The Brisbane players spoke about what they’d do when the Wharfie Time bells rang.
The night before, as revealed by the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph, Lions players were told in their team meeting: “When you hear that, go and win the game.”
And that’s exactly what transpired late in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s mesmerising decider.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Watch full and mini replays of the 2026 AFL Grand Final with Fox Footy commentary, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Fagan reflects on epic grand final win | 18:43
With four minutes remaining in the Grand Final, Fremantle led by 17 points.
Patrick Voss had just saluted with his set shot from almost point-blank range and gone on a wild celebratory rampage.
And then, after initially holding off on hitting ‘go’, AC/DC’s ‘Hells Bells’ tolled around the MCG.
Elated Fremantle supporters went manic in reaction.
Neale reflects on emotional farewell | 00:59
But little did they and the Dockers players know it at the time; instead of spurring the club to its maiden premiership, ‘Wharfie Time’ galvanised the lethal Lions.
Brisbane won the next four centre bounces, and kicked the game’s last four goals to utterly devastate Fremantle.
Many will speculate over the timing of the Wharfie call, but according to several Lions players, the reaction would’ve been the same regardless of when it came.
Brisbane Lions complete the three-peat! | 00:28
“We talked about Wharfie Time, and making that our energy,” Lions champion Josh Dunkley said post-game on Channel Seven.
“And I felt like when we all looked around at centre bounce, and Wharfie Time came on, we all looked at each other and connected.
“And we grew a leg and got it done.”
Departing Brisbane dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale provided some detail on the club discussions leading into the game.
Lachie Neale speaks about Brisbane’s preparation for Wharfie Time.Source: Channel 7
“We spoke about it (Wharfie Time) quite early in the week. Obviously, they’ve used it a couple of times, and we knew that it’d been accepted for today if the game was close and they kicked a goal,” Neale said on Seven.
“We spoke about using that as fuel for us to put the foot down and go. If you see the footage, Josh Dunkley is in the middle, and he’s getting the arms up for our boys — so, great leadership.
‘Doesn’t get much worse than that’ | 00:59
“It meant ‘go time’ for us as well, so I’m sure Freo were trying to get a lift, but we spoke about making sure it gives us a lift as well.”
Dual All-Australian Dayne Zorko added: “Once they played Wharfie Time — it wasn’t really a focus for us during the week, but we wanted to use it against them.
“It was like we clicked into another gear; it was absolutely insane.”
Dayne Zorko speaks about Wharfie Time galvanising Brisbane.Source: Channel 7
As many have since pointed out, it’d be a shock to see ‘Wharfie Time’ come out again following Saturday’s events.
MORE GRAND FINAL COVERAGE:
MATCH REPORT: Best GF ever as Lions in rarest air after staggering ‘Wharfie Time’ disaster
LIONS PLAYER RATINGS: Star in ‘Dusty territory’ after insane 8-min blitz; skipper’s big twist
DOCKERS PLAYER RATINGS: Why we thought Norm Smith was wrong; unlikely ‘impassable’ force stuns
‘WORST CALL EVER’: How Wharfie Time doomed Freo as ‘extraordinary torture’ laid bare
NORM SMITH STUNNER: Shock winner named as Freo star makes rare AFL history