Despite losing by 34 points, the Brisbane Lions matched the GWS Giants in almost all the key statistical areas on Saturday.
The Lions narrowly lost clearances (-3), inside 50s (-3), marks inside 50 (-1), contested possessions (-1) and tackles (-5). The closeness of these numbers is a positive sign against a top team like the Giants.
The points difference in the second half was just one point the Giants' way.
While offensively the Lions couldn't find much momentum, especially in the first half with wayward kicking, the defensive performance was strong.
The Giants dropped 146 points on the Lions in Round 14 last year. On Saturday they managed just 77 points.
Darcy Gardiner and Harris Andrews were the key figures in the backline, with Gardiner keeping Jeremy Cameron to just one goal and Andrews notching 13 one percenters.
Alex Witherden and Daniel Rich also had very strong games in the backline. In his return from injury, Rich finished with 28 disposals and five rebound 50s, while Witherden collected 22 disposals and made six rebound 50s.
Mitch Robinson was a bull around contests and had game-highs for contested possessions (20), clearances (9) and inside
Robinson has been extremely versatile of late, playing all over the ground, and appears to be recapturing his career-best form after missing most of the 2017 season.
Rock-solid defence key to NEAFL victory
Matt Eagles and Jack Frost combined for 20 intercept possessions in the Lions NEAFL side's 93-point thrashing of the Giants on Saturday afternoon at Spotless Stadium.
The Lions kept the Giants scoreless for 47 minutes in the dominant victory.
Rohan Bewick, Claye Beams, Tom Bell, Corey Lyons, Ben Keays, Ryan Bastinac and Marco Paparone all picked up plenty of touches as the Lions won contested possessions (+36), marks inside 50 (+18) and tackles (+18)
Bastinac finished with four goals as 11 separate Lions kicked majors.
The Lions NEAFL side has the bye this week.
