Brisbane Lions Stun Collingwood with Buzzer-Beating Comeback in Instant Classic Thriller on April 17, 2025 — Underdogs Rewrite the..
In a match destined to go down as one of the greatest in AFL history, the Brisbane Lions delivered a heart-stopping, buzzer-beating victory over reigning premiers Collingwood in a Thursday night thriller that will be talked about for generations. With the game appearing all but lost in the final moments, Brisbane clawed their way from the edge of defeat to complete one of the most stunning comebacks of the modern era.
In front of a packed crowd at the MCG and a national television audience, the Lions defied the odds with a last-gasp goal that sent their bench, their fans, and the broader footy community into absolute delirium.
A Final Quarter for the Ages
Heading into the fourth quarter, Collingwood held a commanding 19-point lead and looked to be cruising to another statement win. The Pies had dictated the tempo through three quarters, with Nick Daicos, Jack Crisp, and Jordan De Goey in fine form, slicing through the Brisbane defense with clinical precision.
But Brisbane never blinked. With sheer grit and belief, they surged forward again and again, led by a heroic performance from Lachie Neale, who dug deep to deliver one of the gutsiest quarters of his career. Charlie Cameron lit up the forward line, while Harris Andrews stood tall in defense, intercepting critical entries as the Lions began to shift momentum.
Then, with seconds left on the clock, down by five points, the Lions delivered a chain of perfect play: a coast-to-coast movement from the backline that ended with young forward Kai Lohmann marking just inside 50.
The Kick Heard Around the League
As the siren blared, Lohmann steadied himself in front of a hushed crowd. With the entire season seemingly hanging in the balance, he launched the kick from 48 meters out—and split the middle. The ball sailed through cleanly, and the stadium erupted. Brisbane had done it. A 12.11 (83) to 12.10 (82) victory. One point. One moment. One memory etched into history.
Players flooded the field. Calves cramped, tears flowed, and coaches shook hands in mutual disbelief.
“This Is What Footy Is About”
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan could barely contain his emotion post-game.
“Mate, that’s what the game’s about,” Fagan said, his voice cracking. “That was belief, pure and simple. These boys never gave in. I’m just incredibly proud.”
Collingwood’s Craig McRae was gracious in defeat, though clearly stunned by the sudden twist.
“They took their moment. We didn’t close it out. Credit to them—this was their night,” McRae said.
A Statement Win for the Lions
For a Brisbane side that’s often lived in the shadow of bigger-market teams and spent much of the offseason written off as a contender in transition, this win was more than just four points—it was a declaration.
The victory improves Brisbane’s record to 3–2 and catapults them right back into the premiership conversation. It also serves as a galvanizing moment for a team that has faced questions about resilience and execution in tight contests.
“They showed heart,” said AFL legend Jonathan Brown on the postgame panel. “I’ve seen a lot of games. But this? This is one that will be replayed over and over again.”
Fans in Disbelief
Social media exploded immediately following the final siren. “Brisbane” and “Kai Lohmann” trended across platforms as fans from both clubs tried to process what they’d just witnessed.
“I still can’t breathe,” one Lions fan posted on X. “I just screamed so loud my neighbor knocked on my door.”
Even neutrals chimed in, with many calling it the best regular season match of the last decade.
The Road Ahead
For Brisbane, this win may become the turning point of their season. For Collingwood, it’s a bitter pill to swallow—but one that may sharpen their resolve in the months ahead.
Either way, April 17, 2025, now belongs to the Brisbane Lions. It was the night they stole the spotlight, rewrote the script, and reminded everyone why we watch this beautiful, unpredictable game.
And in case anyone forgot—footy is chaos. Glorious, unforgettable chaos.