Ahead of the upcoming AFL grand final, Brisbane Lions supporters are engaging in deeply personal rituals, driven by the belief that their actions can influence the team's performance. For many fans, the pressure of the grand final has manifested in a reliance on superstition, where specific routines are repeated to ensure victory.

Scott Fletcher, a logistics clerk and long-time supporter, provides a clear example of this phenomenon. Fletcher adheres to a strict morning routine on grand final day, which includes walking his dog, Louis, while listening to Angry Anderson’s 'Bound For Glory.' He maintains that he has followed this exact sequence for the past two years. For Fletcher, the stakes are high; he believes that deviating from this pattern could result in a loss for the Lions. He explicitly stated that if the team fails to win, he would personally shoulder the blame for failing to complete his ritual.

This behavior highlights the intense emotional connection between fans and their clubs during high-stakes sporting events. While these rituals have no objective impact on the physical game, they serve as a coping mechanism for supporters who feel powerless during the match. The narrative underscores how fans often internalize the performance of their team, transforming the outcome of a professional game into a matter of personal accountability.