The Brisbane Lions Reserves have shown they are still on top of their game during today’s grand final rematch against the Aspley Hornets at Graham Road. With an extensive injury list and the pressure of last year’s NEAFL premiership, the Lions were able to overcome the in-form Hornets, triumphing 12.8 (80) to 15.13 (103) in perfect Autumn conditions.
After a 107-point defeat at the hands of the Redland Bombers last week, Brisbane was keen to assert themselves as premiership contenders. With a new structure at the club, many new players demonstrated their potential and showed improvements from last week’s besieged performance.
Brisbane were the dominant side from the first bounce, providing unrelenting forward pressure and capitalising on the scoreboard. While the first quarter was ‘scrappy’ from both sides, the Lions were able to carry the ball effectively through the centre of the ground. The Lions tackling pressure was also efficient, forcing errors from the Hornets defence. The reigning premiers looked promising at the first break, leading the Hornets 5.2 (32) to 2.3 (15).
The Lions Reserves were under pressure early in the next term, with Aspley kicking two unanswered goals to begin the second quarter. Yet, the Lions were able to retaliate, suppressing Aspley’s forceful backline. The Brisbane Reserves were able to settle their movement through the middle of the ground, playing disciplined and team-orientated football. Archie Smith showed his potential, utilising his explosive leap to dominate the ruck contests, and provide flawless taps to his teammates. The sides went into the break equally matched, with only a three-point difference at the halfway mark.
In the third quarter, the Brisbane Reserves were clearly the dominant side, with clean handballs and penetrating kicks into the forward line. James Polkinghorne was damaging in the third term, shrugging a tackle midway through the quarter to kick Brisbane’s third consecutive goal. Coach Gary O’Donnell praised the pressure tactics of the Brisbane Reserves, noting that even when the Hornets did not have the ball there was perceived pressured from the players. The Lions showed their composure in the premiership quarter leading the Hornets 14.8 (92) to 9.6 (60) at the final change.
In the last term, the tempo of the game had slowed down, which favoured the Hornets. Aspley won the final quarter, kicking three goals with a late Brisbane goal to finish the game. Aspley showed positive signs in the fourth quarter, yet it was not enough to overcome the emerging Lions. The siren sounded after a hard fought contest, with the Brisbane Reserves prevailing over the hardworking Aspley Hornets 15.13 (103) to 12.8 (80).
Andrew Raines, James Polkinghorne and Zachary O’Brien were once against amongst the best on the ground today, but it was the efforts of Archie Smith that captured the attention of the supporters.
“Archie is getting better and better each week,” coach Gary O’Donnell told lions.com.au.
“He may be a player in the future.”
With many positive performances by young players, Brisbane will continue to improve throughout the remainder of the season. The Lions Reserves will play Sydney next week.
Final Score:
Lions Reserves: 5.2 (32) 8.3 (51) 14.8 (92) 15.13 (103)
Aspley Hornets: 2.3 (15) 7.6 (48) 9.6 (60) 12.8 (80)
Goals: Polkinghorne (4), Close (2), Freeman (2), Stevenson (2), Harwood (1), McStay Michael (1), Raines (1), Wagner (1)
