Oliver Caffrey, AAP
Werribee’s Logan Morris has experienced just about everything in his debut AFL season.
But the Brisbane Lions forward can make a memorable rookie year a legendary one when he takes part in Saturday’s grand final against Sydney as the only teenager on the ground.
Morris has kept on improving, even after becoming an instant cult hero by making one of the most unusual, and frankly hilarious, debuts in AFL history.
After playing a full game in the VFL, the No.31 pick in last year’s draft received a shock call-up for the Lions’ round eight QClash against Gold Coast just 10 minutes before the bounce.
Lions defender Brandon Starcevich hurt himself in the warm-up, with the coaching staff preferring Morris over experienced pair Jarryd Lyons and Darcy Fort.
Morris, a size 13, needed to borrow Will Ashcroft’s size 12 boots for his AFL debut after he had left his at Brighton Homes Arena.
The burgers and nuggets barely had time to settle before forward Linc McCarthy badly injured his knee, bringing Morris into the game in the first term as the sub.
Against all adversity, the Lions – who entered the game at 2-5 and sitting 13th – won that game to save their season.
Apart from one game back in the VFL, Morris has since become a staple of the Lions’ star-studded forward line.
The 19-year-old’s win-loss record in the AFL is 14-3 (and one draw).
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Morris told AAP after the Lions’ classic preliminary final win against Geelong.
“… to think after 12 months (in the AFL) that I’ll be in a granny, it’s something that’s hard to believe and I’m super excited about and I can’t wait to get out there on grand final day.
“It’s (the journey to the grand final) been very surreal.
“It’s gone very quick, but I’ve absolutely loved every game, loved every moment.
“I’ve loved playing with these boys so much and I can’t wait to do it one more time on the last day in September.”
He slotted a crucial goal – his second of the match – early in the last quarter to put Brisbane 12 points in front.
After ruckman Oscar McInerney was forced out of the match with a dislocated shoulder, star Joe Daniher was forced into the ruck, meaning Morris was often the tallest forward for the Lions during the second half.
“We came back from a pretty big margin last week (against GWS in the semi-final),” Morris said.
“Even though we had ‘Big O’ (McInerney) down, we all had to step up and go to another gear and that’s what every player did.”
