The Brisbane Lions have stunned the Sydney Swans in their top-of-the-table NEAFL clash at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon, out-muscling and overpowering the ladder leaders to stake their claim for premiership favouritism with a 19-point win.

The Swans lack of talls hurt them badly, as the Lions ruckmen and forwards helped render the Swans’ usually dominant midfield ineffective, Matt Hammelmann spearheading the attack with five goals in the 19.14 (128) to 15.19 (109) victory.

James Rose was outstanding up forward for the Swans with six goals, while Daniel Robinson (27 disposals, four tackles) chipped in with two of his own, but ultimately inaccuracy from his contemporaries and the lack of a true key forward were fatal flaws for the away side.

Meanwhile, Michael Close (20 disposals, eight marks, three goals) was a general for the Lions at high half-forward, providing a strong leading option that freed up the likes of Hammelmann, Jono Freeman (two goals) and academy member Connor Ballenden (two goals) inside 50.

Ryan Harwood (20 disposals) continued carving out his new niche as a forward, applying bruising tackles and walking away with a goal of his own.

Rohan Bewick (27 disposals, nine marks) was instrumental on a wing for the Lions, while Josh Clayton (25 disposals, six marks) turned in one of his better performances of the season.

The first quarter started with both sides trying to carefully pick their way through the opposition defence, but it was Brisbane that took the initiative and stormed ahead late in the term with four unanswered goals.

A shootout ensued in the second term, as both sides kicked 4.4 for the quarter – Corey Lyons adding a superb snap through the big sticks from the pocket to his highlight reel.

Brisbane managed to hold the Swans at arms-length for the first three quarters, until goals to Jack Maibaum and James Rose either side of the final break brought Sydney to within 12 points.

But the Lions kicked away late, goals to Hammelmann and Jono Freeman putting the game beyond doubt.

“I’m really proud of the way our guys went about it today,” said Lions coach Mitch Hahn.

“(Sydney) had 19 listed and we had 20, it was great for NEAFL footy and for our footy club as well.

“We went in with the focus of trying to beat the Swans at the contested ball because they’re a really strong team in that area.

“Our talls were able to take control with some of those contested marks. They defended our switch really well so we ended up going long down the line, that was the opportunity for us to get on top in the game.

“I was really pleased with Campbell Walker today, one of our development players, for his effort. You’re not always going to hit your skills but the way you attack the man and the way that you follow up, I thought he led the way in that area.”

The Swans were dominated in the hit outs (68-14), opting not to use 18-year-old Liam Maze in the ruck, instead throwing a fourth midfielder into centre bounces at times, and allowing Archie Smith and Oscar McInerney to win the taps uncontested.

The unusual tactic worked to some extent, and despite the huge disparity in hit outs the Swans stayed competitive in the clearances (38-36).

The duo of Smith (35 hit-outs, 15 disposals, two goals) and McInerney (31 hit outs, 14 disposals) were formidable, and even when Aliir Aliir was sent to the centre bounce in the second half to curtail their influence they continued to dominate.

The Lions face the Suns at the Gabba in the penultimate round of the season next week, while the Swans head back to the SCG to tackle Redland on Saturday morning.

Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans at the Gabba

BRISBANE 5.4 9.8 14.12 19.14 (128)
SYDNEY 1.3 5.7 11.12 15.19 (109)

GOALS – Brisbane: M Hammelmann 5 M Close 3 J Freeman 2 C Ballenden 2 A Smith 2 J Clayton C Walker R Harwood B Keays C Lyons. Sydney: J Rose 6 D Robinson 2 A Aliir B Jack B Ronke T Pink S Fisher J Foote J Dawson.
BEST – Brisbane: A Smith C Walker O McInerney M Close R Bewick R Harwood. Sydney: J Rose D Robinson J Dawson J Foote H Cunningham.