better things coming along the way so hopefully we all stick tight and stick together.
“To the players leaving the club, congratulations on fantastic careers and I wish you all the best on your further adventures in life.”
“To my teammates, absolute champion bunch of blokes.”
“I think everyone can agree with that. I can’t take my smile off my face when coming into the Club and leaving it as well.”
“To the PPT staff, the doctors, Nicole Duncan, Dean Warren, Brett Burton and Manny Lynch as well, you’ve been really fantastic people around the Club and I wish Manny, Dean and Brett well when they leave.”
Watch Dayne Zorko's speech from 9:00.
