The Brisbane Lions Reserves have produced one of their most emphatic performances of the season, downing Southport by 73 points. Burpengary turned on a blustery and overcast afternoon for the two sides, of which only the Sharks were still in contention to make the finals. But the Lions put a considerable dint in those chances with a strong team performance, winning 18.12 (120) – 6.11 (47).
Southport came into the match hoping to improve after a brutal loss in a physical contest with premiership contender NT Thunder last weekend.
The first quarter was a terse affair, with Southport registering the opening goal and generally controlling the run of play. But the Lions slowly worked their way into the contest, with Jimmy Rayner booting their first major thanks to some solid crumbing and a trademark left foot snap. Ash McGrath had the chance to level the scores with a set shot in the goal-square on the quarter time siren but hit the post.
The Lions exploded out of the blocks in the second quarter with six consecutive goals – three of which came in the first four minutes of the quarter.
Brisbane continued their run and gun football in the third quarter, kicking seven goals and stringing together some impressive handball chains to bury Southport before the three quarter time siren.
Coach Gary O’Donnell was full of praise for the Reserves performance on a hard and dry Burpengary surface, rating it amongst the best he has seen from the young side this season.
“It’s up there.”
“We had three or four guys come back from the seniors and they all played well, they all got their hands on it so they’ll take a little bit of confidence out of the day.”
Jordan Lisle played a brilliant role as a key forward, taking five marks and kicking five goals.
Matthew Leuenberger played his first full game since returning from injury several weeks ago, the 204cm ruckman moving well and taking six marks.
Ryan Lester (39 disposals) and youngster Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds (37) were the big accumulators, whilst Zac O’Brien (35) provided his usual spark in the midfield.
Nick Hayes’ clean disposal and tenacity was impressive in a good day at the office with 29 touches, 7 marks and 8 tackles.
Veteran Ash McGrath had the most inside 50s with 6, as well as 23 possessions.
Not surprisingly, the Lions dominated the possession count 437-302.
Daniel Henderson, Cameron Stevenson and Liam Dawson were the only potential Academy bid selection players that played the Round 19 match, all of them solid contributors.
The NEAFL Lions take on cellar dwellers the NEAFL Gold Coast Suns next week at Metricon Stadium, as they look to finish the season on a positive note.
NEAFL LIONS 1.4 9.5 16.9 18.12 (120)
SOUTHPORT 2.3 4.6 5.9 6.11 (47)
LIONS GOALS: Lisle 5, Polkinghorne 2, Hayes 2, Dawson 2, Rayner 2, McGrath, Raines, Paine, O’Brien, Bertoli-Simmonds.
LIONS BEST: Lester, O’Brien, Lisle, Hayes, McGrath, Bertoli-Simmonds.
Moreton Bay Central Sports Precinct, Burpengary.
