A RAMPANT six-goal performance from an untouchable Sam Mayes and the return of Daniel Merrett after three months out with hamstring issues couldn’t get the NEAFL Lions over the line against the Suns on Saturday afternoon, going down 18.10 (118) - 14.10 (94).
The Suns’ big men were the difference in the end, led by uncontainable performances from Keegan Brooksby (25 disposals, 5 goals) and Zac Smith (27 disposals, 1 goal), lynchpins that allowed the Suns to win a majority of aerial battles in a match where the Lions tried and failed to win by playing possession footy.
The Suns held the ascendency in the opening quarter, but two goals in a minute from Sam Mayes including one bursting forward from a centre bounce kept the Lions in touch.
A hanger and subsequent conversion from Ryan Lester and a sensational goal off a step and hard up against the boundary line from Zac O’Brien put the Lions within a goal midway through the second term, the closest the Lions would get to regaining the lead for the remainder of the match.
Four consecutive goals to the Suns in the third quarter stretched the lead to 35 points, before the Lions rallied late to keep themselves within striking distance at the final change.
But a tight Suns defence led by Greg Broughton turned the rest of the match into an arm wrestle as the Lions lamented turnovers from short kicks, ultimately losing the match by four goals.
Daniel Merrett started on the bench and had restricted impact, however imposed himself on several contests with customary bruising physicality and most importantly showed no signs of hamstring discomfort.
The electric Sam Mayes dominated the Lions attacking raids, thriving with run and carry on the outside of contests and exuding serious class in front of goal, his six majors almost single-handedly keeping the Lions in the game.
Zac O’Brien (39 disposals) again proved the Reserves leading ball winner, whilst Mitch Golby (23 disposals) was especially good early.
Liam Dawson (22 disposals, 8 marks) and Matthew Hammelmann (16 disposals, 6 marks) played well in defensive roles, taking intercept marks and rebounding from the back half.
Aaron Hall (4 goals, 29 disposals) played a successful attacking role for the Suns, breaking lines with sheer pace and explosiveness.
The loss leaves the Lions second-last with just one win and a percentage of 61.8%, whilst the Suns join fellow Gold Coasters Southport on 12 points after the Sharks were hammered by reigning premiers Aspley.
The Reserves will next week travel to the pressure cooker of TIO Stadium in Darwin to face the NT Thunder.
NEAFL LIONS 3.3 7.5 12.7 14.10 (94)
NEAFL SUNS 5.1 10.4 15.6 18.10 (118)
GOALS
Lions: Mayes 6, Clayton 2, O’Brien 2, Dawson, Staker, Lester, Cormick
Suns: Brooksby 5, Hall 4, Wright 2, Tape, Gorringe, Fahey, Erickson, Smith, Downie
BEST
Lions: Mayes, O’Brien, Lester, Dawson, Golby, Gardiner
Suns: Brooksby, Hall, Smith, Tape, Broughton, Downie
Giffin Park, Coorparoo
