Brisbane star Ryan Lester is simply “getting better with age”, winning praise for both his goal-saving heroics at one end and drought-breaking goal at the other in the 57-point win over Fremantle on Friday night.
As Brisbane secured their spot in the finals, Lester showed just how important he is to the Lions’ premiership tilt after missing last week’s loss to Sydney.
FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Speaking to foxfooty.com.au, Lester could only laugh as he broke his goal drought that dates back to 2023.
“My son’s been asking me to kick a goal – I always call him before I get to the game,” he said.
“He always says ‘Are you going to kick a goal today?’ I say, ‘yeah, yeah I’m kicking a goal’. He may have still been awake as it was in the first quarter … very rare for me!
“I think my last goal was in 2023. He’s only four so he won’t remember that one I don’t reckon.
“He did have lots of celebration requests – but not my personality. He might be a bit disappointed with that.”
After describing the win as “a big relief”, coach Chris Fagan was full of praise for Lester and his side to grab the win away from home.
“That was inspirational what he did in the goal square and so happy for him to kick his goal,” he said.
“He’s a guy that’s gotten better with age really.
“There’s no doubt last week against Sydney we really missed him and Brandon Starcevich in our backline.
“I must admit I was sitting in my hotel room today thinking if we lose tonight and we lose next week, we could miss finals having 14 wins and a draw. Like, that’s unheard of.
“I think this is our seventh year in a row that we’ve qualified for finals – that’s hard to do, particularly if you’re an interstate club I reckon, because you’ve got to travel more and there’s a few more obstacles as you would appreciate over here.
“We are in control of our own destiny … I think we should just travel somewhere and play next week to be honest (joking about his side’s impressive away record).”
Lester said knowing finals was now locked in, the pressure had come off the Lions.
“Obviously a bit of pressure on us after losing to Sydney – you fall into the pack a little bit,” he said.
“You ride the ups and downs. I guess the only thing for us is we know we’ve been there before – our best is good enough.
“It’s a matter of turning up and doing that.
“We’re confident we can do it … but when you do lose like last week, you do have the doubt in your mind.
“Gold Coast flogged us a few weeks ago … that was probably the one where it was like, all right, if we don’t bring our effort we get caught out big time – the competition is so even.
“It’s hard to back up (after a premiership) so in that part it’s very pleasing,” he said of making finals again.
“All you can do is give yourself a chance every year – and that’s what we’ve done this year.
“Last year we hit fire at the right time – that’s what we’re trying to do this year.”
The Lions moved into the top two off the back of the win over Fremantle – but could slip down depending on the rest of the round results.
They’ll face Hawthorn next week knowing a win could secure a top four shot – if other results go their way.
Discussion about this post