The Lions conceded 11 scoring shots in the opening quarter of last Saturday’s match at Coorparoo to find themselves 28 points behind at the first break.
But a commanding seven-goal to nil second term with the aid of a strong breeze saw the reigning State League champs take a 17-point – and all the momentum – into half-time.
Reserves Coach Leigh Harding praised his team’s effort to fight back when faced with adversity.
“I think (the Giants) got hold of us early – they really cracked in and we needed to be able to stem that flow a bit better,” Harding told lions.com.au.
“But to the boys’ credit, to come back after that was superb.”
“I raised my voice a little bit (at quarter time). We had given away a couple of undisciplined 50m penalties so had to address a couple of things.”
Richard Newell was the Lions’ surprise sharpshooter, kicking a game-high three goals.
“He played a little bit through midfield, but also across half-forward and the wing,” Harding said.
“His work-rate is first-class, so it was pleasing to see him get those chances and hit the scoreboard.”
Ryan Harwood put himself firmly back in the minds of the senior selectors with another stunning display across half-back, while Callum Bartlett, Sam Docherty, Jared Polec and Sam Mayes were also among the team’s best.
“Bartlett was very good. He played more of an inside-mid role and was very strong. I think he ended up having eight clearances and eight inside 50s for the match,” Harding said.
“Mayes showed more improvement, but was taken off at three-quarter time in case he was needed as the senior emergency.”
SCOREBOARD
Brisbane Lions 14.17 (101)
UWS Giants 8.14 (62)
GOALS: Lions – Newell 3, Lisle 2, Polec 2, Paparone 2, McKeever, Cornelius, Michael, Bartlett, Stevenson. Giants – o’hAilpin 3, Jaksch, Steele, Barrett, Downie, Whiley.
BEST: Lions – Harwood, Bartlett, Docherty, Polec, Banfield, Mayes. Giants – Miles, Haynes, Whiley, Bruce, Reid, Barrett.
