THE BRISBANE Lions have played out an often fiery and exciting win against St Kilda at the Gabba on Saturday night, albeit too late to make the finals but in a vein that will give their supporters something to carry forward with hope for 2014.
A close contest for the first three quarters blew out slightly in the last, as the Lions kicked four goals to two, eventually running away to a 16.12 (108) to 11.11 (77) win.
Lions co-captain and premiership great Jonathan Brown cut a forlorn figure as he was subbed out in the first quarter after tearing the plantar fascia in his left foot just 14 minutes into play at the Gabba.
The injury makes it near impossible for the Brisbane co-captain to play again this season, with just four rounds left.
Off-contract at the end of the year and already wary about committing to a 15th season, Brown's future is now under a murky cloud.
It would be a sad way for the 31-year-old power forward's glittering career to end after 245 games, 573 goals, three premierships and two All Australian selections.
"Hopefully it's not too bad," coach Michael Voss said at three-quarter time. "We'll assess it Monday."
Tom Rockliff was a dominant presence with a match-high 39 disposals, while ruckman Matthew Leuenberger also starred and Joel Patfull tormented Nick Riewoldt.
Down by four goals at half-time, the Saints made a third-quarter revival to get within 13 points just before the last change as Leigh Montagna and Nick Dal Santo came to the fore.
But the home side kicked clear in the final term, with former Saint Matt Maguire relishing a move up forward to slot his first goal in seven years to the delight of the 19,856-strong crowd.
Lions midfielder Daniel Rich kicked three 60m-plus goals in the first half in a fine response to his quiet game in last week's loss to Port Adelaide, while Brent Staker also finished with three majors in his 150th match.
The Lions travel to the MCG next week to face off against the red-hot Richmond.
BRISBANE LIONS 3.3 9.3 12.9 16.12 (108)
ST KILDA 2.2 5.3 9.9 11.11 (77)
GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Merrett 3, Rich 3, Staker 3, Hanley 2, Green, O'Brien, Zorko, Docherty, Maguire
St Kilda: Riewoldt 2, Saad 2, Lee 2, Montagna 2, Steven, Milne, Dal Santo
BEST
Brisbane Lions: Rockliff, Patfull, Hanley, Redden, Rich, Leuenberger, Merrett
St Kilda: Montagna, Dal Santo, Hayes, Armitage, Steven
INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: Brown (foot)
St Kilda: Newnes (illness) replaced in selected side by Saad; Stanley (collarbone)
SUBSTITUTES
Brisbane Lions: Rohan Bewick replaced Jonathan Brown in the first quarter
Adelaide: Arryn Siposs replaced Rhys Stanley at half-time
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Burgess, Findlay, Fisher
Official crowd: 19,856 at the Gabba
