With the Preliminary Finals this weekend, lions.com.au looks back at some memorable preliminary finals appearances in Fitzroy, Bears and Brisbane Lions history.
Fitzroy vs. Carlton – 1916
Only four clubs contested the 1916 VFL season due to the war. Fitzroy finished the home-and-away season in last place with just two wins in 12 games. It was their worst showing in a home-and-away season until 1936.
However every team qualified for the finals series and in Jock McHale's 250th game, Fitzroy upset Collingwood in the semi-finals.
They then defeated minor premiers Carlton in a memorable preliminary final.
In the last quarter, Fitzroy kicked four goals to the Blues none, to ice the game, 9.11 (65) to 5.12 (42).
The win meant a grand final appearance where they met the Blues again and won.
Bears vs. North Melbourne – 1996
In 1996, the Brisbane Bears had established themselves as a serious contender for the AFL Premiership, finishing third on the ladder at the end of the home-and-away season.
Their Finals campaign began with a nail-biting win over Essendon at the Gabba - their first ever Finals win - and was followed by a 97-point demolition of reigning Premiers Carlton in the Semi Final.
It set up a tantalising Preliminary Final between the emerging Bears and powerhouse North Melbourne in front of 66,719 people at the MCG.
But with stars Michael Voss, Jason Akermanis, Andrew Bews, and Clark Keating all ruled out through injury, the task was always going to be tough.
The 38-point margin, 11.10 (76) to 17.12 (114), booked North Melbourne a ticket to the 1996 Grand Final (which they would go onto win).
The match also served as Bears stalwart Roger Merrett's swansong - with the inspirational skipper announcing his retirement.
Brisbane Lions vs. Richmond – 2001
The Lions finished the home and away season second only on percentage and faced Richmond in front of a 37 000 strong home crowd at The Gabba.
The Lions outclassed the Tigers eventually running out 68-point, 20.16 (136) to 10.8 (68) victors.
Nigel Lappin and Michael Voss kicked three goals each in the Lions' crushing win.
They went onto triumph over the Bombers in the 2001 Grand Final, the first of the three peat.
Jason Akermanis performs a handstand in front of the stands after the Lions beat Richmond at the Gabba. (Photo: GSP Images)
Brisbane Lions vs. Port Adelaide – 2002
Des Hedland starred in the Lions' demolition of the Power, 21.12 (138) to 12.10 (82).
The West Australian kicked three goals and had 33 disposals as the Lions progressed to their second premiership tilt.
Brisbane Lions vs. Sydney – 2003
The Lions had the task of travelling to Telstra Stadium in 2003 when they took on Sydney.
Jonathan Brown and Blake Caracella kicked two goals each for the visitors as they advanced a three point final change margin to a 44-point, 14.16 (100) to 8.8 (56) win.
More on Lions.com.au
Winner of 'The Recruit' drafted to the Lions
