Not since Round 21 of 1999 - when Tim Notting booted a career-best six goals in a 55-point triumph - had the Lions overcome the Demons on the AFL’s grandest stage.
Granted, that stat is a little exaggerated considering the Demons played their home games against the Lions at the Gabba every year from 2001 until 2007 in a special arrangement with the Club.
The MCG - and the city of Melbourne in general - hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Lions since the Club’s extraordinary run of four consecutive AFL Grand Finals came to an end in 2005.
Prior to Saturday’s 41-point victory over Melbourne, the Lions’ most recent win at the ‘home of football’ came back in Round 7 of 2009 against Richmond - almost three years ago.
It’s been a long time between drinks for the Lions’ Victorian-based fans who had witnessed just four wins from the Club’s past 24 trips to Melbourne before Saturday.
So the most recent will no doubt be savoured.
The noise coming from the flock of Lions fans down the Ponsford stand at the end of Saturday’s match was deafening and certainly made an impression on the players who rewarded their faithful support by handing out signed footballs to some lucky fans after the game.
Senior Coach Michael Voss and stand-in Captain Jed Adcock stressed the importance of the support from the Club’s Victorian fans during the post-match media conference.
“To win away from home, you need to have 22 players who are digging in inside the white line and they’ve got to share the workload because the crowd is not necessarily in your favour,” Voss said.
“Although the group of Lions members and fans who came out here was fantastic. You could certainly hear them from the sidelines where I was.”
“We certainly want to continue that (atmosphere) when we come down to Melbourne.”
The Lions’ next match in Melbourne is schedule for Round 6 against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.
All Victorian-based Lions fans are encouraged to pencil this into their diaries and come along to lend their support. There will also be a supporters’ function after the match with some of the Lions players and coaches in attendance.
You can also help restore the Lions’ roar when the team is away from the Gabba by becoming a Victorian member. CLICK HERE for package options and details.
