The Brisbane Lions Reserves only led for fifteen minutes of Saturday’s qualifying final against Southport at Coorparoo, but it came at the right end of the game for the home team.
The Lions kicked seven unanswered goals in the last quarter to overrun a tired Sharks outfit and triumph 14.18.102 to 9.13.67.
Brisbane were simply dominant during the final term, smashing Southport in clearances and contested possessions and winning the inside 50 count 24-8.
It looked like inaccuracy might cruel the Lions’ comeback at the start of the last term, the home team kicking five behinds to begin the quarter.
But Sam Docherty stopped the rot with a long-range major, and from there the goal scoring floodgates opened.
Cal Bartlett, Amon Buchanan, Sam Michael and Cheynee Stiller kicked last-quarter goals, along with Patrick Karnezis and Josh Dyson, to stretch the gap from close to comfortable.
Former Swan Amon Buchanan was inarguably best afield, collecting 43 possessions-which included 11 inside 50’s, and bagging a brace of goals.
Docherty was similarly influential, his 35 touch, 3 goal game continuing the youngster’s strong run of form since being shifted into the midfield. Cheynee Stiller won 33 disposals, Josh Dyson had 28, and Patrick Karnezis 24.
Man-child Sam Michael had probably his best game for 2012, plucking several contested grabs, crashing packs and throwing his body into contest after contest.
Patrick Weardon (23 disposals) was another Lion who stood out, particularly in the second quarter when his run and carry were pivotal in igniting attacking thrusts.
As was the case during last week’s 31-point loss to Sydney, Brisbane started slowly.
The pace was frenetic early as both side’s sought to stamp themselves on the crucial contest, but it was the visitors who won out-kicking the first two goals and finishing with five in the opening half hour.
Todd Banfield slotted his team’s only goal for the first stanza, the Lions trailing by 29 points at quarter time.
Whatever Coach Nathan Clarke said to his troops during the first break it worked a treat, Brisbane dominating the opening exchanges of the second quarter.
Aaron Cornelius goalled after a free kick for an arm chop, and Sam Docherty followed with a brilliant six-pointer of his own.
The no.12 Draft Pick won the contested ball in the centre square, exchanged handballs with Cal Bartlett, and launched a 50 metre goal at full pace under pressure.
After two majors in as many minutes to start the term, the rest of the second stanza was an arm wrestle. The Sherrin yo-yo-ed from end to end, with both teams wasteful in front of the big sticks.
At the Long break the gap was 18 points, it was whittled down to 15 points at three-quarter-time, before the final quarter carnage ensured the eventual 35 point margin.
The Lions Reserves will tackle minor premiers NT Thunder in Darwin next weekend, the winner proceeding directly to the Grand Final.
