You could easily have thought the Brisbane Lions best and fairest night was structured around a Harry Potter movie with the he-who-must-not-be-named character Lord Voldemort played by exiled forward Brendan Fevola.

The Lions' bespectacled chairman, Angus Johnson, spoke of a dark season, an equally dark week and ways the board would conjure good from evil as he cast the players' and supporters' minds into the future - albeit 2011.

He drew comparisons between the hell of 1998 when the Lions debunked a coach, finished last and had a presidential coup.

Negative headlines from 1998 flashed upon a screen to the sound of simulated thunder and featuring an eerie voice-over.

"There's no hiding the fact it's been a big year and a tough week," Johnson told a 500-strong crowd, minus `he-who-must-not-be-named', at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Thursday night.

"In 2010 we will do well to remember 1998 and everyone at the club from the board down needs to ask the questions what's it going to take to be as successful as we were in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

"This board and this club have the responsibility to make sure we have the best people in our organisation the best players, the best coaches, the best staff and the best board.

"As a member of the Lions board for the past 12 years I have no hesitation in admitting we have made mistakes.

"Leigh Matthews once said to the board: we haven't been tested, one day you will be.

"Well we are being tested right now and history will record how we respond."

As tough as it was for Johnson to front the event, it was more emotional for Lions best and fairest winner Michael Rischitelli who announced on Tuesday he was leaving for the fledgling Gold Coast Suns.

Rischitelli was given a standing ovation as he made his way to the stage, testament that he leaves the club on the best of terms and with a heavy heart.

"It's been playing on my mind (leaving the club) for a little bit and the main reason I came out a few days ago (announcing the Suns signing) was for all the guys who had supported me through my footy and the announcement was for you guys to show how much I appreciated your support with all my heart," the 24-year-old said.

As he ran through a thank you list of coaches, support staff and players who had assisted him over the years, Rischitelli broke down as he realised he was leaving a club he had called home for seven seasons.

After regaining his composure, and wiping tears from his eyes, Rischitelli said: "I didn't think it was going to be this hard."

He thanked former Lions recruiting officer Kinnear Beatson for putting his faith in his talents and skipper Jonathan Brown, who was third behind Rischitelli and Simon Black in the medal count, for his leadership.

"There will always be a spot in my heart for the club," Rischitelli said.

His departure for the Suns has been largely attributed to a fistful of dollars and his decision made easier after he was offered as trade bait last year by the Lions who were trying to secure `he-who-must-not-be-named'.

Ironically, the Lions look like losing, not one, but two stars for all the wrong reasons.

If only they could cast a spell and turn back time.

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