No chip on Giants star midfielder's dislocated shoulder
GWS star Finn Callaghan has already lost a month to an injury, so he won't waste any more time lamenting on what could've been.
There's no chip on Callaghan's shoulder after the highly-rated midfielder produced a roaring comeback in the Giants' smash-and-grab win over Brisbane at the Gabba.
The 22-year-old missed three games after dislocating his right shoulder in the Giants' round-10 loss to Fremantle.
Callaghan was hurt in an innocuous collision with Dockers forward Patrick Voss in a marking contest at the three-quarter-time siren.
Voss walked off unscathed, while Callaghan - whose opposing left shoulder was already taped up - played the final quarter in clear discomfort.
"That's going to happen more in my career, I'm sure," Callaghan said.
"A little bit unlucky, you could say, but we were both just trying to go for the ball, and sometimes these things happen.
"I made sure I did everything I could so I could recover as quick as possible.
"I really wanted to be back out there playing. I hate missing games of footy."
He showed no signs of rust on return against the reigning premiers, clocking 32 disposals and five clearances in their semi-final rematch.
"We were certainly really fired up for the game against Brisbane," Callaghan said.
"After a few inconsistent weeks, it built up to be a really big game, one that we wanted to put our best foot forward and play well.
"It was good to be back out there playing, certainly better than watching on the couch."
GWS will look to post back-to-back wins when they host Gold Coast on Sunday, in what shapes as the biggest edition of the so-called Expansion Cup between the league's youngest franchises.
The Giants are seventh (8-6), while the Suns have dropped to sixth (8-4) after two straight losses.
"I hope we're both playing finals. There's still a fair few games to go before we can say that's going to happen but they're certainly in great form," Callaghan said.
"I feel like we're both on similar trajectories this season and it's going to be an exciting match-up."
GWS could recall stars Toby Greene (glute) and Jake Stringer (hamstring) for this weekend's clash.
But the club's injury woes continue, with All-Australian defender Sam Taylor out for a month after fracturing a toe and small forward Brent Daniels succumbing to another abdominal issue.
Callaghan won't despair, saying he is relishing his role as an emerging leader.
"I feel like certainly I've taken some extra responsibility," Callaghan said.
"I'm here for the next four years, that probably gives the boys some confidence, but I want to make the next four years as good as it can be for myself.
"I want to win, so I feel like it all stems from there."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
The Knights' six rising talents in State of Origin arena
There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin." There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin." There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin." There wasn't much Evah McEwen didn't do in 2024. The 19-year-old was the Knights' Tarsha Gale (under 19s) player of the year, represented NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin, made her NRLW debut, helped Samoa secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup and was nominated on the Golden Boot long list for international player of the year. This year is poised to be even bigger for the powerful second-rower. The St Marys junior has been upgraded from Knights development player to top-24 roster, locked down until the end of 2027, and will be pushing for a starting spot following the departure of Laishon Albert-Jones to the New Zealand Warriors. The dynamic forward represented the Indigenous All Stars in February and was included in John Strange's extended NSW women's Origin squad in March. Newcastle NRLW coach Ben Jeffries has likened McEwen to Knights, NSW and Australian game-breaker Yasmin Clydsdale, arguably the best second-rower the women's game has seen. "She's just dynamic," Jeffries said. "She can break tackles, has speed. She's got effort areas. I can see a real resemblance of a young Yasmin Clydsdale. "She's got the best mentor in Yas next to her, so she can learn from arguably the best in the world." The teenager is taking nothing for granted as she lines up for NSW in the women's under-19 State of Origin showdown on the Sunshine Coast on Thursday (5.45pm). McEwen is one of up to six Knights set to feature in the under-19 Origin double-header. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Mariah Brown, both development players this year, are in the Queensland squad. Knights trio Cody Hopwood, Connor Votano and Jack Hilliar are in the Blues men's squad. The men's exchange is at 7.45pm. "I'm just enjoying camp," McEwen told the Newcastle Herald. "This will probably be my last time pulling on the NSW jersey until I hopefully crack women's, so I'm very proud and privileged to put on this jersey again. "There's no other feeling like it. It just brings the dog out of everyone, so I'm keen to do that all over again." McEwen was one of nine tryscorers as NSW annihilated Queensland 46-4 last year. "It opened a lot of doors for me, that was just the beginning," McEwen said. "It was the atmosphere as well. I can't even explain it. I'll be