Brisbane Lions fans celebrate return to top of AFL world with dominant grand final win over Sydney Swans

The mood was electric all game at The Royal Derby Hotel in Fitzroy, the official home of the Brisbane Lions in Melbourne.

As the final siren sounded, the sea of ​​maroon, gold and blue erupted in joy as a 21-year premiership drought came to an end.

Fans embraced each other and broke out into the team song, with the disappointment of last year now a distant memory.

Long after the game, jubilant Lions fans were still queuing for a spot in the packed Fitzroy pub, with singalongs, chants, kisses and plenty of happy tears continuing late into the night.

For Brisbane fan Roxanne Neisler, it was the first time she could actually appreciate seeing her team win the flag, something she could only describe as “bloody amazing”.

“I was born in 2001, so this means a lot for me,” she said.

“That was beyond my expectations, I knew the boys had it in the bag.”

She wasn’t the only Brisbane fan that has been waiting for decades to see the Lions back on top of the AFL world.

Twenty-seven year old Aiden Mitchell said he came from Orbost, the same hometown as Brisbane legend Michael Voss, and had loved the Lions ever since he could remember.

“I was six years old in 2003 and I don’t remember it, but I watched us lose in 2004,” he said.

“It’s unbelievable, I can’t believe that we smashed them by so much.”

Outside the MCG, Brisbane couple Chris Clegg and Michelle James had extra reason to celebrate, after Chris popped the question after the game.

“I’ve only been in the country for two years and my girlfriend, or now fiancee — wooo! — got me into the AFL and I’ve loved it,” Chris told the ABC.

“He’s my good luck charm,” said Michelle.

The smitten pair, cheered on and embraced by friends and passers-by, were riding high after two massive wins for the day.

“Where does the luck end?” said Chris. “I’m going to win the lottery tonight!”