JASON Akermanis is hoping to put theBrisbane Lions behind him once and for all after helping the Bulldogs to a winagainst his former teammates on Saturday night.
The man who played 248 games, won threepremierships and a Brownlow Medal in the maroon, blue and gold said puttinglast week behind him was the final chapter in a saga that traced back to histrade late last year.
With a chorus of boos ringing around theGabba every time he touched the ball, Akermanis was able to shut everythingout, boot two goals and be a significant contributor in the 23-point win.
He hit the post with a running shot in thelast quarter, but was still able to sign off with a trademark handstand in thecentre circle after the full-time siren.
After the match Aker said the whole weekhad been a drain.
“It was very emotional,” he said.
“I know I’m just one player and it wasgreat that we really focused on winning as a group, and this was just asideshow.
“Last year was extremely difficult. It isnot easy to move and do all those things, take your family, and the club hasjust been so supportive, and that’s the word, supportive.
“Last year, obviously I felt like there wasnone and that’s what happened, we had to move on and I’m glad this is the endnow. There’s no more first games, that’s it, we just go and play.
“Say goodbye and move on. It’s been awonderful ground for me over all these years, but that’s it.”
While Akermanis was marked by rugged LionRobert Copeland the entire four quarters, the livewire forward said he got specialsatisfaction in his two first-quarter goals.
The first came after he converted a tightset shot following a Copeland push in the back, while 60 seconds later hemarked on the lead and goaled from 45m.
The crowd was momentarily silenced.
“It was a very physical game, with Bushie(Copeland) pushing you in the back and whatever, it’s a tough game, but youstand your ground you say ‘I’m going to take it, we’re going to play’ andthat’s it,” he said.
“I’ve been working on the goalkicking andit’s been working beautifully on the set shots.
“Obviously it’s always rewarding kickinggoals and helping out.”
Aker said he was not surprised by thehostile reception the crowd of almost 30,000 gave him.
“It’s good to see the passion back. I’vewatched a lot of the games up here. I think the crowd are pro-Brisbane and sothey should, but the support as an individual and as a group was prettyenjoyable.”