The Brisbane Lions overcame a gallant Redland to win by 18-points in a high-scoring and entertaining affair at the Gabba on Sunday afternoon.
The Lions were pushed to the final siren but in the end but were just too good for Redland, winning 20.12 (132) to 18.6 (114). When they met back in round seven, it was Redland who started the game extremely well but this time it was Brisbane who took the ascendancy early.
The Lions kicked eight goals to Redland’s four in the first quarter, to lead by 26 points at the first change. Redland limited Brisbane to two goals in the second quarter but still trailed by 38 points at the main break. The second half was more like a tennis match with both teams going goal for goal for most of the game.
A few unanswered goals to the Bombers in the third and fourth quarters ensured it was an entertaining finish. The margin was only 12 points until a Lions goal just before the final siren extended the margin to 18. It was a fantastic effort by the Bombers against a Lions side fielding 20 AFL-listed players. Redland coach, Leigh Harding, was extremely proud of the team’s effort, despite the loss.
“That was probably our best team performance for the year, against a quality AFL team who will probably make this year’s grand final,” he said.
“With 20 AFL-listed players it is always tough, but we beat them earlier in the year and then took them within a couple of goals. I couldn’t be prouder of our boys.”
In such a high-scoring match both defences were put under extreme pressure, but former Collingwood player Peter Yagmoor was very good for the Bombers across the half-back.
“It was Peter Yagmoor’s best game I’ve ever seen him play for Redland, he was super off half-back,” Harding said.
Bailey Lambert (23 disposals), was also impressive for Redland in his first game for the club, the 18-year-old adding something different to the midfield. Up forward, Jackson Paine (six goals) and Clay Cameron (four) were very damaging for the Bombers.
“Jackson and Clay were super," Harding said.
"You just know you can go to either of them and they are going to mark it or bring it to ground.”
For Brisbane, Liam Dawson was a fantastic up forward taking 14 marks and three goals. Ryan Harwood (four goals) and Blake Grewar (three) also added to their scoring power.
Cian Hanley (30 disposals) provided some fantastic run off the half back and Jarrad Jansen (32 disposals) was solid in the midfield for the Lions. Brisbane travel to take on the Demons in Canberra next week, while Redland have the bye.
