At one stage, Power’s football year almost certainly appeared to be over due to recurring groin problems. By Round 15, he had played just five games, and had finished two of them. The season was fast slipping away, just as the Lions were mounting a charge towards Finals.
But a visit to a specialist resulted in reason for optimism. Fortunately no surgery was required, and with rest he returned to play the final six matches of the home-and-away season and the early rounds of the Finals.
Power saved arguably his finest performances for the season for Grand Final day when he sparked the Lions to life with a team-high three goals in the premiership triumph.
His first goal came after a strong and courageous mark against taller opponents. His second brought the side to within striking distance midway through the third term and his third killed off any faint hope the Bombers held of a late comeback.
Sporting a heavy bandage after an early nick beside the eye, he bobbed up whenever he was needed. A premiership medallion was a fitting reward for the cheeky small forward who proved more than just a goal-kicker. Power was in-and-under all day, winning some key possessions further up the ground and also laid several strong tackles.
“It had gone from being the worst season ever to the best season ever,” Power 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.
For more information about the Premiership Anniversary & Season Launch event, please click here
