We've all experienced so much together along the way as Lions fans, but never anything quite like that. We found ourselves 44 points down late in the third quarter in an away semi-final, and yet, somehow, we are still alive and preparing to take on the Cats in this week's preliminary final. In the longest ever episode of the Roar Deal this week, we talk through one of the most remarkable nights in the code's history, savouring each and every extraordinary moment of the comeback and looking ahead to the unlikeliest of grand final appearances that is now only one more win away. Also this week: -The watch party magic continues -The legacy Jarryd Lyons leaves at the club -Our plans for another Roar Deal Grand Final week (if we make it!) And much more!

Even at 60-0 up, we were all still a bit nervous – and, as things played out, not entirely without reason. Still, it was a convincing enough win in the end, and we progress to the semi-final to keep the dream alive. Now, a Giant chance at redemption awaits down in Sydney. They’ve beaten us in both encounters this season as well as our one finals encounter, so the task couldn’t get much harder. We may be doing it without Jack Payne too, with his strong return to senior footy cut short with a first-half injury. Also this week: -Dom’s checking in from Charleville -150 games of Oscar McInerney -We’re doing another watch party! And much more!

Six months ago, Carlton derailed our season in a 46-point Opening Round comeback that's haunted us all year long. Now, after the most turbulent season in recent memory, we've got the chance to make amends this Saturday in a Gabba elimination final. Is this the beginning of a month we'll never forget? Or do we stand on the precipice of more September sadness? Also this week: -An awful start to the AFLW -We're still fuming about Harris Andrews' AA snub -Stay tuned for a semi-final watch party And much more!

Our last final at the Gabba was against the Blues last September, and we had such a great time we've decided to put on an encore! Before we get there, though, our AFLW flag defence kicks off this Sunday with a Grand Final rematch against North Melbourne. Shannon Campbell joins us to preview a massive season ahead. Also this week: -We react to our five All Australian squad members -Dom accidentally brought the mainstream media spotlight onto Joe Daniher -Could there be a Roar Deal finals-themed watch party in the weeks ahead? And much more!

In 2024, we've gone from high hopes to rock bottom and all the way back again, only for Saturday's heartbreaking loss to Collingwood to send us crashing right back down to despair. This week, the rollercoaster ride of it all has us feeling a little sick, as a season of missed opportunities starts to slip away. We try to make sense of another fast start gone wrong, process a double dose of Collingwood MCG pain, and try to find any reasons for optimism we can. Also this week: -Why does David King hate Chris Fagan? -The two personalities of Joe Daniher -The philosophical argument for abandoning sports And much more!

For the second time this year, GWS have crushed our spirits and put a significant dent in our premiership aspirations in what was an incredibly frustrating loss at the Gabba. Now, with a must-win clash against Collingwood back at the MCG looming, we're feeling both the pressure of a very tight ladder and the joy of very good news, as Levi Ashcroft commits to join the club as a father/son pick before debuting with 35 touches at VFL level. Also this week: -Mike thinks Hippy might go back to defence again this season -Suggestions of unpleasant sounds the Gabba team could play after opposition goals -How can the Lions & the AFL create more in-depth documentary coverage of the code? And much more!

A nearly perfect game against the Saints has taken us to nine in a row, on the cusp of doing something the Lions haven't done since the early 2000s by making it ten straight. The Giants have already crushed our spirits once in 2024 though, and a tough-fought win against the Hawks has them in good form for another attempt. On this week's episode, we talk through the dangerous Giants, try to make sense of what's happened to the Swans, and celebrate the ongoing rise of Cam Rayner. Also this week: -Will Charlie pass down Country Roads? -Dom's conversation with Joe's Dad -Reading the tea leaves for the rest of 2024 And much more!

With virtually no key defenders left and our seven-match winning streak at stake, we needed somebody to step up. And, despite a shaky start, we got exactly what we wished for, with Eric Hipwood holding down the fort against Ben King so that Cam Rayner, Lachie Neale and Dayne Zorko could help propel us to - amazingly - second place on the ladder. And now, as the red-hot Saints await, we pause for a moment to reflect on the extraordinary career of Ryan Lester, as Froggy hits 200 games. Also this week... -Dom's embarrassing moment in airport security -The magical power of the tea leaves -What's going on with the first-goal curse? And much more!

