­­­A behind from Michael Close in the dying seconds has helped the Lions Reserves snatch a one-point comeback victory over Redland in a gritty showing on Saturday night at the Gabba.

5 goals from Josh Green and a gladiatorial effort in defence from Matthew Hammelmann played a massive role in keeping the Lions in the game, as did Mathieson’s work in the middle with 29 disposals.

Amazingly the Lions won the match with just two goalkickers, Josh Clayton complementing Green’s bag with two of his own, including a thumping bomb from outside 50m in the third stanza.

The dewy surface made the match a scrappy affair on an otherwise clear evening, keeping the scores to an extremely low 7.12 (54) – 7.11 (53).

Turnovers cost the Lions the lead at quarter time, before a goal drought for both teams in the second quarter was broken by Redland’s Blake Grewar in red time.

The Lions dominated possession in the first half, leading the marks 74-26, but constant chipping the ball back and sideways saw Redland hold the ascendancy at half-time, Nick Weller the beneficiary with 3 goals for the Bombers.

The Lions changed tactics in the second half, going long and direct with their kicking, ultimately swinging the momentum in their favour before hanging on in the last quarter.

A spectacular mark from Noosa junior Reid Gordon led to the first goal of the final term to Green, before goals to Steven and former Collingwood player Peter Yagmoor saw Redland take back the lead in time on.

The match looked destined for a draw as Ryan Dadds sprayed across the face of goal under pressure in the final minute, before a desperate chase down and tackle from big man Close on Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds led to the winning point.

Sam Skinner (18 disposals, 9 marks) was a pillar in defence in just his third game, supporting Hammelmann (26 disposals, 16 marks) in curtailing the impact of Redland’s key forwards.

Dan McStay was forced to change into jumper number 49 after being helped off under the blood rule in the second term, but the heavy knock didn’t faze him, finishing the game with 22 disposals and 15 marks.

Mathieson was a bull in the centre of the ground, whilst McGuiness worked his way into the match to finish with 27 disposals.

Accuracy and penetration off the boot from Mathieson and Hammelmann was pleasing to see in a Reserves side which has been criticised for being wasteful by foot.

Reuben William and bottom-age U18 prospect Soul Cormick provided damaging run and carry with 26 disposals apiece.

Nick Robertson was assisted from the ground in the second quarter with what looked like an ankle injury, before Hyundai Help for Kids Academy prospect Elliot Himmelberg also limped off at half time playing for Redland.

Neither player returned for the remainder of the match.

The Bombers won the free kicks 30-13, whilst Archie Smith helped the Lions gain the ascendency in the hit-outs 57-40.

Blake Grewar (37 disposals), Tom Salter (36) and Brad Rees (30) were dominant for the Bombers, whereas the Lions shared a bulk of the work between each other, with 10 players finishing with 20 possessions or more.

The loss prevented the Bombers from leapfrogging Sydney University and the Giants into fourth spot, whilst the Lions now only sit behind the Suns Reserves on percentage in 9th spot.

The Lions will next week travel to Darwin to take on the 2nd placed NT Thunder, coached by former Lion Xavier Clarke.

LIONS              2.5           2.6           5.10         7.12 (54)
REDLAND         3.2           4.7           5.8           7.11 (53)

GOALS
Lions: Green 5, Josh Clayton 2
Redland: Weller 3, Yagmoor, Grewar, Goodall, Steven

BEST
Lions: Green, Hammelmann, Mathieson, McGuiness, McStay, Cormick
Redland: Grewar, Salter, Rees, Weller, Steven, Thomson

INJURIES
Lions: Robertson (knee/ankle)
Redland: Himmelberg (knee/ankle)

The Gabba, Brisbane.

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