The Brisbane Lions VFL side are back in the winner’s circle this week after downing Southport by nine points in Round 5 of the Smithy’s VFL.
In a see-sawing contest it was the Lions who trailed the Sharks at half-time and three-quarter time only to kick three goals to two in the last term to snatch victory 14.11 (96) to 13.8 (86).
In an enthralling contest it was the Lions who opened their account first through Logan Morris who had two first quarter goals.
Kalin Lane booted the Lions other first term major as they led at quarter-time by a solitary point as the Sharks continued to answer every score.
Tahj Abberley shone in his first game at VFL level for 2024, kicking the first goal of the second term to hand the Lions ascendency in a quarter where both sides booted five majors each.
Goals to Harry Sharp, Jack Manly, Brandon Ryan and Ben Thomas helped the Lions keep pace with the Sharks as the game went up a notch both on the scoreboard and in the contest.
A fiery clash was predicted, and the Sharks were able to capitalise on some Lions ill-discipline through the second quarter to take a two-point lead at the main break.
The Lions midfield was excellent all day propelled by Bruce Reville who finished with 25 touches, five clearances and 10 marks to be one of Brisbane’s best.
Jarryd Lyons was also immense in his VFL return, with 24 disposals and 10 clearances in a classy showing for the reigning J.J Liston Medallist.
The Sharks burst out of the blocks after half-time kicking two goals within five minutes to lead by 14 points.
Goals to Sharp and Henry Smith reeled Southport back in as the match again went up in intensity with both sides going hard at every contest.
Trailing by a goal at the final break, the Lions looked to the last two weeks of learnings in closing out close games.
Two early goals to Ben Thomas swung momentum in the Lions favour to silence the home crowd only for a few minutes as the Sharks answered back with two of their own.
A snap from Ewan McPherson out of congestion helped the Lions get their noses back in front as both sides traded behinds.
With five minutes left on the clock it was Lyons who stood tall with a mark and goal and give the Lions a lead which would not be run down.
The win sees the Lions jump back into the top eight and move there season ledger to three wins and two losses with a clash against reigning premiers Gold Coast next on the agenda.
Final Score
BRISBANE 96
SOUTHPORT 87
GOALS
Thomas 3, Sharp 2, Morris 2, Smtih, Ryan, Manly, MacPherson, Lyons, Lane, Abberley
BEST
Brain, Morris, Reville, Sharp, Smith, Thomas
