The following events will soon be consigned to Club history as the Lions gear up for another assault on the AFL Premiership in 2012.
The Lions will count down the 10 significant moments from 2011 throughout December, with the final instalment featuring on Friday 23 December - prior to the Club’s official closure for the New Year period.
MOMENT #1: POWER GOES OUT
CLICK HERE to watch the Club’s stirring video tribute package for Luke Power
No doubt 2011 will be best remembered by Lions fans as the final year of champion midfielder Luke Power’s illustrious career with the Club.
Power made an emotional, yet typically understated, exit from his beloved Lions at the end of the team’s Round 21 match against West Coast at the Gabba after surprising his team-mates with his decision to retire only a few hours earlier.
The three-time Premiership player’s retirement announcement brought an immediate end to his 282-game career with the Club, and also ensured that his last ever game in Lions colours was played out in front of his adoring home crowd.
Glowing messages of from Lions fans flowed on lions.com.au in recognition of one of the Club’s truly great careers - which included three Premierships, All Australian honours, State representation, Club Captaincy, Life Membership, and countless other individual accolades.
But such awards and kind words still don’t do justice to the significant impact the Power made on the Lions.
He was a consummate Clubman. Loyal. Fearless. Determined. Selfless. Respected. And, of course, cheeky.
The 31 year-old, whose tenure at the Lions had come to an end after 14 seasons, was later approached by new AFL franchise Greater Western Sydney Giants (GWS) who offered him an on-field mentor/coaching role which will see him prolong his AFL career beyond 2011.
As difficult as it will be to watch Power running around in orange and charcoal next season, he will certainly prove an excellent acquisition for their developing list.
But when the time eventually comes for him to hang up the football boots for good, there’s no doubting that he will be forever remembered in AFL history for his contributions to the Lions.
He leaves the Lions content in the knowledge that he has left a lasting impression on the Club and its fans.
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RELATED LINKS
Power headed for Blacktown
Power farewells the Lions
Power in demand
Power in numbers
Power sees positive future
Power’s Super Six
No measure of his Power
Power announces retirement
PREVIOUS MOMENTS
#10: CELEBRATING GREATNESS
#9: BLOODING YOUNG CUBS
#8: HISTORY ON SHOW
#7: QCLASH REVENGE
#6: CHARMAN BOWS OUT
#5: YOUNG LIONS COMMIT
#4: ROCKLIFF CROWNED
#3: A BAD BREAK
#2: SPIRIT THROUGH ADVERSITY
