Almost 20 years ago an AFL finals win over Richmond at the Gabba put Brisbane on the path to their first premiership.
Lions legend Simon Black firmly believes a similar date with destiny awaits this year's team when they face the reigning premiers in Friday's qualifying final.
The 68-point 2001 preliminary final win over the Tigers is Black's fondest memory at the Gabba in his illustrious career, a pivotal step on his way to winning three straight grand finals for the Lions.
"I'd never been to a grand final obviously before at that stage," Black said.
"To win that night and get the opportunity to go and have a crack at our first premiership was a lifelong memory."
Black, who will be presenting this year's premiership trophy to the winning team at the October 24 decider at the Gabba, says the 2020 clash with the Tigers has the potential to be just as defining for this year's squad as it was for his.
"Friday night's game against Richmond is enormous. I don't think you can understate just how big that is for the club," he said.
"The confidence that would create, if they can beat Richmond on Friday night, the sky's the limit thereafter I believe."
The Lions have lost 15 straight to the Tigers in a streak that includes a deflating loss to Damien Hardwick's team in the opening weekend of last year's finals series.
That game and this year's regular season match at Metricon Stadium against the Tigers were highlighted by inaccurate goalkicking from the Lions.
If Brisbane are to end their hoodoo and put themselves in the box seat to feature in this year's grand final on their home ground, Black says it's the Lions big forwards such as Eric Hipwood and Dan McStay who need to deliver.
"I hope I've havent put too much pressure on the boys but their key forwards, really need to stand up in finals," the Brownlow Medallist said.
"The sides that I played in with Alistair Lynch and Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw, we had some really talented key forwards.
"The Lions need to defend well, clearly, but they also need a contribution from their key forwards in the big finals."
Australian Associated Press
