Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has declared that the home-and-away season of 2025 is the "best ever" in his tenure.
Fagan and the Lions locked up a top-four spot after their damning victory over Hawthorn at the Gabba, and will face Geelong in the qualifying final.
It will be the fifth time under Fagan that the Queensland club has secured a double chance, but given that they are the reigning premiers, their efforts this season mean more.
"If I was to rate this home and away season, it's probably been our best ever," he said.
"With the difficulty of the draw, with the injuries we've had, it's been a high degree of difficulty.
"To come up with 16 wins and a draw and to beat the teams we've beaten and where we've beaten them, I rate it really highly."
Brisbane has thoroughly debunked the follow-up campaign "curse" after a premiership, with Geelong (2022) and Collingwood (2023) failing to make September after their flag triumph.
The Lions have been dominant despite missing key players for significant periods in 2025, including Jack Payne, Noah Answerth, Keidean Coleman, and Lincoln McCarthy due to long-term injuries. Additionally, Lachie Neale (quad), Jarrod Berry (shoulder), and Eric Hipwood (calf) were absent against the Hawks.
"I'm just really proud of the boys that they've been able to withstand all the pressure and the scrutiny," said Fagan.
"Everyone picks your game to pieces when you win a flag, and here we are, we've earned a double chance again.
"We've got a long way to go, but it's been a fantastic effort. We're in there with everybody else, but we're going to have to play our best footy."
Neale (quad) and Berry (shoulder) are expected to be available for the Cats clash at the MCG, as will Conor McKenna (hamstring)
Hipwood is listed as three to four weeks away with a calf injury.
