'Aker would've enjoyed that': Iconic celebration after all-time grand ...

28 Sep 2024
Eric Hipwood

When it’s your day, it’s your day.

The Brisbane Lions all but wrapped up the AFL Grand Final by halftime after a stunning onslaught blew the game wide open last in the second quarter.

After Brisbane led by eight at quarter time, the Lions exploded late in the half booting seven goals to one to open up a 46-point lead at the main break.

Watch the best coverage of the 2024 AFL finals, with expert analysis and every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Killer blow locks in Norm Smith medal | 01:02

At that point, the Swans would have need to overcome the biggest ever grand final deficit to win, with the biggest comeback in history Carlton’s 44-point bounce back over Collingwood in 1970.

It was an astounding passage of play for the Lions as they erupted just before the break.

But the pièce de résistance for Brisbane was Eric Hipwood’s goal — the third last of the quarter which put the Lions up by 35 with four minutes left in the half.

After the ball went to first half star Kai Lohmann in the pocket, the 21-year-old was out of room in his bid to kick a fourth goal, instead handballing back to left-footer Hipwood.

With no room move along the sideline and a ridiculous angle, Hipwood threw it on the boot, sending it straight through the sticks for yet another major.

“How did he kick that from there? They are on fire,” commentator Brian Taylor said in commentary.

After the goal, Hipwood put one hand on top of his head and the other on his mouth, channelling Jason Akermanis from a 2005 against Geelong.

Jason Akermanis' famous goal celebration.Source: SuppliedEric Hipwood pulled an Aker. Photo by Robert Cianflone/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

In that game, Akermanis kicked two goals in a minute

“These are one of those Hail Mary’s that you think there’s no chance, especially with the wind that’s pushing from left to right in the pocket,” Luke Hodge said on Hipwood’s goal.

“I’ve seen that reaction and the crowd somewhere before.”

Joel Selwood said: “Aker would’ve enjoyed that and I’m sure he’s enjoying seeing himself on the screen again.”

'I wonder what that means?!' | 00:46

One fan said: “No f**king way! Can’t kick usually one from directly in front, but in a Grand Final falls over, and dobs one from the boundary. Ladies and Gentleman, Eric Hipwood.”

Another fan commented: “Hipwood with an Akermanis celebration! Nice. What a goal!”

A third commented: “If Hipwood kicks goals like that then you know it’s your day.”

A fourth said: “ERIC HIPWOOD – ARE YOU F**KING SERIOUS! THAT BALL HAD NO RIGHT!!”

A fifth added: “If Hipwood’s kicking that there’s absolutely no shot they’re losing this game.”

It really was the beginning of the end as the Lions kicked 73 points ahead at the end of the premiership quarter before taking the foot off the accelerator in the fourth, running away 18.12 (120) to 9.6 (60) winners.

Read more
Similar news
This week's most popular news