A half-time talking to from Brisbane's leaders helped Kai Lohmann turn in one of the great individual quarters in a final.
After just three disposals, including a goal from a free kick in the first-half, the dynamic forward lit up the MCG during the third term to help spark the Lions to a classic preliminary-final win over Hawthorn.
As Brisbane turned a 14-point deficit into a 20-point lead by three-quarter-time, the 23-year-old slotted three of the Lions' seven goals in a blistering burst.
The trio of majors came in less than 10 minutes of elapsed game time to stun the Hawks.
Lohmann had already struggled in the Lions' qualifying final smashing by Sydney, before firing with two goals and 18 possessions in last week's beating of Adelaide.
"A few of the older boys and leaders that I'm close with said 'it hasn't been your game so far, but take your opportunities, and you'll be the difference in this second half," Lohmann told AAP.
"I got some confidence out of that, and then I took more opportunities."
Lions coach Chris Fagan hailed Lohmann's ability in big games.
"He didn't start well - he had a pretty poor start to the game," Fagan said.
"Like all those small forwards, they need to stay optimistic.
"Just because you have a bad half doesn't mean you're going to have a bad game.
"Obviously he was instrumental for us in the second half with the work that he did.
"With his accuracy, with his coolness under pressure, his athleticism.
"He's an exciting player and he enjoys the big stage."
One of the all-time great preliminary finals 🤯
— AFL (@AFL) September 19, 2026
Relive the thrilling last two minutes now, thanks to OMO Australia.#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/l5MtWcnDug
Lohmann's fifth goal, matching his haul in a big win over Hawthorn at the Gabba in round 22, came after the siren.
After Hugh McCluggage put the Lions back in front with 18 seconds left following a contentious free kick, Will Ashcroft won the next centre clearance and delivered it to Lohmann.
As the Lions celebrated and Hawthorn fans were raging with disbelief, Lohmann went back and slotted the goal.
After stamping himself as a star with four goals in the Lions' 2024 grand-final win over Sydney, the high-flyer has 24 goals in 11 finals.