trying to soak all of that in, and I can't wait to do that all over again because there's nothing like Origin footy. "I'm keen to rip in and bring the shield back home again." Taulelei-Siala and Brown are among just four players returning from last year's Maroons side. Taulelei-Siala, a power-packed outside back, also had a big 2024. The 18-year-old Goona Eagles junior was in the Australian schoolgirls side, represented Samoa at the Pacific Championships alongside McEwen and earned a development contract with the Knights. Brown, who turns 19 on Thursday, is only 164 centimetres tall but is a tough and versatile back. The Highfields Eagles junior has been likened to former Knights' premiership-winning centre Abigail Roache, who has moved on to the North Queensland Cowboys. Hopwood and Votano are set for their second year in a Blues jersey while Hilliar has earned his first call-up. Last year, NSW beat Queensland 14-10 in the men's match. "It means a lot to me and my family to represent the Blues," Hopwood said. "You never know when you get to do it again. And, it means the world to be in the team with Jack and Connor. It's awesome to be able to do it with your best mates as well." Hopwood has just turned 19 but is already carving out a reputation against men in NSW Cup and the West Maitland Wallaroos junior looks destined to reach the NRL. A stand-out in the Knights' junior pathways system, he was elevated to an NRL contract for 2025 and is signed until at least the end of 2028. Standing at 195 centimetres tall and weighing 105 kilograms, the former Australian schoolboy representative is a highly-fancied prop with pure presence. "He's a tough front-rower who's got good skill if he needs to pass the ball, but his best attribute is his running game, and just defensively he works really hard for the team," Knights' NSW Cup and transition coach Michael Dobson said. "He's a great young leader. He's been playing NSW Cup against men all year and he only just turned 19 a couple of weeks ago, so he's doing a really good job." MORE IN SPORT: The Entrance Tigers junior Votano, 19, is an athletic fullback who is playing NSW Cup. "He's been doing a really good job, learning all the time," Dobson said. "Connor is a really good ball-runner who has good ball skills out the back of shape." Hilliar, a 19-year-old front-rower and Cessnock junior, has also come through the Knights pathways system and has played SG Ball (19s) and Jersey Flegg (21s) this year. "He's really tough through the middle and has got good leg speed," Dobson said. "Jack did the pre-season with the NRL squad, so they've all had a taste of NRL training. Connor and Cody every day and Jack in pre-season, which puts them in a really good position to go out and do a good job in NSW Origin."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Lions confident of breaking 22-year AFL hoodoo
A 22-year winless run at a stadium is enough to make any team cower. Not Brisbane. The Lions have made a habit of breaking hoodoos under Chris Fagan - and they are determined to tick off the final item on their list: their winless run at GMHBA Stadium. Brisbane last won at the venue in round six, 2003, with now-Cats coach Chris Scott kicking the sealer. The likes of Will and Levi Ashcroft weren't even born yet, and since then, it's been 13 straight losses ahead of Friday night's blockbuster. "We've had a lot of those things over the years," Fagan said. "It's been 20-odd years since we've won here at this ground. The last couple of times we've played here, they've been close games. "So as we've become better as a team, we've been able to challenge Geelong a little bit more. "But it all starts again tomorrow night. We're obviously looking to break through that milestone and they'll obviously be trying as hard as they can to stop us." The Lions famously ended an 11-game losing streak at the MCG in 2022 and previously snapped a 15-game run against Richmond in 2020 and 11-game streak against Sydney in 2019. Under Fagan, Brisbane also ended poor runs against West Coast, Geelong and Adelaide. Fagan said the Lions "had a bit of fun" with their various hoodoos. "We've done that from the day I arrived at the club, because we couldn't beat anyone," Fagan said. "It's true, we were struggling as a football club back then. "We just looked at various teams we hadn't beaten for a while and set ourselves to do that. I think that's a reasonable thing. It's all part of goal setting and striving. "And we've ticked off many things over the last few years, including that one about the MCG, we couldn't win there. So that's all part of being competitive." The Lions (9-4), who have lost two on the bounce, travelled to Victoria a day early, on Wednesday, and were relieved they'd made that choice after dealing with multiple delays. Fagan believed low pressure numbers against GWS were an "outlier" but poor goal kicking had been an issue in that game and against Adelaide. "That's the one glaring thing at the moment that's hurt us in the last couple of weeks," he said. Star small forward Charlie Cameron has kicked 12.14 and just one goal in the past month. Fagan insisted Cameron's contributions elsewhere had been important. "It's been up and down from a goal kicking sense but we'll back him in," he said. The reigning premiers will also be "patient" with Kai Lohmann, who