It was the Reserves’ first ever victory in the Northern Territory and sets up a tantalising match-up against ladder-leaders Gold Coast at Yeronga this Saturday.
The Lions set up their win with an eight goal to two first half, before hanging on to secure an eight-point win over the fast-finishing Thunder.
“To be quite honest, we half expected the game to pan out that way,” Reserves Coach Nathan Clarke said.
“Our energy levels were up early, so we hoped to get a break on them in the first half. Also, the balance of our side meant we would likely struggle to sustain our run throughout the match.”
“We lost Josh Dyson and Elliot Yeo during the week. They pulled up sore from the previous week’s game, and with the travel, we decided it would be best not to risk them,” he said.
“The senior team also took a few of the Club’s better runners over to Subiaco to play the Dockers, so we were left relatively depleted in that area.”
“While our tall guys are quite athletic, we lacked genuine midfielders which took its toll towards the end of the match.”
Clarke drew plenty of positives from the team’s performance.
“James Hawksley was fantastic despite playing under duress,” Clarke said.
“Ben Hudson also played well - his experience was really valuable. He had 25 possessions and was one of our leading ball-winners. When the game was there to be won, he was dominant.”
“Callum Bartlett was probably close to our best midfielder. He’s improving every week and is looking more agile.”
“Stephen Wrigley also played his best game for the year. He played on Chris Dunn and even though he had a couple of goals kicked on him late, he was able to generate a good amount of rebound and overlap.”
“Up forward, Retzlaff kicked four goals and has been really important for us over the last month. Meanwhile Aaron Cornelius played a different role further up the ground. Even though Ace was goalless, he was very effective and could have probably finished with a couple if not for some near misses.”
“Patty Karnezis kicked two goals in the first quarter, but then went moved him down back because our mix of talls and smalls wasn’t quite right up forward. Plus, we wanted to get a little more across half-back."
“Cheynee Stiller had a really big last quarter. He had a crucial match-up on Cam Ilet - who is one of the premiere players in the competition. He did a good job on him, and once Ilet went in the midfield, we released Cheynee across half back. He ended up saving us a few times in that last term.”
Clarke and his team’s attention has now focussed intently on this Saturday’s top of the table QClash against the Gold Coast Reserves.
“It will be a tough game against the Gold Coast, we will have to be up and about,” Clarke said.
With regular number one ruckman Matthew Leuenberger likely to be sidelined, the Reserves’ big man stocks might be stretched against the Suns - particularly if Hudson is called upon to replace him.
“Big Sam Michael and Scotty Clarke like playing in the ruck, and are more than capable if we need to play them in the middle,” he said.
First round draft selection Sam Docherty may also be a chance of returning to the Reserves side this week.
FINAL SCORE
Brisbane Lions 12.12 (84) d NT Thunder 11.10 (76)
LIONS GOALS
Retzlaff 4, Karnezis 2, Sheldon , McKeever , Clarke , Newell , Green , Hawksley
LIONS BEST
Hawksley, Stiller, Wrigley, Hudson, Bartlett, Retzlaff
