Brisbane held on to win by the barest of margins against a gutsy GIANTS side in a thrilling finish at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Scores were level at the 28-minute mark of the final term when Josh Schache booted his first goal of the game, before a rushed behind moments later sealed a 11.12 (78) to 11.11 (77) victory.
The GIANTS fielded only eight AFL-listed players against the Lions’ 19, but threatened to cause one of the season’s biggest upsets in a match where the margin never blew beyond 13 after quarter-time.
Oscar McInerney was first to hit the scoreboard for the Lions and had booted their first major within the first minute of the game, marking the start of fierce play.
Brisbane had the first three majors of the afternoon, but by quarter-time the GIANTS had hit the front by four points.
Great pressure from the GIANTS saw them spoil many goal opportunities for the Lions, however Corey Lyons broke the Lions goal drought to keep them in touch.
By half-time, Brisbane had kicked three goals to one to open up a nine-point lead.
But the GIANTS weren’t going away, and led by as much as 13 points in the third term before Brisbane wrestled back the momentum once more.
There was plenty of inside 50 action down at the GIANTS forward line but it was a goal right on the siren from Connor Ballenden which put them in front by a goal at the last change.
A massive last quarter was needed by both teams and the pressure was intense. GIANTS’ Academy member Ryan Pollock booted consecutive goals to start the last term as the GIANTS again got out to a two-goal lead.
Jono Freeman’s fourth goal at the 13-minute mark reduced the margin to six, and when Schache marked and converted a set shot from 30m out, scores were level.
At this next centre clearance, the Lions entered forward 50 but the GIANTS’ defence ruhed the ball through the goals.
They went the length of the ground from the kick-in to spot Matthew Flynn inside 50, but his rushed kick went across the face of goal and out of bounds, moments before the final siren sounded.
Outstanding performances from Matt Kennedy, with 37 disposals and eight inside 50s, together with Zach Sproule (34 disposals and two goals) did the bulk of the damage for the GIANTS.
Pollock proved a livewire in the GIANTS forward line booting five goals for his side, proving to be unstoppable as he found open spaces in the Lions backline.
Ryan Bastinac was impressive for the Lions with 35 disposals and six clearances, while Rhys Mathieson collected 30 disposals, nine clearances and a goal.
Brisbane maintains third place on the ladder after the win, while the GIANTS sit in eighth.
Next week, Brisbane face Aspley at Graham Road while the GIANTS head north to take on NT Thunder at TIO Stadium.
GIANTS v Brisbane Lions at Spotless Stadium
BRISBANE 3.3 6.7 9.9 11.12 (78)
GIANTS 4.1 5.5 8.9 11.11 (77)
GOALS – Brisbane: J Freeman 4 R Gordon O McInerney C Lyons C Ballenden T Cutler R Mathieson J Schache. Giants: R Pollock 5 Z Sproule 2 M Walker T Mohr D Addison N Richards.