has had a similarly up-and-down year. Fagan confirmed veteran defender Darcy Gardiner will come in to replace Jack Payne (knee). A 22-year winless run at a stadium is enough to make any team cower. Not Brisbane. The Lions have made a habit of breaking hoodoos under Chris Fagan - and they are determined to tick off the final item on their list: their winless run at GMHBA Stadium. Brisbane last won at the venue in round six, 2003, with now-Cats coach Chris Scott kicking the sealer. The likes of Will and Levi Ashcroft weren't even born yet, and since then, it's been 13 straight losses ahead of Friday night's blockbuster. "We've had a lot of those things over the years," Fagan said. "It's been 20-odd years since we've won here at this ground. The last couple of times we've played here, they've been close games. "So as we've become better as a team, we've been able to challenge Geelong a little bit more. "But it all starts again tomorrow night. We're obviously looking to break through that milestone and they'll obviously be trying as hard as they can to stop us." The Lions famously ended an 11-game losing streak at the MCG in 2022 and previously snapped a 15-game run against Richmond in 2020 and 11-game streak against Sydney in 2019. Under Fagan, Brisbane also ended poor runs against West Coast, Geelong and Adelaide. Fagan said the Lions "had a bit of fun" with their various hoodoos. "We've done that from the day I arrived at the club, because we couldn't beat anyone," Fagan said. "It's true, we were struggling as a football club back then. "We just looked at various teams we hadn't beaten for a while and set ourselves to do that. I think that's a reasonable thing. It's all part of goal setting and striving. "And we've ticked off many things over the last few years, including that one about the MCG, we couldn't win there. So that's all part of being competitive." The Lions (9-4), who have lost two on the bounce, travelled to Victoria a day early, on Wednesday, and were relieved they'd made that choice after dealing with multiple delays. Fagan believed low pressure numbers against GWS were an "outlier" but poor goal kicking had been an issue in that game and against Adelaide. "That's the one glaring thing at the moment that's hurt us in the last couple of weeks," he said. Star small forward Charlie Cameron has kicked 12.14 and just one goal in the past month. Fagan insisted Cameron's contributions elsewhere had been important. "It's been up and down from a goal kicking sense but we'll back him in," he said. The reigning premiers will also be "patient" with Kai Lohmann, who has had a similarly up-and-down year. Fagan confirmed veteran defender Darcy Gardiner will come in to replace Jack Payne (knee). A 22-year winless run at a stadium is enough to make any team cower. Not Brisbane. The Lions have made a habit of breaking hoodoos under Chris Fagan - and they are determined to tick off the final item on their list: their winless run at GMHBA Stadium. Brisbane last won at the venue in round six, 2003, with now-Cats coach Chris Scott kicking the sealer. The likes of Will and Levi Ashcroft weren't even born yet, and since then, it's been 13 straight losses ahead of Friday night's blockbuster. "We've had a lot of those things over the years," Fagan said. "It's been 20-odd years since we've won here at this ground. The last couple of times we've played here, they've been close games. "So as we've become better as a team, we've been able to challenge Geelong a little bit more. "But it all starts again tomorrow night. We're obviously looking to break through that milestone and they'll obviously be trying as hard as they can to stop us." The Lions famously ended an 11-game losing streak at the MCG in 2022 and previously snapped a 15-game run against Richmond in 2020 and 11-game streak against Sydney in 2019. Under Fagan, Brisbane also ended poor runs against West Coast, Geelong and Adelaide. Fagan said the Lions "had a bit of fun" with their various hoodoos. "We've done that from the day I arrived at the club, because we couldn't beat anyone," Fagan said. "It's true, we were struggling as a football club back then. "We just looked at various teams we hadn't beaten for a while and set ourselves to do that. I think that's a reasonable thing. It's all part of goal setting and striving. "And we've ticked off many things over the last few years, including that one about the MCG, we couldn't win there. So that's all part of being competitive." The Lions (9-4), who have lost two on the bounce, travelled to Victoria a day early, on Wednesday, and were relieved they'd made that choice after dealing with multiple delays. Fagan believed low pressure numbers against GWS were an "outlier" but poor goal kicking had been an issue in that game and against Adelaide. "That's the one glaring thing at the moment that's hurt us in the last couple of weeks," he said. Star small forward Charlie Cameron has kicked 12.14 and just one goal in the past month. Fagan insisted Cameron's contributions elsewhere had been important. "It's been up and down from a goal kicking sense but we'll back him in," he said. The reigning premiers will also be "patient" with Kai Lohmann, who has had a similarly up-and-down year. Fagan confirmed veteran defender Darcy Gardiner will come in to replace Jack Payne (knee).
