The Brisbane Lions VFL side winning streak of eight has come to end at the hands of the Gold Coast SUNS at People First Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The SUNS booted seven goals in the opening term with the Lions unable to recover as the home side ran away 18.9 (117) to 11.6 (72) winners.

Brandon Ryan booted the Lions first with a nice set shot while 201-centimetre Academy product Tom Gillett was a shining light kicking a goal in each of the first three quarters.

The SUNS were able to transition the ball from defensive 50 to forward 50 at speed as the young Lions defence were pitted against a strong SUNS forward line.

Bruce Reville had a strong day with two majors and 24 touches as he put his hand up for a recall to the AFL side.

Deven Robertson also continued his consistent run of form, collecting 27 disposals and 13 clearances, while also being a strong contributor defensively with eight tackles.

Trailing by 33 points at quarter time the Lions looked to respond quickly as Reville booted his first major but a run of three SUNS goals quickly put the margin back over 40 points.

05:39

VFL Highlights: Rd 18 v Gold Coast

The Suns and Lions clash in round 18

Gillett’s second and two goals in succession from Luke Beecken ensured the Lions were withing striking distance at half-time, trailing by 31 points.

Darcy Fort enjoyed a strong day in the ruck 30 hitouts and five clearances while Gillett added to his two majors with 17 hitouts of his own.

Two goals to Will McLachlan along with Reville’s second and Gillett’s third gave the Lions a pulse but the SUNS were able to respond, booting six goals of their own for the quarter to put the game beyond the Lions reach at three quarter time.

Ben Hudson’s men were able to win the last quarter, kicking four goals to three with Joel Budarick, Ben Thomas and Darcy Craven all able to hit the scoreboard.

James Tunstill toiled hard in the midfield throughout the contest amassing 25 possessions and six clearances while Beecken put in another strong performance with 19 touches and five marks to go with his two goals.

The Lions now turn their attention to Carlton next weekend as they travel to Ikon Park for Round 19 of the Smithy’s VFL.

Final Score

Gold Coast 131 def Brisbane 96

Goals: Gillett 3, Ryan 2, Reville 2, McLachlan 2, Beecken 2, Thomas, Craven, Budarick

Best: Madden, Robertson, Fort, Craven, Sharp, Reville