All throughout the joys of our six-week-streak, we've been keeping an eye on this Swans matchup for a real litmus test on our 2024 chances. And now, following one of the more thrilling Lions wins of all time, the lid might be just about off. There's only one hitch in the plan - we mightn't have any key defenders left to get us through to September. With the unbeaten (at home) Suns waiting, we talk through all the options the Lions have to fill the enormous Harris Hole. Also this week: -Was Stuart Dew the mastermind behind this win? -Mike talks through what he's most looking forward to at the 2024 Paris Games -The crystal ball gets dropped for the first time ever And much more!

It's been a long way back, but at long last we find ourselves back in the top four for the first time in 2024. And now, the greatest litmus test we could ask for awaits, with the ladder-leading Swans on their way to the Gabba, This week on the show, we talk through Charlie Cameron's suspension in real time, discuss the merits of Brain vs McKenna, and marvel at one of the most remarkable in-season resurrections in recent memory. Also this week: -The first run of merch stock has arrived! -Could Stuart Dew be our secret weapon to beating the Swans? -Our two favourites both feature in the Crystal Ball for the first time ever And much more!

With five wins in a row, the 2024 redemption arc continues moving along! Now, a trip to Perth to take on the Eagles is our final hurdle before we get a crack at the ladder-leading Swans. We talk through the win over the Crows this week, discuss the possible replacements for Brandon Starcevich, and explore the possibility that Lachie Neale might just be sneaking up on a potential third Brownlow medal. Also this week: -Should there be a send-off rule in the AFL? -Our thoughts on future AFL expansion -What's going on with the stats on the Gabba scoreboard? And much more!

Early in the fourth quarter against the Demons, the hope of recent weeks had turned into fear and despair once again, with a dominant Melbourne display threatening to steal our newfound momentum. But after two clutch goals from Kai Lohmann and Hugh McCluggage, the dream remains alive as we continue our climb up the ladder with a night none of us will forget any time soon. This week, we talk through the Demons heart-stopper, and look ahead to the Crows. Also in this episode:    -Dom’s incredible Friday in New Zealand -We talk through Chris Fagan’s big post-match insight -Is Bruce Reville now our first choice winger? And much more!

Suddenly, the season is alive again! Following an emphatic win over Port Adelaide, the mood amongst Lions fans is higher than it's been in a very long time. And it's about to get even higher, with Friday night's match against Melbourne likely to feature the long-awaited return of Will Ashcroft as we push forward in hope of the unlikeliest of premierships. Also this week: -Logan Morris is finally the rising star -Is Chris Fagan a good hugger? -One possible solution to the lack of recognition for Fitzroy's premierships And much more!

This is a sample of what our Platinum Patreon members get each week - our exclusive episode previewing the teams for the upcoming match! If you'd like to hear the teams preview every week, sign up as a Roar Deal Platinum Patreon member at patreon.com/theroardeal

It's been a long way back from our 0-3 start, but we've finally evened the ledger at 6-6-1 after a (bizarrely) high-scoring win over the Saints. Now, with the home stretch of the season approaching and Will Ashcroft's return almost here, we preview the Lions' trip to Adelaide to take on a Port side just as hungry as we are with so much on the line. Also this week: -The data that proves this season is closer than any other -Dom has the scoop on the Country Roads crisis at the Gabba on Friday night -An update on our mission to have Fitzroy's premierships recognised And much more!

After a spluttering first half of the 2024 season, we headed in to our Round 13 match against the Bulldogs fearing the worst, expecting disappointment, and ready to write off the year entirely. Instead, the Lions delivered their best performance of the season so far, leaving the door to a miracle finals run at least slightly open. In this emergency episode of the podcast, Dom recaps the night he had waited 14 long years for. Following 12 losses in Victoria, he shares his (slightly dusty) perspective on his first time witnessing a Lions win in the state, as the Melbourne curse finally shatters. Also this week: -The Logan Morris hype continues to grow -Mike's thoughts on Stuart Dew's -Our Roar Deal merch line will launch next week! And much more!

