Brisbane's AFL fans gathered in their thousands all over the city with high hopes the Lions could win their fourth consecutive grand final.

But expectations built on being the firm favourites all year to win the flag and make history as the best side of the modern era were unceremoniously squashed by Port Adelaide at the MCG.

In the grand final that didn't have a Victorian team, Port Adelaide won its first premiership upsetting the Lions by 40 points and devastating their fans at home.

The Story Bridge Hotel has unlikely hosted a more sombre reception.

Apart from a small, vulnerable cluster of joyous Port Adelaide supporters, the 3,000 Aussie Rules fans that crammed into the iconic inner city pub located in a rugby league heartland were largely disheartened Lions when the full-time siren sounded.

Some were looking for answers, some for alcohol, and some were philosophic about their loss.

"When you barrack for the Rabbitohs in the rugby league, the Lions look pretty good just to get into the grand final," said chipper Brisbane fan Keith Duffin.

"I'm just happy to be here."

Others were less upbeat: "Mate I feel like trashing this place".

Before Port pulled away late in the third term, Lions fans broke into regular cheers, confident the certainty promised all year amid talk of five premierships in a row would of course be delivered.

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