The Brisbane Lions Reserves showed promising signs in patches but were too inconsistent to upset the third-ranked NT Thunder
The Northern Territory Thunder have secured a large percentage boost with a win against the Brisbane Lions Reserves at TIO Stadium, winning 18.9.117 to 10.9.69.
The Lions Reserves made the trip up to Darwin with their sights set on a win following a tough loss against the Gold Coast Suns Reserves last week, but were ultimately outplayed by the northern state side.
The first term saw Brisbane trade goal for goal with the Thunder which saw captain Matthew Hammelmann slot two majors for the quarter. The Lions found success by probing the attacking 50 with ease using short kicks to leading runs which saw Brisbane lead by eight points at the break.
The Lions started the second quarter strongly by exhibiting a strong work-rate which led to a couple of goals. Both teams found it difficult to score for a period due to scrappy plays and a lack of fluency and ball control. The Thunder then managed to find some run and carry across half-back in the latter stages of the term and piled on six goals in quick succession to leave the Lions reeling with a 15-point deficit at half-time.
The Thunder started the third quarter where they left off and dominated contested possessions in the midfield and half-forward. The fluid passages of play through the corridor for the NT team caused major headaches for the Lions with Ilett and Lockwood featuring heavily for the home side. The relentless onslaught yielded a six-goal quarter for the Thunder and rendered the Lions goalless, resulting in a 52-point lead for the hosts going into the last term.
The final quarter saw the Lions manage to wrestle back some control of the game and score their first goal since half time. Jackson Starcevich did well to finish with four goals and Zac O’Brien fought hard in the midfield for the Lions but overall the Thunder were too strong for the young Lions outfit, in the end winning by 48 points.
Chris Dunne did well kicking five goals for the home side but the real star was Julian Lockwood who was a constant presence at centre half-forward and forced contests whenever he was involved.
Daniel Merrett performed admirably in defence manning Thunder forward and leading season goalscorer Darren Ewing (3 goals), although it wasn’t enough on the day.
The Lions Reserves will be looking to register a win next week when they take on the Sydney Swans Reserves in a home game at Coorparoo starting at midday.
LIONS RESERVES 3.3 5.7 5.8 10.9 (69)
NT THUNDER 2.1 8.4 14.6 18.9 (117)
GOALS
Lions: Starcevich 4, Hammelmann 3, Evans, Golby, Harding
Thunder: Dunne 5, Ewing 3, Ilett 3, Eldridge 2, Motlop 2, Lockwood, Tambling, Turner
BEST
Lions: Starcevich, O’Brien, Wolbers, Hammelmann, Merrett
Thunder: Lockwood, Ilett, Tambling, Dunne, Eldridge
