How Freo's former number one ticket holder has helped Brisbane's dynasty The Brisbane Lions' quest for a third consecutive AFL premiership has been marked by resilience and determination.
However, their success also raises questions about the importance of external influence on team performance.
A conversation with NBA champion Luc Longley in July is being cited by players as a key factor in their current form. Longley's own experiences as part of the Chicago Bulls' championship teams are well documented.