After a brief reprieve from what has been a deeply disappointing season so far, we’re back for the second half of 2024 with just enough hope that a miracle could lie ahead. Now, a resurgent Bulldogs side are first up in an ominous second half of the year. Which Brisbane Lions side will show up on Friday night? Will our forward line finally start to function? And will we be able to get our first win against the Dogs in Victoria since 2014? Also this week: -Mike’s report from the first day of AFLW pre-season -A mid-season draft review -How do we get the AFL to recognise Fitzroy’s premierships? And much more!

This turbulent season has swung on us again, with a lifeless loss to the Hawks wrapping up the first half of the season and sending us into the bye full of concerns. This week on the podcast, we’ve got our full mid-season review. Who’s impressed? Who’s disappointed? And how are we going to salvage something from the season from here?  Also this week… -How to solve the Cam Rayner conundrum -Dom’s bold Chris Fagan prediction -A pronunciation guide to get Bruce Reville’s name correct And much more!

We've got 163 reasons to be happy this week on the podcast, following the club's biggest ever win under Chris Fagan in a Richmond demolition. Now, all we need to do is break our Hawthorn hoodoo to hit the bye with the ledger squared and the season alive. This week, Bruce Reville joins the show to talk us through his first few games at AFL level, how he feels about the Bruce chant at the Gabba, and the final answer on how to actually pronounce his name. Also this week... -We respond to the latest Kick Ons controversy -What was Mike's midnight flight with the Suns like? -A big announcement on Roar Deal merch And much more!

For the first time since 2009, Lions fans are living through the bizarre emotions of a draw. We're back to recap a thrilling contest in Adelaide that's left all of us a little unsure how to feel. And we look ahead to Richmond and Hawthorn contests that offer us the chance to square the ledger heading into the mid-season bye. Also this week: -NostraDOMus returns with a very bold prediction -What happened to Fages' rule about not playing a debutant as the sub? -Mike recaps his time in Darwin And much more!

With the pressure on and the criticism intensifying, the Lions needed everything to go right against the Suns. Instead, we were dealt one of the all-time horror injury runs, yet still somehow found a way to prevail in one of the bravest wins in recent Lions history. Now, we're counting the cost ahead of a clash against an equally-desperate Crows, with more changes on the horizon. Also this week: -An in-depth recap of the Logan Morris debut story that will go down in history -The crystal ball is growing in confidence -Dom has to issue a public apology for a pre-game act And much more!

We headed to Canberra with high hopes of turning the season around, and instead find ourselves at the lowest ebb we've known as Lions fans for a very long time. This week on the podcast, we undertake a full autopsy of everything that went wrong against the Giants, and where things sit in the aftermath. Is there still hope for 2024? What about the bigger picture? And how is all of this going to play out in Sunday's QClash? Also this week: -Dom thinks the playing list need a romantic weekend away -Is it time to give Logan Morris a go? -The lowest-stakes crystal ball ever And much more!

After the soaring highs of the Demons win, we've come crashing back to earth with a worrying loss against the Cats. With only a few days left until our ANZAC Day clash against the Giants, can we find what's needed to keep the 2024 season alive? Also this week: -Is the Darcy Gardiner forward experiment working? -Mike's thoughts on Chris Fagan's 2024 press conferences so far -The attempts of the new Lions match day team to add some atmosphere And much more!

It may have taken until mid-April, but the premiership campaign finally feels underway after a dominant Cam Rayner-led win over the Demons at the MCG. Less than 24 hours after the match, we're sitting down to bask in our first great win of 2024 and begin to look ahead to a massive Gabba clash against the Cats. Also this week: -The rundown on our watch party event at the Copacabana Club -Dom's request to Roar Deal listeners for the Geelong match -A recap of Mike's Canberra marathon And much more!

