Under blue skies at Spotless stadium on Saturday afternoon, the Brisbane Lions secured their second place finish after a thrilling five-point win over the GIANTS.

It was a hot contest from the get go with the GIANTS giving it their all before going down to the Lions 13.10 (88) to 14.9 (93).

Matt Flynn filled the big shoes of Dawson Simpson playing in the ruck, winning the hit outs 46 to 45, and the combined effort of their team gave the Queenslanders a run for their money.

There was plenty of AFL talent on the field from both sides. Matt Kennedy clocked up 37 disposals and lead the count at half-time with 24 touches.

The GIANTS didn’t go down without a fight, keeping the Lions goalless in the second quarter. They scored four goals consecutively with Lachie Tiziani and Zach Sproule the main goal scorers.

By the third quarter, the GIANTS held a steady 13-point lead after a massive bomb from Daniel Lloyd which placed itself nicely in the hands of smooth kicker Sproule, and by three-quarter time Will Setterfield had extended their lead by three goals after a major on the siren.

However, the mischievous left foot boot and striking defending play from Jeremy Finlayson wasn’t enough to stop his attacking opponents. The Lions bit back at everything the GIANTS threw at them.

The Lions came out with a bang in the fourth, kicking the next four majors to one.

Tall forward Oscar McInerney was prolific for his side, bringing the margin up to one point. The game was on fire and the crowd was seeing a repeat of the last time these two sides met at Spotless.

McInerney was a major goal scorer for the Lionsm booting three goals while Josh Clayton collected 28 disposals and a goal.

Josh Schache and Campbell Walker both showcased their kicking talent, booting two majors respectively and helping their team crawl into winning contention.

It was the last goal by defender Reuben William which put his team in a four-point lead with five minutes remaining.

The pressure from the Lions defenders was exceptional as they kept the GIANTS from claiming victory.

While the GIANTS held possession for most of the game, it was the Lions tenacity which shone through.

The Lions are now in the running to become the 2017 NEAFL premiership winners. Next week they have a bye before hosting a Preliminary Final for a shot to progress to the Grand Final. 

BRISBANE 5.3 5.5 10.6 14.9 (93)
GIANTS 3.1 7.5 12.8 13.10 (88)

GOALS – Brisbane: O McInerney 3 J Schache 2 C Walker 2 C Lyons J Clayton L Dawson A Smith M Hammelmann J Freeman R William. Giants: L Tiziani 3 Z Sproule 3 K Briggs 2 M Flynn J Gaynor W Setterfield J Lucas T Taranto