Brisbane's Hugh McCluggage following South Warrnambool finals run

The South Warrnambool export, alongside parents Sam and Christine, watched via live-stream the Roosters - featuring younger brother Myles - defeat North Warrnambool Eagles in Saturday's second semi-final.

Just hours later, the Lions vice captain was out on the Gabba, starring in the side's commanding qualifying-final win over Port Adelaide.

He collected 26 disposals in the match to go with a goal, as the Lions downed the Power 123-75 to book a home preliminary final.

"It was great to see them (Roosters) get over the line, into their first grand final since 2011," he said.

"They've got a good group of players, I'm pretty close with a lot of them from when I played back there in my junior days and also the Rebels - big Shannon Beks (who is) having a great year and a few guys like that."

The Roosters will contest the decider on Saturday, September 23 while the Lions will face either Melbourne or Carlton in a preliminary final on potentially the same day.

"We might actually have a clash when they play their grand final which is unfortunate but I'm hoping they can get over the line," McCluggage said.

The Lions are viewed as a genuine premiership contender and should they triumph in the preliminary final, will feature in their first grand final since 2004.

McCluggage, who played his 150^th game earlier in the season, has again been a key contributor to the side, averaging more than 22 disposals from 23 games this year.

The midfielder lauded the support he had received from home in the south-west.

"A lot of players that went through the Fitzroy system they still support the Lions really well down there," he said.

"There's always people bobbing up that take a fair interest in what we're doing so I appreciate all the support from back home and hopefully we can do them proud this year."

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