It might've taken until April, but we're finally off the mark for the 2024 season with a commanding win over North Melbourne in Norwood. Now, we return to the MCG for the first time since last year's Grand Final with the chance to make a strong statement that we're still a genuine contender. Also this week: -Kai Lohmann finally gets (and takes) his chance -Could the genius of the Darcy Gardiner move be revealed against Melbourne? -Mike Whiting's marathon preparation And much more!

We've lost three games in a row for the first time since 2019, and suddenly the panic level has risen a few notches. Following an Easter Thursday letdown, we do our best to assess how serious the situation is, what the root of the problems might be, and whether there's any hope left in the 2024 season.

The stakes couldn't be higher for the Grand Final rematch, but not for the reasons we might've expected. Instead of a clash between two of the heavyweights of the competition, Thursday night's match has become a must-win game for both Brisbane and Collingwood just to keep the season alive. This week on the Roar Deal, we talk through the likely lineup changes for the Easter Thursday showdown, look at Collingwood's struggles across the first three weeks, and talk with Nine News QLD's Chief Political Reporter Tim Arvier about the political landscape surrounding the Olympic stadium. Also this week: -Are Jarrod Berry's shoulders up to playing in the midfield? -Mike's thoughts on walking to the Gabba vs walking to Carrara -How a sliding doors moment on the Lions search for a new training & admin base could have changed the entire stadium saga And much more!

It's hard to know what to be most upset about this week on the Roar Deal, with a second-straight loss to the Dockers compounded by a staggering state government stadium decision. Are we still hopeful for the Lions' 2024 campaign? What will Chris Fagan do from here? And will we be playing at the Gabba until it quite literally falls apart? Also this week: -Mike's birthday celebrations have been a little soured -What to do about the 'sack the coach' sentiment -Our response to the new hosts of Kick Ons And much more!

The first game of the season has broken our hearts again - this time though, with a serious long-term problem to solve. The pain of a 46-point turnaround is only the second biggest nightmare we're facing, with the news that Kiddy Coleman's season is over leaving all Lions fans down and deflated. This week, we talk through what went wrong against Carlton, and we look at all the possible options the club has for replacing Kiddy in the season ahead. Also this week: -Why Dom's to blame for the loss to Carlton -An ice-cream disaster at the Gabba -Mike's thoughts on the fitness of the list And much more!

After the longest summer of our footy lives, we're finally back where we belong, with the Opening Round clash against Carlton drawing closer by the day. And with the season back upon us, we've got a bumper episode to celebrate, with three guests joining us for the first time in Roar Deal history. Front Bar favourite Andy Maher gives us an insight into the Carlton camp, Danny Daly joins us to talk all things team selection, and the architect leading the calls for a Victoria Park revamp, Peter Edwards, drops in for a conversation about his bold idea that might just be Brisbane's Olympic salvation. Also this week: -Who will take the final spot in the best 23 for Friday night? -The 2024 goal songs have dropped -Fortune Telling returns for the new year And much more!

It may still be February, but the season is already less than two weeks away. This week on the podcast, we've got one practice match to review, one to preview, and an Opening Round fixture to start looking ahead to. Also this week: -Throwing around ideas for the next Roar Deal live podcast -Dom reignites the code wars -Where should the scrub turkey line up in Round 1? And much more!

Chris Fagan joins us (and 150 others of the Roar Deal family) to look back on the pain of last year's Grand Final, talk through the highlights of his summer, and preview 2024.  This conversation was recorded on Thursday February 15 at the Ron Hurley Theatre in Seven Hills.

The intraclubs are upon us for another year, and so too are the major intraclub overreactions. Following last Friday's hitout, we talk through the unlikely Logan Morris & Darcy Gardiner forward combo, as well as the almost unbelievable sight in the B-team. Plus, we're only a few days away from our live podcast with Chris Fagan. What should we talk with him about? What would be on his rider? And how does he take his cup of tea? We make sure we're ready & raring to go.

We're kicking February off in style - former player, assistant coach, and now parent of the club Adrian Fletcher joins the Roar Deal to reflect on Jaspa's debut season and talk through where the Lions can improve in 2024. Plus, we've got big news about a live podcast coming up with Chris Fagan!

