The Brisbane Lions Reserves have once again qualified for the NEAFL’s Northern Conference Grand Final after coming from behind and outlasting a spirited Aspley in a thrilling match.

The Reserves crossed the finish line two point victors, with the final score line reading 16.10 (106) to the Aspley Hornets 15.14 (104).

The match started well for the Lions, who raced out to a lead early through great work in their forward line.

Aaron Cornelius was brilliant in the opening stanza and slotted a brilliant goal from the sideline after gaining possession in a perfectly executed tackle.

But Aspley were not going to die wondering and manufactured a turnaround to lead 47-40 at halftime.

The Lions started the third quarter poorly, a wayward defensive kick gifting the Hornets a goal within the first minute.

This would set the tone for much of the third term, with Aspley’s slick ball movement and execution clearly frustrating the Lions who would find themselves down 67-43 at one point.

But a piece of Todd Banfield class late in the quarter-kick started the Lions who raced in four quick goals in succession to amazingly draw level at quarter time.

The final quarter was a thrilling contest, which saw both sides desperately fighting for the ball at every opportunity and trading goal for goal.

Eventually though, the Lions could not be denied and booked their place in a second consecutive grand final by two points.

Coach Leigh Harding was ecstatic to get the win.

“Relieved would be the word, that has to be the gutsiest win this group has put together,”

“To be down by as much as we were, at their home ground and to be kicking into the wind in the final quarter, it was just brilliant.” he said.

Harding praised the Hornet’s display saying that the Lions simply didn’t match them for much of the third quarter.

“Credit to Aspley, they were really tough, they are a great side and so for us to overrun them, and hold them, that was great to see” he said.

Harding singled out the Reserves midfield and backline as the pillars for the team’s turnaround.

“Our midfield were what got us out of it, guys like O’Brien, Crisp and Cornelius,”

“And our backline were also fantastic, Wearden and Newell were superb.” he said.

As grand finalists the Reserves will have a week off while the third week of finals continue.