AFL

Lions' MCG record no AFL grand final hurdle: McCluggage

By AAP Newswire

Sep 25, 2023

Hugh McCluggage on the ball for the Lions — Hugh McCluggage, on the ball against the Blues, is not worried by the Lions' wretched MCG record. -AAP Image

Brisbane Lions gun Hugh McCluggage isn't daunted by a return to the MCG despite their miserable record at the AFL grand final venue.

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The Lions' clash with Collingwood in Saturday's decider will be just their third this season at the Melbourne stadium.

Brisbane have lost an incredible 13 consecutive regular season games at the venue.

Melbourne kicked four late goals to win by one point in their last visit to ensure that stretch, dating back to 2014, lived on.

But the Lions did upset the Demons at the ground in a superb semi-final win last season, while their effort until those final moments in their last visit is also viewed positively within the club.

"I don't think the MCG holds any fears for us," McCluggage told AAP.

"We have played some solid football there the last few times, probably bar the Hawks game (in June).

"We played well against Melbourne and let it slip there at the end.

"It's not that dissimilar to the Gabba, really.

"It's quite big and open and hopefully we can play a similar brand to what we've been playing up here and give it a good shot."

Minor premiers Collingwood will start favourites with the bookies but have not beaten the Lions in their last six starts, stretching back to 2019.

Brisbane were too good in a 24-point win last month at Marvel Stadium, but sides haven't played each other at the MCG since 2017.

It's a replay of the 2002 and 2003 deciders, both won by Brisbane, and marks the first return to the final day of the season for the Lions in 19 years.

"We're going to come up against a formidable opponent in the Pies and, yeah, you've got to enjoy it, embrace it," McCluggage said.

"I'm not really too sure what to expect but I'm looking forward to it, no doubt, and I can't wait to get out there and have a crack at the ultimate."

Brisbane conceded the first five goals in their preliminary final against Carlton but held their nerve to win by 16 points to avoid a third preliminary final loss from the last four seasons.

"To actually get there is brilliant," McCluggage said.

"I'm glad it wasn't too close there at the end; we were probably getting a bit nervous halfway through last quarter but we were able to keep a bit of a lead on them and enjoy that last minute or two.

"I can't wait to soak in a grand final week."