The high quality contest saw Labrador prevail 13.17 (95) to 11.10 (76) despite the fact the Tigers had to drive up the Pacific Highway twice in two days after being stuck in gridlock trying to get through Beenleigh on Saturday, forcing the postponement of the game.
The Tigers bounced out of the blocks with a 5.0 to 3.0 opening term, surrendered the lead to trail by four points at halftime, kicked five goals to one in the third term, and then generated 10 scoring shots to five in the final quarter.
“We’re more than happy with that,” Labrador coach Denis Knight said of his side’s win in a quality game.
Labrador were able to close down the Lions’ running game and succeeded with a bold experimental positional move.
Regular full-back Nick Stockdale, who narrowly missed selection in the Team of the Year last season, was deployed to full-forward and responded with four goals.
“We chopped them off through the middle and across half-back really well and most importantly we had all 23 players contribute, which we haven’t had happen that often,” Knight said.
“We had the Stockdale move up our sleeve because our match-ups were good down back and his father was a champion full-forward.”
Labrador enjoyed first use of the ball through the efforts of big ruckman Trent Knobel, who dominated the game.
“He was fantastic,” Knight agreed.
Todd Grayson continued his brilliant form of the last month with another hard-running display out of defence and through the midfield, while the return of Shane Paterson ensured the Tigers won plenty of contested ball.
Michael Gugliotta engaged in a willing contest with Aaron Cornelius, the Tiger winning his share of one-on-one duels but Cornelius still booting four goals.
Josh Cavanagh was also busy for the Tigers, although Knight felt the input of every player was critical.
“Most importantly we had all 23 players contribute, which we haven’t had happen that often,” he said.
The elusive Patrick Karnezis was lively for the Lions, working hard up field but also returning four goals.
Ryan Harwood was strong in the midfield, while Amon Buchanan pleased the coaching staff with his workrate.
Josh Dyson worked hard too but the Lions could never break free in a game where the Tigers tackled themselves to a standstill.
The Tigers' win was more impressive considering they were without injured defender Steve Wrigley.
The victory puts Labrador on the brink of the top five and just one game from second place, while the Lions slipped to eighth place, although still just a game from fourth place.
Brisbane Lions 3.0 7.3 8.8 11.10 (76)
Labrador 5.0 6.5 9.11 13.17 (95)
GOALS - Labrador: Stockdale 4, Goldsmith 2, Davey 2, Sleeth, White, Shattock, Paterson, Featherstone. Lions: Karnezis 4, Cornelius 4, Dyson, McCulloch, Fox.
BEST - Labrador: Grayson, Paterson, Gugliotta, Knobel, Cavanagh, Stockdale. Lions: Buchanan, Karnezis, Harwood, Raines, Dyson.
