Watching a replay of the 2024 AFL grand final has flicked a switch in Kai Lohmann after the Brisbane forward admitted he was sapped of confidence earlier this season.
The livewire Lions star has kicked 12 goals in his last three games and has 36 in 18 games this season - as many as he managed in 27 games two years ago - as the fourth-placed side (12-6) hunts a three-peat of premierships.
But, ahead of Sunday's Gabba clash with Port Adelaide (6-12), the 23-year-old admitted he needed some inspiration after going goalless in three of four games leading to their mid-season bye.
He said a chat with teammate Hugh McCluggage changed his outlook.
"I've been lucky, Huey has been helping me ... he just reminded me of 2024, some of the stuff that I was doing in the finals," he said.
"He actually said to watch the the grand final again, and that probably just reminded me how good I can be.
"It was pretty good from him, actually."
Lohmann, in his first season as a regular in Brisbane's forward line, kicked nine goals in four finals games, including four in the grand-final win - three of those in an electric first half - over Sydney.
Injuries contributed to a quiet start to his 2025 campaign and only now is he returning to those heights.
But, a fan favourite thanks to his energising personality, Lohmann said he never felt compelled to go into his shell at the club.
"We've built such a good foundation here and everyone can be themselves," he said.
"It doesn't matter whether I'm playing well or not ... but it does help when you are playing well; the energy comes a lot easier."
Lohmann and good mate Logan Morris, still just 21, are both contracted until the end of next season after signing two-year extensions last year.
"It doesn't seem to bother him," Lohmann said of the speculation around the emerging forward's future, adding he is yet to truly consider his future.
"We don't really have too many serious conversations, to be honest."
Co-captain Josh Dunkley hopes the pair stick around.
"You sell the success element to it and over the last couple of years we've been able to contend," Dunkley said.
"That's probably the number one thing when you ask a lot of boys, when it comes to decision time or finding a contract.
"They'd probably rather the success than the money.
"We're excited about what those guys can do for us in the future."
