This was what Grand Finals are all about. The reigning champions defending their title and their honor against the up and comers. Essendon would start slight favourites despite a string of players who went into the game under injury clouds. In the third quarter Brisbane found its momentum. On one of the hottest football days for years the Lions systematically destroyed the Bombers. This was the premiership quarter and with six goals to one, the Lions of Leigh Matthews etched their name into football folklore. This was a mighty win. One for the ages. Shaun Hart would win the Norm Smith Medal, Leigh Matthews would accept the first Jock McHale Medal as premiership coach and with Michael Voss would hoist the cup aloft. The breakthrough flag. The first for Brisbane and after 57 years the Lions of Fitzroy heard the theme song reverberating around the MCG.