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Sunday 23rd July 1995, Round 16.
The AFL had been in Brisbane and Sydney for many years, for little success. The teams from the northern states had got the last 5 wooden spoons and were struggling towards the bottom of the table again; and many were wondering whether the game could ever succeed in the northern states. Again in this round, just 8,209 ventured out to the Gabba on a warm day as Hawthorn jumped Brisbane early with 6 unanswered goals in the first term and led by 45 points at the last change.
It was hot, and Hawthorn moved their 3/4 time huddle into the shade of the grandstand to cool down. It may have been a natural instinct, but Brisbane coach Robert Walls saw the signs the Hawks were tiring and revved his players up for a special effort in the last quarter.
The effort worked miracles. Brisbane raced out of the blocks in the last term, kicking 9 goals to 1 to turn a 45-point deficit into a 7-point win. It was a stirring comeback, and one that was to change the momentum of the season. Despite the win, Brisbane were still in 14th place, but they were to lose only one more home & away game for the season and sneak into the top 8 for the first time in the last round. The Hawks, who had been pushing for their 14th consecutive finals appearance, would not win again for the season. In the years to come, Brisbane would rise to prominence and take out 3 premierships; while fellow northern state team Sydney would join the September action next year and take part in another 3 grand finals - with these teams putting Australian football into a greater position of popularity in their home states. In contrast, Hawthorn have struggled to be a force since that time and their golden era was over.
Had the Hawks been able to hang on that day, would the course of football history have changed? I guess we'll never know, but it's interesting to think about.
The AFL had been in Brisbane and Sydney for many years, for little success. The teams from the northern states had got the last 5 wooden spoons and were struggling towards the bottom of the table again; and many were wondering whether the game could ever succeed in the northern states. Again in this round, just 8,209 ventured out to the Gabba on a warm day as Hawthorn jumped Brisbane early with 6 unanswered goals in the first term and led by 45 points at the last change.
It was hot, and Hawthorn moved their 3/4 time huddle into the shade of the grandstand to cool down. It may have been a natural instinct, but Brisbane coach Robert Walls saw the signs the Hawks were tiring and revved his players up for a special effort in the last quarter.
The effort worked miracles. Brisbane raced out of the blocks in the last term, kicking 9 goals to 1 to turn a 45-point deficit into a 7-point win. It was a stirring comeback, and one that was to change the momentum of the season. Despite the win, Brisbane were still in 14th place, but they were to lose only one more home & away game for the season and sneak into the top 8 for the first time in the last round. The Hawks, who had been pushing for their 14th consecutive finals appearance, would not win again for the season. In the years to come, Brisbane would rise to prominence and take out 3 premierships; while fellow northern state team Sydney would join the September action next year and take part in another 3 grand finals - with these teams putting Australian football into a greater position of popularity in their home states. In contrast, Hawthorn have struggled to be a force since that time and their golden era was over.
Had the Hawks been able to hang on that day, would the course of football history have changed? I guess we'll never know, but it's interesting to think about.
I only support one team: The 
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