Brisbane Lions triple Premiership Coach and AFL Hall of Fame Legend, Leigh Matthews will present the Premiership Cup to Lions Coach, Chris Fagan and Lions Co-Captain’s Harris Andrews and Lachie Neale if the Lions are successful against Collingwood in Saturday’s 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final.
Since 2004, each competing club in the Toyota AFL Grand Final can nominate a representative to present the Premiership Cup to the winning team.
Matthews, accepted the Club’s invitation this week.
Matthews coached the Lions for 237 games across 10 seasons (1999-2008) resulting in 142 wins, 92 losses and three draws with the historic threepeat of premierships from 2001, 2002 and 2003. He has been a Director at the Brisbane Lions since 2013.
Leigh Matthews:
“Playing in a Grand Final is a special achievement for any club and I’m looking forward to the contest on Saturday.
“I’ve been involved in 12 grand finals as a player and coach but this would be a special opportunity and I’m honoured that the Lions have asked me to play a role.”
Brisbane Lions CEO, Greg Swann:
“There’s no one more respected at our club and in our game than Leigh Matthews.
“His impact and successes as a player, coach and administrator has left a massive legacy across the entire AFL competition and the growth of the game across Queensland.
“We thought it a fitting honour for Lethal.”
Leigh Matthews Bio
Playing career: 1969-1985. Games: 332 Goals: 915.
Player honours: 3rd in Brownlow Medal 1973, 1982; club best and fairest 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982; club leading goalkicker 1973, 1975, 1981-1984; VFL leading goalkicker 1975; club captain 1981-1985; premierships 1971, 1976, 1978, 1983 (captain); All-Australian 1972, 1982, 1983.
Coaching record: Collingwood 1986-1995 (224 games, 125 wins, 94 losses, 5 draws); premiership 1990. Brisbane Lions 1999-2008 (237 games, 142 wins, 92 losses, 3 draws); premierships 2001-2003.
What: 2023 AFL Premiership Cup presenters media opportunity
Who: Leigh Matthews (Lions) and Collingwood Cup Presenter
When: 9.30am arrival for 9:45am sharp start
Where: MCG - media are asked to meet at Gate 3
Contact: AFL Publicist, Danielle Balales (0401 790 363)
