“It’s us against the world,” Jake Lohmann used to tell his younger brother, Kai, when they were kids. These words encapsulate the powerful bond that exists between the two siblings, whose journey took them from Maryborough in regional Victoria to successful adult careers. Kai as a talented forward for the Brisbane Lions, and Jake as a skilled and determined player in the VFL and Programs Facilitator at the LifeChanger Foundation.
Their story in Maryborough tells how, from a young age, both Jake and Kai were immersed in sports, which was the heartbeat of their community. “We played footy, basketball, cricket and tennis, as well as school athletics, swimming and cross country to a pretty high level,” says Jake. “Pretty much anything that got thrown our way, we gave it a go,” he adds.
As close as the two brothers are, they had their fair share of sibling rivalry, too. “We had a lot of punch-ups in the backyard,” laughs Kai. “Mum would come out and pull us inside because we were fighting. I always won,” he jokes with Jake.
These shared childhood experiences laid the foundation for their competitive spirit and support for each other. No matter if it was backyard cricket or intense basketball games, they pushed each other to excel.
Sport is a common language
Jake shares some fond memories of Kai’s early sporting misadventures. Kai’s first footy game – where he was laid out by ‘the Brick’ – has become a legendary family story, and Jake also recalls the time that Kai (supposedly) faked a knee injury to avoid finishing a cross-country race.
Sport was their common language, and Jake saw Kai’s spark from early on. “Anything that he’d touch, he wants to be the best at,” he says, his pride evident. Since those early days, Jake has always watched out for his younger brother, even from the sidelines.
The brothers’ bond was solidified during a challenging period when their family went through significant upheaval, ending in a move from Maryborough to Ballarat. “Pressure makes diamonds,” says Jake. “I like to think that Kai and I are diamonds in the rough.
“I don't think people understand the journey we went through as youngsters to get where we are today. But it builds resilience and different skills and tools. It was a tough time in our lives, but we had each other. I always used to say to Kai, ‘You take on the world as brothers’,” he adds.
Changing focus to ‘us with the world’
Jake says that as he and Kai got older, they changed their mantra from ’it’s us against the world’ to ’it’s us with the world’. “You don’t want to be against the world,” he explains.
Despite their rough-and-tumble rivalry, Kai has always looked up to Jake as a role model. “I always wanted to be better, bigger, stronger, fitter and faster than him,” Kai says, “and I still look up to him. He's a great brother, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Jake’s experience and guidance helped shape Kai’s drive, while Kai’s determination to outshine his older brother pushed them further in their lives and careers. “It definitely made me better," Kai acknowledges.
Their relationship has always been characterised by mutual admiration and support. Jake talks about Kai's talent, work ethic and personality with pride. “Kai's authenticity and individuality shine through in spades,” he says. “He brings people together. He's extroverted, and he's a character. He's got a bit of flair in the way he plays footy, too.”
‘He’s going to be special’
Kai’s rise in Australian rules football was a journey that Jake watched and supported from the start. He remembers Kai at eight and nine years old, matched up against 12-year-olds, as well as a defining moment in an under-14s finals match: “Kai kicked two goals that day… I thought, wow, he’s going to be special.”
Jake’s belief in Kai’s abilities never wavered. He describes Kai’s draft night chaos. He rushed home from footy training just as Kai’s name flashed up as pick 20 for the Brisbane Lions. “As I opened the front door, I heard everyone erupt. I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, I think my brother's just been drafted’.
“I remember sprinting in, and something came over me, and I spear tackled him into the couch and hugged him. I just couldn't believe it. I was thinking, ‘wow, it's weird how the world works’. I was actually wearing Brisbane Lions shorts to training. And that was the team that picked Kai.”
Another of Jake’s proudest moments was watching Kai play in the Brisbane Lions' 2024 premiership-winning team. “There was a moment where I thought, ‘how crazy is this’ – seeing him run out in the AFL Grand Final. I almost felt like our souls were tied and, as weird as it sounds, it almost felt like I was playing out there as well.”
“It was one of the best days of my life,” he explains. “It gets me every single time I watch the game, I start crying. I can't help it because I couldn’t be more proud. It was a dream that both of us wanted to achieve, and I knew he was going to play well.
“He kicked four goals, and I couldn't stop crying and laughing. I've been very proud of Kai's career so far, but that was a defining moment,” he confirms.
Brotherly support in tough times
Jake’s role as Kai’s number 1 fan is more than just cheerleading. “I always look for his texts,” Kai says of Jake’s pre-game messages. “He’s my hype man… he always says go out there and have fun, and I think that’s when I play my best.”
After a rough day, Kai still leans on Jake for support: “Talking to him makes me feel a lot better… I really struggle when I have a bad session or a bad game.” It’s mutual, though – Jake also draws strength from Kai. “I feel more empowered when someone you’re proud of and respect messages you,” Jake says.
The brothers’ bond is built on their complementary personalities. Jake compares Kai to a Jack Russell: “If Kai were a dog, he’d definitely be a Jack Russell… full tilt… playful and cheeky,” he says. Kai’s instinctive flair contrasts with Jake’s reflective nature, but they balance each other out. Their determination, however, is a common trait: “We’re both pretty stubborn,” Kai says – it’s something that’s carried them through some tough times.
Jake was a constant support through Kai’s three surgeries in three years: ankle, groin and collarbone. “I hope I was a shoulder he could lean on,” he says. Kai agrees, “I always had Jake’s phone calls to lean on.”
Making memories into the future
Looking ahead, both Kai and Jake share dreams beyond football. They’ve talked about possible media ventures, perhaps a podcast or YouTube channel, where they can share their stories and experiences with the world. More than anything, though, they want to continue being together and strengthening the bond that’s been the cornerstone of their lives so far.
Jake’s wish is simple: “Life's all about making memories. I just want to make as many memories with Kai as possible. But it's important he stays true to himself, which he has, and I'm so proud of him as a big brother.
“I’m Jake, and I’m Kai Lohmann’s number 1 fan!” he affirms.
