It was the seventh time in 14 games that the Lions had lost by 15 points or less.
Broadbeach power forward Kieran Emery kicked a clutch goal with three minutes remaining and Broadbeach were able to run down the clock to claim a 17.8 (110) to 16.9 (105) win.
The heroics of Emery, who took two powerful marks in the closing stages to play a critical role in the victory, ensured the Cats remained alive in the race for a northern conference top five berth.
Broadbeach held the ascendancy through the opening 45 minutes of the game and led by four goals, before a burst of activity by the Lions saw them snatch an unlikely five-point lead at halftime.
The two sides went blow-for-blow from that point and whoever lost was going to be unlucky.
Rohan Bewick responded to his demotion from the seniors with a tireless display and was the Lions’ best, while Jesse O’Brien tried hard and young Western Magpie Conrad Hudghton was solid on his home ground.
Aaron Cornelius had a fascinating battle with Jesse Derrick, the Cat providing plenty of rebound but the Lion doing some outstanding things and contributing five goals for his side.
Bryce Retzlaff worked hard across half-forward to contribute four goals and Bart McCulloch continued his solid form of late.
The Lions fielded 15 listed players, including their various rookies, but met a Broadbeach outfit whose faint finals prospects would have ended with a loss to the Lions.
Broadbeach’s win was built around another scintillating display by dynamic rover Dayne Zorko, a strong effort by key defenders Jackson Emblem and Darin Stewart, and four goals by Jason Eagle.
Equally pleasing for the Cats coaching staff was that they blooded two 17-year-olds and gave 18-year-old ruckman Josh Kolka his third game.
The trio are straight out of the Australia Post Queensland Scorpions Under 18 program.
Both Andrew Boston and Tom Davidson kicked goals in the third quarter and looked at home at NEAFL level.
Emery’s big mark on the wing and again at half-forward to convert was important, although it was the midfield work of Zorko, Martin Curtis, and Matt Fife that was critical.
Zorko not only kicked one brilliant goal running through the middle of the ground and another from outside 50m, but shone with the defensive aspects of his game.
His tackling and a number of smothers were a feature as he firmed further for a fourth consecutive club champion at the age of just 22.
The Lions face a tough contract next Saturday at Metricon Stadium when they tackle the Gold Coast Suns Reserves, who are on the rebound after being thrashed by the NT Thunder in Cairns on Saturday.
The Suns will be weakened by the loss of Daniel Gorringe and Michael Coad through injury, although the Lions look set to have to cover some injuries in the seniors.
Scores:
Brisbane Lions: 3.3 9.6 12.6 16.9 (105)
Broadbeach: 5.2 8.7 15.7 17.8 (110)
Goals
Lions: A. Cornelius 5, B. Retzlaff 4, M. Austin 2, A. Kitching 2, R. Bewick , A. Buchanan , D. Barry.
Cats: J. Eagle 4, K. Emery 3, M. Curtis 2, D. Zorko 2, T. Davidson 2, R. Pantic , L. Shreeve , A. Boston , J. Kolka.
Best
Lions: R. Bewick, A. Cornelius, J. O'’Brien, B. Retzlaff, B. McCulloch, C. Hudghton.
Cats: D. Zorko, M. Curtis, M. Brewer, J. Emblem, J. Eagle, D. Stewart.
