The Lions fought hard all afternoon, but were ultimately outclassed by a polished Swans outfit, the visitors recording their second away win against Brisbane for 2012.
The final-round defeat means the Lions’ finals fate now hinges on tonight’s NT Thunder vs Redlands game in Darwin.
If Redlands spring an upset win the Lions are assured of top spot in the NEAFL, while victory to the northerners will relegate Brisbane to second at the end of the home-and-away fixtures.
Saturday’s clash was reminiscent of the teams’ round eight meeting, where Sydney rocketed to a big early lead and won by 34 points This time around they piled on six unanswered goals to start the game and won 17.15.117 to 13.8.86.
It took the Lions 22 minutes to get on the board through defender Sam Docherty, before goals to Patrick Karnezis and Josh Dyson reduced the margin to 20 points at the first change.
Brisbane closed the gap to 7 points midway through the second term, but the visitors answered with four quick six-pointers late in the half to lead by 33 points at the main break.
Despite flashes of brilliance from James Hawskley, who soared for a qoalsquare hanger, and jet-heeled Todd Banfield, the Swans’ lead increased to 41 points at three-quarter-time.
The arrival of Fitzory legend Kevin Murray coincided with an improved fourth term from Brisbane, the home team finishing by far the stronger with six final quarter goals to one.
Brisbane sorely missed regulars Sam Sheldon, Patrick Weardon and Richard Newell through the midfield, and their forward line was similarly depleted.
With regular Centre Half Forward Jordan Lisle in the senior team, sharpshooter Aaron Cornelius a late withdrawal, and promising youngster Jackson Starcevich injured early, Brisbane were a little bereft of avenues to goal.
Patrick Karnezis played the majority of the afternoon from the goalsquare, and made the most of his opportunities to kick 4 goals. Cal Bartlett (2 goals) was the only other Lion to register multiple majors.
Cheynee Stiller amassed 32 touches and eight inside 50’s to lead all comers, Steve Wrigley (22 disposals) was typically stoic down back, Sam Docherty collected 20 possessions, and Todd Banfield and Amon Buchanan had eight tackles each.
Boom recruit Billy Longer worked tirelessly in the ruck all afternoon, and took a game-high four contested marks.
If the Lions finish top of the ladder they’ll have a week off, while a second place finish means they’d play whoever finishes third (most likely Southport) at home next weekend.
