The Brisbane Lions VFL side have made a strong statement to the rest of the competition downing the Gold Coast SUNS by 34 points at Brighton Homes Arena this afternoon.
Bursting out for the blocks with five goals in the opening term, the Lions never relinquished the lead in their final practice game before Round 1 of the 2025 Smithy's VFL Season.
Four goals to Will McLachlan and two to Brandon Ryan led the Lions on the scoreboard while the defence kept a high-quality SUNS outfit to just three majors for the match.
James Tunstill was prolific through the middle of the ground along with draftee Sam Marshall and Bruce Reville as the Lions midfield dominated clearance for much of the contest.
Marshall along with VFL-listed Jack Manly were the other two Lions to hit the scoreboard in the first quarter as the Lions took a 29-point lead into the opening break.
The Lions small forwards proved the difference in attack with McLachlan, Manly and Darcy Craven all hitting the scoreboard throughout the day.
An arm wrestle in the second term saw Henry Smith boot the only major for the Lions but it was a strong defensive showing which will excite VFL Coach, Ben Hudson.
Zane Zakostelsky and Harry Arnold were particularly noticeable, competing well in the air and on the ground as the SUNS booted their first goal in the 24th minute of the second quarter, leading by 25 points at half-time.
Three goals in the third term, two to Ryan and one to small forward Craven helped the Lions extended their half-time lead again thanks to the Lions back six who kept the SUNS scoreless.
Draftee Ty Gallop competed hard all day, spending some time in the ruck while also taking a number of strong contested marks with the Lions taking 46-point lead into the final term.
Deven Robertson lined up on the half-back to start the game and did not look out of place, with his ball-use a highlight as the Lions exited defensive 50.
McLachlan’s fourth goal settled things in the final term as the Lions defenders continued to thwart the SUNS attack efforts, running away 10.8 (68) to 3.16 (32) winners.
The Lions will now gear up for Round 1 of the 2025 Smithy’s VFL where they will host Port Melbourne at Brighton Homes Arena from 11:05am on Saturday 22 March.
Fans are encouraged to get down the Brighton Homes Arena for the first bounce at 11:05am.
If you can’ make the game, you can follow all the action on the Lions social media pages or watch on the AFL app or the live stream on https://www.afl.com.au/vfl.
Final Score
Brisbane 10.8 (68) def Gold Coast SUNS 3.16 (34)
Goals: McLachlan 4, Ryan 2, Smith, Craven, Marshall, Manly
Best: Craven, McLachlan, Reville, Tunstill, Smith
