The Brisbane Lions VFL team have suffered their first loss of the season, going down to North Melbourne by one-point at Arden Street Oval on Sunday afternoon.
In an enthralling contest, a late North Melbourne goal sealed the loss for the Lions who booted 21 behinds for the match.
The Lions jumped out of the blocks but were wasteful in front of goal kicking eight first quarter behinds.
A dominant opening term around the ground helped the Lions to an eight-point lead thanks largely to Brisbane’s midfield.
Jarryd Lyons was enormous all day collecting a game high 38 disposals and 11 clearances to finish as one of the Lions best.
But Lyons had help, fellow midfielders Deven Robertson and Jimmy Tunstill both had 33 and 28 touches respectively to get on top of North Melbourne’s midfield.
The Roos fired back in the second term kicking three goals inside the first 10 minutes to completely change the momentum of the game.
A Harry Sharp shot on the run was the only major for the Lions, who posted another four minor scores in the second term.
Trailing by eight points at half-time, the Lions looked to wrestle back the ascendancy but were unable to put the damage on the scoreboard.
Brandon Ryan booted his first goal in the Lions colours in the third quarter and would register two more in the second half in an impressive showing.
Rucks Henry Smith and Darcy Fort were influential, giving the Lions midfielders silver service with Smith adding a goal to his tally as well.
The Lions faced a five-point deficit at the final change and it was North Melbourne who got on top early in the term
The Roos kicked the first two goals of the last quarter to pull away from the Lions.
However, two goals to Ryan and one to Kalin Lane roared the Lions to life as they hit the lead at the 26-minute mark.
Only for the Roos to kick would be the deciding major only two minutes later, resulting in the Lions first loss for the 2024 Smithy’s VFL season.
Brisbane now turn their attention to Geelong next week as the Lions return home to Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday at 1:05pm.
Final Score
North Melbourne 76 def Brisbane 75
Goals: Ryan 3, Tunstill, Smith, Sharp, Robertson, Lane, Dunkley
Best: Brain, Lyons, Tunstill, Robertson, Smith, Sharp
