Australian Football

Match Report

Brisbane continued a round of upsets with huge win over finals contenders Gold Coast in the eight "Q Clash" at the Gabba in Saturday's twilight match. That match was as good as over at quarter time after the Lions dominated every aspect of the first term to boot 7.7 to the Suns paltry 1.2 and establish a 39-point lead at the first break. With their "Mozzie Squad" - Dayne Zorko, Josh Geen and Lewis Taylor - in everything, the Lions cut a swathe through the Suns defence time and time again, scoring goals almost at will. The Suns managed to stem the flow to a degree in the second quarter but Brisbane still outscored them 3.4 to 2.1 to set up a half-time lead of exactly 50 points. 

The Suns were again competitive in the third term but, given that it is they and not the Lions who are pressing for a place in September action, the fact that Brisbane outscored them for a third consecutive quarter would have been most disappointing for coach Guy McKenna. The Lions kicked 4.3 for the term to Gold Coast's 3.3 to extend the lead to 56-points at the last change of ends. The Suns' coaching staff set the players a target of winning the last term and, although they achieved that aim, it was only just, with Gold Cost kicking 2.2 to Brisbane's 2.0 to marginally close the gap 54 points at the final siren. 

Irishman Pearce Hanley led the way for the Lions with a magnificent 45-disposal, nine-mark performance, while Tom Rocklff was also sensational with 47 possessions and 10 tackles. Dayne Zorko (32 disposals, seven tackles) was also excellent. For the Suns Danny Stanley (nine tackles, 23 disposals) and Dion Prestia (22 possessions, six tackles) tried hard throughout the match. 

The loss leaves Gold Coast precariously placed. The Suns are now 10th on the ladder, equal with the eighth-placed Adelaide but with a poor percentage of just 96.0. They will host St Kilda at Carrara on Saturday night. The Lions have broken away from the bottom three on the ladder, the win leaving them a game clear of GWS, Melbourne and St Kilda. They will go into their Docklands match against Melbourne on Sunday full of confidence. 

GOALS
Brisbane: Green 3; Close, Hanley, McGrath, Zorko 2; Maguire, Taylor, Rockliff, Crisp, McStay
Gold Coast: Sexton 3; Hall, Stanley, Shaw, Martin, Day

BEST – THE SUNDAY AGE
Brisbane: Hanley Zorko Rockliff Green Martin Patfull
Gold Coast: Stanley May Prestia.

BEST - AFL.COM.AU
Brisbane: Hanley, Zorko, Rockliff, Martin, Green, Patfull, Crisp
Gold Coast: May, Stanley, Shaw

INJURIES
Brisbane: Mayes (concussion)
Gold Coast: Dixon (groin), Smith (ankle)

SUBSTITUTES
Brisbane: Claye Beams on for Sam Mayes in the third quarter
Gold Coast: Louis Herbert on for Charlie Dixon in the first quarter

UMPIRES: Bannister, Ryan and McInerney

TELEVISION BROADCAST: Fox Footy

COMMENTATORS: Anthony Hudson, Jason Dunstall, Alastair Lynch, Cameron Mooney