Alright, I guess it’s time to come clean: I am in bed with the enemy. I myself never thought it could happen, to be able to look past certain scars, certain premiership cups that I can still feel – like phantom limbs – that were snatched away so unceremoniously by a team from the north. But we don’t choose who we fall for and I guess it was just irony – or a masochistic trait I was previously unaware of – that would cause me to fall for a fan of the Brisbane Lions. Not only that, but a proud ex-native of the sunshine state to boot.
Now that I’ve got that out of the way, my interest in the Lions is perhaps a little more understandable. I watch pretty much all of their games and follow their progress. Needless to say, they’re probably the team I’m most familiar with outside of Collingwood. It’s not all in vain though, as my partner also watches Collingwood closely and has even established a soft spot for the Pies. Granted, the scars that I incurred during our 2002-2003 tussles are just sweet memories for her.
So, with the disclaimer and apology out of the way, let’s take a look at what’s happening with the Lions since their off-season has kicked off at break-neck speed and pay homage to a great coach in particular.
That coach being Leigh Matthews of course, a man who has ties with both Collingwood and Brisbane. He took both our sides to the apex of success – Brisbane’s being prolonged of course – only to then see the team stagnate once the glory subsided. I don’t believe there is a direct correlation between what happened at either club, as Brisbane’s current situation has more to do with the cyclical nature of the modern league as opposed to what appeared to be an extended premiership hangover by the 1990 Collingwood side that ended a 32 year drought.
This week, after the dust settled on Brisbane’s 2008 season, Matthews announced his resignation from the coaching position. I can’t say that I was too surprised as the writing appeared to be on the wall. Matthews strikes me as the sort of coach – the sort of man more accurately – who marks himself as stringently as he marks those he coaches.
Matthews was a ferocious competitor on the field, unforgiving and brutal to the point of bending rules and even morality; it’s no surprise he was nicknamed Lethal Leigh. During his coaching tenure, we saw this fierce spirit instilled within the players he coached and the uncompromising game plan they employed. From the tenacious Lions of 2001-2004 all the way back to the Magpies of 1990.
The Lions finished two games shy of the final eight in 2007 in a season that showed many promising signs for the future. It was a logical step to take by supporters and the team alike to expect a final eight finish in 2008. Many – including Michael Voss – considered Brisbane to be shoe-ins for the top eight, some even touted them as top four material. Ultimately, 2008 saw Brisbane fall two games short once more as not unlike Collingwood they squandered winnable games, particularly in the latter part of the season.
Nobody would have taken this harder than Matthews, as supporters became restless it’s safe to say that Matthews felt very much the same. There was no real pressure amongst the media for Matthews to be moved on, as there are few who question Matthews’ status in the game. Despite all the conspiracy theories around the traps as to Jonathan Brown and Matthews’ association or the usual speculation as to internal pressures behind closed doors, I’m convinced Matthews’ decision was his own.
It’s always sad for a team’s supporters when they see another chapter of what was a special era end, but change is essential in the modern game and I’m sure all Brisbane supporters will bid Lethal Leigh farewell with nothing but fond memories and gratitude.
