Leigh Matthews and Michael Voss were presented with the Keys to the City by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley in King George Square at the conclusion of a bumper ticker-tape parade through the inner-city streets.
Council officers later confirmed there were at least twice as many people along the route and in the Square as had attended for Australia’s Olympians 12 months earlier. Some seasoned observers said it was the biggest turnout since the war years, and bigger than when the Queen and Pope visited King George Square.
Decked out in maroon, gold and blue, waving Lions flags and banners, people were packed 10-deep as the cavalcade of open top cars made its way up Queens Street Mall, into George Street, and then down Adelaide Street to the Square.
Mayor Soorley then welcomed the entire Lions team to the stage which was met with rapturous applause from the crowd.
“As footballers and as yourselves, you are great citizens of Brisbane - you are champions on and off the field. Congratulations and thank you for what you’ve done for this city,” the Lord Mayor said.
Queensland Premier at the time Peter Beattie, who was also on hand to invite Lions players and officials to a State Reception at Parliament House six days later, was similarly enthusiastic.
“You have made not just Brisbane, but all of Queensland proud,” Mr Beattie said.
Share your stories from the 2001 Grand Final and go into the draw to WIN tickets to the Brisbane Lions' Premiership Anniversary Dinner and Season Launch on Friday 18 March.
Simply CLICK HERE and explain - in 100 words or less - what made the Lions' 2001 premiership triumph so memorable for you.
Entries must be received before Wednesday 9 March with the winner to be notified by Friday 11 March.
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