West Australian
2 hours ago
- West Australian
Commonwealth Bank signs historic $60 million deal backing Football Australia
Commonwealth Bank has signed a historic six-year partnership with Football Australia, becoming the largest backer of the country's most played team sport in a deal worth more than $10 million a year. The agreement, which will run through 2031, builds on CommBank's existing support of the Matildas and extends naming rights to nearly every national team — including the Socceroos, Pararoos, Olyroos and all youth championships — in what amounts to the deepest corporate partnership in Australian football history. CommBank chief executive Matt Comyn said the deal was a long-term commitment to a sport with growing reach and cultural resonance. 'This is about a long-term partnership with the most active team sport Australia with more than 2 million (people) playing,' he said. Mr Comyn said the investment recognised the changing face of Australia. 'Long term migration is very important both economically and socially. It's no accident we've invested in the CommBank Stadium that is out in Western Sydney,' he said. 'We see tremendous growth in the game of football, and we think that's going to continue for many decades.' The deal includes naming rights across men's, women's, youth and para teams, as well as financial wellbeing programs and presenting sponsorship of national fan days. It also brings CommBank's total partnership with Football Australia to a decade in length — a substantive show of long-term brand alignment in an increasingly fragmented media and sports market. While the bank declined to disclose financial terms, the investment is reported to be between $10 million and $15 million annually. The expanded sponsorship comes at a time when football has surged in popularity, with Matildas game attendance more than doubling since 2021 and girls' participation up 27 per cent. Football Australia interim chief executive Heather Garriock said the extended partnership would be 'transformational' for the code. 'This is so much more than a sponsorship,' Ms Garriock said. 'It's a values-aligned partnership aimed at delivering real community impact across every level of the game.' CommBank's group executive for marketing, Monique Macleod, said the bank was focused on building a deep connection between its brand and the sport. 'We like to make sure that we can have a really deep partnership. Grassroots to elite is super important to us,' Ms Macleod said. 'What we love about football is exactly that — its audience, the participation rate, how that's growing.' She said sport was playing a bigger role in CommBank's overall marketing strategy. Ms Macleod said the bank saw strong value in helping grow the sport through participation, pathways and visibility. 'Sport has become an even more important part of the marketing mix,' Ms Macleod said. 'Being able to reach audiences over a passion point is really critical.' She said that in a fragmented media market, the ability to leverage the game's stars was an added opportunity. 'One of the things we saw during the FIFA World Cup with the Matildas is that it goes well beyond the game,' Ms Macleod said. 'It's about the individuals. It's about the storytelling. It's about what they experience through their journey.' The deal also follows the conclusion of CommBank's 37-year sponsorship of Cricket Australia, which ends this month. Westpac is widely expected to take over the role. 'We had a very long relationship with Cricket Australia, and we're incredibly proud of what we've done,' Ms Macleod said. 'But this is such a natural fit and extension for us. We're just really thrilled with how this has all played out.' She said CommBank measured its return on investment not only through brand performance but through social impact. 'The return comes in many different ways, but really it is about audience, reach and engagement,' Ms Macleod said. 'Since 2021 the number of girls participating in football has grown by 27 per cent — so that for us is success.'
