The Lions matched their more fancied opponents throughout the match, but ultimately came up 15 points – 14.14 (98) to 17.11 (113).
In a highly entertaining and high-scoring encounter, the Lions were best served by returning ruckman Matthew Leuenberger, who dominated both in the ruck and up forward.
Leuenberger finished with four goals – an equal team-high along with Jordan Lisle – while Jackson Paine and Hyundai Lions Academy top-up James Rayner both contributed two.
Nick Hayes was also among the Lions’ best, continuing his promising end-of-season form, and Zac O’Brien, as usual, found plenty of the ball.
The Giants’ win earned them the NEAFL minor premiership, as the leap-frogged the NT Thunder who had the Bye in Round 21.
The Lions, meanwhile, finished the season in ninth position – six wins and considerable percentage shy of the Finals.
FINAL SCORE
UWS Giants 5.2 7.8 14.9 17.11 (113)
Brisbane Lions 4.2 6.6 11.9 14.14 (98)
GOALS – UWS: Reid 4, Addison 3, Giles 2, Phillips 2, Hampton 2, Lobb, Lamb, Spinks, Sumner. Lions: Lisle 4, Leuenberger 4, Paine 2, Rayner 2, Lester, O’Brien.
BEST – UWS: Reid, Addison, Giles, Sumner, Williams, Hampton. Lions: Leuenberger, Hayes, Lisle, O’Brien, Golby, Raines.