The Roar Deal is back for the new year! With Round 1 rapidly approaching, there's plenty to cover off. On this week's agenda: -How the Lions are doing pre-season differently this year -The most in-depth preview of 2024 imaginable -What's going on with the Gabba? And much more!

For our final episode in 2023, the club's Chairman Andrew Wellington joins us in-studio for a comprehensive look at all the ups and downs of the year, and all the challenges and opportunities that lie on the road ahead.  We talk through:  -Andrew's background as a Lions fan -How the club will look to cope with the Gabba-less years -Where the search for a replacement venue sits right now And much more!

2023 has been full of soaring highs and devastating lows for Lions fans, but it ends with Grand Final redemption in the sweetest of ways after a dominant comeback win over North Melbourne on the weekend. From the heroics of Dakota Davidson to the tenacity of Courtney Hodder, we review the club's second AFLW flag from all angles this week on the Roar Deal. Also this week: -Could Craig Starcevich ever make a move to coaching in the AFL? -Our best attempt to unpack the RNA/Gabba controversy -There might still be one episode of the Roar Deal left for 2023... And much more!

One year ago we endured the first of two grand final heartbreaks. Now we've got our first shot at grand final redemption, with AFLW expert Gemma Bastiani joining us to preview the match against North from every angle. And with another men's draft done and dusted, the club's recruiting manager Steve Conole joins us to talk through the five new Lions who have joined the club. Also this week, -What goal songs might our new draftees choose? -Mike is part of the Lily Postlethwaite problem -Our plans for next week's year-ending episode And much more!

For the first ever time, the Roar Deal podcast has gone international! Mike Whiting joins today's episode from Tokyo, as we look ahead to a shock prelim opponent this weekend in the AFLW, preview one of the smaller Lions AFL draft nights in recent memory, and look through the 2024 men's AFL fixture. And after putting it off for weeks, we finally talk through our best sides since the merger too - with more than a few surprises making their way in. Also this week: -Will the Japanese internet hold up? -Dom's outlined his three games to defeat the Melbourne curse -How did Mike go in his overseas marathon? And much more!

We're into another prelim! The season that seemed over only two weeks ago is now just one win away from a shot at Grand Final redemption, following an extraordinary win over the Crows in Adelaide. Also, we chat to the club's former GM of Communications (and current holder of that title over at the Broncos) Steele Tallon, reflecting on his recollections of his time at the club, insights on how the Broncos have handled their grand final heartbreak, and his thoughts on how media departments of footy clubs can be a real asset in telling the team's story. Also this week: -Our thoughts on the 4:40pm Friday afternoon fixture in Norwood -Have we found the way to break Dom's Melbourne curse? -We might have found the AFLW equivalent of the Jack/Jackson saga And much more!

It's our long-awaited Academy special! What were the origins of the Lions Academy, how is it performing today, and what could be possible going forward? Former Academy manager Luke Curran joins us in-studio for the full story on this often-misunderstood facet of the footy club. Plus, the women have bounced back from the disappointing loss to the Saints with one of their best ever wins against the Demons at home. With the strongest record against the other contenders in the competition, could we a real chance at premiership glory in a few weeks? Also this week: -Dom's big night at Paul McCartney -Mike finally gets to see the Suns in a final -Is Bre Koenen the new Cam Rayner? And much more!

One bad afternoon in Moorabbin, and one million dollars has gone down the drain. What went wrong for the women in Melbourne, and can they turn it around in time to secure a top-four spot against the Demons this weekend? Also, we've hit the one-month anniversary of our Grand Final heartbreak, and it's time for a check-in on how we're all doing in the healing process. Also this week: -Dom's 2011 run-in with Travis Auld -Could the Lions go to Mackay while the Gabba's being rebuilt? -Lions Halloween costume ideas And much more!

