The Club's Victorian Office is hosting a major Lion Loyalist Luncheon: Leigh Matthews Tribute on Friday 7 August followed by a Lions Lounge match coterie for the Lions v Essendon blockbuster at the MCG on Saturday night 8 August.
We've dubbed this 'dynamic double-header' the Lions Lethal Weekend and have packaged it up for corporates, members and supporters who would like to attend both or either football events.
To share the excitement leading up to this big weekend, we will be presenting some of Leigh Matthews' Lethal Moments from our Club's history each week...
LETHAL MOMENT #3. The winning streak starts (2001-2002)
After winning their "If it bleeds, we can kill it" match against Essendon at the Gabba, the Lions recorded 20 consecutive wins - including the 2001 Grand Final.
The team went unbeaten from Round 10 of 2001 until Round 5 of 2002 when West Coast eventually put an end to the streak at Subiaco Oval.
Matthews' ability to guide 20 wins in succession equals the feats achieved by Collingwood (1928-29) and Essendon (2000) and was just three wins shy of the all-time record held by Geelong (1952-53).
LETHAL MOMENT #4. Lions premiership breakthrough (2001)
When the Brisbane Lions made their first Grand Final in 2001, many believed that reigning premiers and 2001 ladder-leaders Essendon would reign supreme.
The Bombers were still seen as a dominant force in the AFL competition having already won the 2000 premiership and finished on top of the ladder for the second consecutive season. However, the young Lions were considered a worthy opponent to the AFL title having won 15 consecutive matches to finish the regular season in second spot.
The Bombers got out to an early lead in the 2001 Grand Final before the red-hot Lions came from behind in the second half to eventually triumph by 26 points.
A triumphant Matthews had helped bring the AFL premiership cup for the first time to Queensland.
Want to meet the man behind these moments and hear about these events from Leigh Matthews first-hand?
Want to re-join your friends and colleagues the very next night to watch the Lions claw into the Bombers in style at the MCG as they battle to make their first Finals appearance since 2004?
Then please check out our Lions Lethal Weekend package flyer.
For booking and enquiries, please contact Andrew McLeish in the Lions Victorian Office:
Tel (direct):03 8850 5602 or 0412 865 555
Email:amcleish@lions.com.au
