Lions find a Wilmot and a way to dance into decider

It's a clash that seemed a world away for last year's runners-up in March, when the club was 2-5 and without no fewer than five players recovering from torn anterior cruciate ligaments.

Things barely improved, with four wins from their first 11 games prompting coach Chris Fagan's quip: "If you're on thin ice, you may as well dance."

The Lions' emboldened style of play has suited Darcy Wilmot. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

The directive resonated with dashing defender Wilmot, who's had the music in him ever since he was drafted in 2021.

"We had to," Wilmot told AAP of their change in mindset.

"And it's just given us that fun; the confidence to go out and do your thing.

"The boys had trust in everyone to do it and make it gel. What we've done and the way we've done it, it's surreal and brings such good energy."

Lush-locked Kai Lohmann was another 2021 draftee and instantly clicked with Wilmot when the pair met for a photo shoot at a Melbourne DFO the day after their names were called.

"We started texting each other as soon as we got drafted," Wilmot said of the origins of their influential friendship.

"Then I stayed at his brother's house, we played basketball together and clicked instantly and it shows in everything we do."

Wilmot made his mark on debut - both on and off the field thanks to his contagious, outgoing personality - in a 2022 elimination final win and has barely missed a game since.

Lohmann was forced to wait, recommitting to the Lions despite only playing eight games in two seasons and then profiting this year after Lincoln McCarthy's early knee injury.

"I'm pretty proud of how he's stuck it through," Wilmot said. 

"To have his long grind and find a reward for it, it is special and I'm happy to share it with him.

"I love watching him kick a goal; I just run straight towards him for a celly (celebration) and he's always looking straight back for me."

Darcy Wilmot and Kai Lohmann, seen in 2023, have hit if off since being drafted in 2021. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

They've both played 26 games this season and, while veterans Ryan Lester and Dayne Zorko have been integral, teammates give the young duo plenty of credit for the side's remarkable turnaround.

"Football, well, it's a job so it can be very serious at times and you can get caught up in all that stuff," defender Brandon Starcevich told AAP. 

"These guys make work really fun and enjoyable.

"It's important for me in particular. I'm pretty serious in how I go about things and they pull you back out of line a bit and make you enjoy things a little. 

"It's a good balance to have."

Kai Lohmann got Bruce's special tick of approval 😂 — AFL (@AFL) pic.twitter.com/LgJspS5819September 21, 2024

The enterprising play that has inspired was on show in Saturday's preliminary final comeback win over Geelong. 

Starcevich, who admits he's become more adventurous in his play this season, Wilmot and Lohmann were all heavily involved in crucial goals that got the Lions back in the contest, then pushed them decisively clear.

But can they maintain it at a full MCG stadium with the club's first premiership since 2003 up for grabs?

"You can't get to the big dance and go into your shell," Wilmot said.

"It got us there and a lot of people, after playing the granny last year, have the confidence to go out and do their thing and have fun."