With the trade period done for another year, five list spots now open, and a few changes in the coaching ranks, the club's GM of Footy Danny Daly joins us this week for a comprehensive look at all things off-season. Meanwhile, on the AFLW front, the Lions women made a premiership statement with their win over the Crows. Does the league's first ever million-dollar game await? Also this week: -What does DD think of our 'Dare To Beat The Bear' goal song pitch? -The outrage over Courtney Hodder's snub & Dom's story of rigging a vote -How would the RNA work as a home ground during the Ekka weeks? And much more!

As the trade period continues, Jack Gunston has thrown a big curveball with a last-minute request to head back home to Hawthorn. Will the Lions let him go? Who could we find as tall forward insurance if so? And will there be any other last-minute trade surprises? Meanwhile, the women are flying high after a dominant QClash win. Can they overcome any talk of a Brighton Homes Arena hoodoo in their top-four clash against the Crows this weekend? Also this week: -Should there be more transparency with salary caps? -Dom's goal song frustrations -Our plans for the summer holidays And much more!

In the aftermath of the 2023 Grand Final, we've sat down to share our pain and cast our vision forward to all that lies ahead. Hope you're all doing okay amidst the difficulty of the loss, and stay tuned for more updates from us shortly.

With the 2023 AFL Grand Final less than 48 hours away, we're joined by 300 diehard Lions fans in The Royal Derby Hotel in Fitzroy to preview the match alongside Lions Premiership heroes Jonathan Brown & Ash McGrath. Also this episode: -What was the rock bottom moment of the Lions' last decade? -The two stories we love the most from this Lions team -Our Grand Final predictions And much more!

We weren't expecting to be back in your feed so soon! Following the dramatic Brownlow Medal count that culminated in another Brownlow for Lachie Neale, we've sat down together for a quick recap of the phenomenal start to this very exciting week.

IT'S ACTUALLY HAPPENING!!! After years of hoping, hurting, and everything in between, the Lions are back into the AFL Grand Final for the first time since 2004.  In the first of two grand final episodes this week, we look back at a golden night at the Gabba and the golden week that now lies ahead. Also this episode: -Browny & Ash are joining us on Thursday! -Mike's insight into the media focus of Grand Final week -Is Joe's 'Let It Go' mystery answered at last? And much more!

Another nail-biter of an away game, but this time we leave with the four points. Now, with a top 2 spot well and truly on the line, we're looking ahead to an enormous ladder-shaping round of footy. With the upcoming AFLW season only a few weeks away too, we're joined by head coach Craig Starcevich for the first time on the new Roar Deal to preview the campaign ahead with some fresh faces set to fill a few very big voids. Also this week... -Dom looks into the data on why 3rd spot is as good as 1st and 2nd -AFL coverage returns to the Courier Mail - Mike fills us in -We've found a way to give away the Roar Deal cheeseboard at our live event And much more!

Two 80+ point wins, and now things get serious with the Demons & Cats ahead. This week on the show, the club's forward line coach Murray Davis joins us to talk through the most debated topic amongst Lions supporters at the moment: should we play with two or three tall forwards? Also this week: -Our memories of last year's Demons semi-final -Mike reveals how often he's sitting on info that he isn't running with yet -What's the deal with the Lions club in Springwood? And much more!

A strong Easter Thursday win against the Pies has us jumping in early for the Roar Deal this week, recording on Good Friday to bask in the joy of the victory. Also in this episode: -The mystery of Joe Daniher -Dom's commentary frustrations -When did the crystal ball start working? And much more!

What on earth went wrong on Saturday? 48 hours after the Adelaide Oval abomination, we sit down to review the loss from all angles and cast our vision forward to the club's first home game for 2023 against the Demons on Friday. Also this week: -Were there any Roar Deal medal vote-worthy players in the wash-up? -Other former Lions we're hoping to have join us on the podcast -Where should the AFL expand next?

Our first current player joins us in the new era of the Roar Deal this week - superstar father-son Will Ashcroft jumps into the podcast as round 1 gets closer! Also this week: -Dom shares his best 22 for round 1 -Paddy sends us a new segment suggestion -How will the new Gabba stack up financially compared to stadiums around the world?