The NEAFL Brisbane Lions have knocked off the second-placed UWS Giants in impressive fashion, winning by 13 points at Coorparoo today.
In their third win of the season, the young side was composed, aggressive and determined to walk away with four points.
It was a brilliant captain’s effort from defender Jackson Paine, who led his side to victory, gathering 33 disposals and nine marks.
The Giants got off to a hot start kicking two goals within the first five minutes, but the Lions gained control quickly after, bagging the next five out of six.
It was relentless pressure, quick ball movement and clean foot skills that resulted in the Lions taking a two goal lead into the first break.
Freeman and Close were a lively duo up forward, creating havoc for the Giants defenders in marking contests.
A single goal was added for either side in the second term, with both teams showing inaccuracy in front the sticks.
The Lions went in to the change rooms at half time with a 12 point lead and plenty of confidence, as the crowd grew at Giffin Park for a big second half.
The third quarter was hard-hitting and competitive from both sides, with the Giants losing several players to injuries, one having a dislocated shoulder.
The Lions added just one more goal to extend their lead to 19 points at the final break.
Reserves coach, Shane Woewodin urged his players to challenge each other to work hard, show composure by foot and have no excuses when they walk off the field at the end.
GWS put up a fight, scaring the Lions by only coming within a point, halfway through the final quarter.
Playing a different role than usual, Josh Walker fought hard and dominated down back, especially in the second half.
He also managed to push forward and kick a crucial goal on the run, bridging the gap that little bit further.
In front of a vocal Lions crowd, the final siren was well timed for an exhausted yet excited Reserves side, one that battled hard for the entirety of the match.
Well done to the #LionsReserves boys - Sing it loud!!! pic.twitter.com/j1MglwPWb4
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) July 17, 2016
Midfielder, Nick Robertson put his hand up for senior selection, gathering 32 touches, taking seven marks and making three tackles.
Queenslander, Liam Dawson was a tackling machine, stopping the Giants in their tracks nine times, as well as notching up 24 disposals.
Josh Clayton showed class and finesse at speed, getting 28 possessions, kicking a goal and making five tackles.
Michael Close kicked two goals, and was one of eight Lions players to find the middle of the sticks in what was a low-scoring affair.
Claye Beams played a crucial role in linking the ball from defence to attack, collecting 25 disposals and continuing his excellent form over the past few weeks.
It was an exciting display from the young Lions side, with top-up players Jack Rolls and Declan Watson also making a noteworthy impact.
CEO Greg Swann watched on and was proud of the effort from both the Lions listed players and the academy players.
“We were in front for most of the day, we got challenged, and then we got away again late which was fantastic,” Swann said.
The Lions Reserves will look to replicate their winning effort when they travel down the M-1 to take on Southport next Sunday.
NEAFL BRISBANE LIONS: 9.14 (68)
NEAFL UWS GIANTS: 7.13 (55)
GOALS
Lions: Close 2, Clayton, Rolls, Rayner, Warren, Freeman, O’Sullivan, Walker
Giants: Flynn 4, Barrett, Downie, Clark
BEST
Lions: Paine, Dawson, Roberston, Clayton, Close, Beams
Giants: Kennedy, Barrett, Flynn, Owen-Auburn
Giffin Park, Coorparoo