Not even a barnstorming finish sparked by Reserves Captain Bryce Retzlaff, who led the team with four goals, could save the Lions’ previously unbeaten streak.
Reserves Coach Nathan Clarke identified some glaringly obvious lapses that ultimately contributed towards the loss.
“There were probably two patches in the game that really cost us in the end,” Clarke said.
“The first was in the opening five minutes when the Suns kicked a few quick goals. We just didn’t have the right match-ups and they capitalised.”
“Then in the last 10 minutes of the second quarter, they kicked four unanswered goals, and backed that up with the first couple of the third term which blew the margin out to 40 points.”
“Fortunately we were able to peg them back, but most of the damage had already been done.”
The second half fight back was particularly impressive considering Patrick Karnezis was subbed off at half time in the off chance he was required as an emergency for the senior team.
“Patty had looked very lively up forward and was a loss after he came off. He seemed to have a bit of that ‘spark’ back in his game. He separated himself from his defender, read the ball well, and generated four shots on goal from his 8-9 possessions,” Clarke said.
Clarke mentioned Josh Green, Richard Newell and Justin Clarke among a long list of solid contributors.
“Justin Clarke was really good. He has great pace for a big lad and often led his opponent to the footy. Some of his kicks were slightly astray, but his positioning was excellent and he really seems to be coming along nicely.”
“Richie Newell is beginning to really trouble the opposition with his enormous running power, plus he’s starting to get a better handle of his role across half-forward and the on the wing.”
“Josh Green was a standout for his clean handling of the ball. Even though it was a sparkling day, the ground was quite damp and muddy under foot. Clearly the ground had been given a good soaking before the game. But Greeny was a class act in trying conditions. He kicked a couple, but probably could have almost finished with a bag of 4 or 5 had things gone his way.”
Clarke also said that after a slow start to the season, defender Niall McKeever was beginning to find his ‘groove’ again.
“Niall’s still pretty raw in footy terms, and I reckon he just needs some continuity in his game,” Clarke said.
“The off-season break probably isn’t the best thing for him, because he’s still relatively new to the game and just needs to play some more footy. He’s starting to show some signs that he’s getting back to that ‘competitive beast’ that we know he can be.”
After coming out in force last Saturday at Yeronga, Lions fans are once again encouraged to get along and support the Lions Reserves side when they take on Morningside at 1:30pm this Sunday at Esplen Oval.
“There was quite a decent crowd out there on one side of the ground, and they were quite vocal. It’s great to get that sort of support for the boys, and it can provide a real lift.”
“So hopefully we can get a few out to Morningside for what should be a cracking match. Morningside at home is always a tough assignment, and we haven’t had a heap of success at Esplen Oval in the past. We actually played OK against them last time without coming home with the chocolates.”
First round draft selection Sam Docherty is expected to resume with the Lions Reserves this week, while former Broadbeach Captain Dayne Zorko could also line up for his first match in Lions colours this weekend.
FINAL SCORE
Gold Coast 14.9 (93) def Brisbane Lions Reserves 11.11 (77)
LIONS GOALS
Retzlaff 4, Green 2, Karnezis 2, Harvey , Lisle , Newell
LIONS BEST
Green, Hawksley, Newell, Retzlaff, Stiller, McKeever
