With 13 top-up players, a waterlogged ground, and a14-point deficit at three-quarter-time, the Lions appeared set for a gallant loss.
However, they played with a fierce tenacity all day and hit the front with five minutes remaining when giant young ruckman Daniel Murray won the ball from a clearance and kicked a sensational banana goal.
Both sides threw themselves at the contest as the clock ticked down on what was to be a memorable victory for the visitors.
The Lions had lost on their last six visits to Merrimac with sides a lot stronger on paper than today, their last triumph coming back in 2002 when Craig Bolton collected 36 possessions and kicked three goals after flying on the ‘midnight horror’ back from Perth and having minimal sleep.
Lions coach Craig Brittain was rightly proud of the team’s performance.
“The efforts of all nine listed players were outstanding – they all made major contributions and that allowed the top-up kids to play a role,” Brittain said.
“Any one of our listed players could have been named best player and not got an argument.”
Lachlan Henderson was at the head of the queue with six goals in the thrilling 9.11 (65) to 8.12 (60) result.
Not only did he work hard for his kicks up forward, but Henderson also did some useful work as a loose man across half-back at different stages.
Dynamos Todd Banfield and Tom Rockliff were everywhere, while Murray, Jack Redden and Rhan Hooper also shone.
Hooper spent long spells on the ball and while tagged, still contributed strongly through his sheer work ethic.
The Lions went into the long break leading by 13 points after an even first term, but were rocked by a five-goal Cats third term that saw them take what appeared to be a matchwinning lead into the final term.
Runners Matt Fife, Dayne Zorko, Jesse Derrick and Warwick Fenner were all prominent, while Nathan Ablett played the best of his four games for the Cats.
The win kept the Lions in the hunt for a top four position, while Broadbeach are now a game adrift of the top five.
“We just went down there to have a genuine crack,” Brittain said.
“We concentrated on winning the contested ball, getting the ball forward, and trying to get a shot on goal.
“We persisted and persisted and in the end we kicked a few.”
Scoreboard:
Brisbane Lions 2.4 5.5 6.7 9.11 (65)
Broadbeach 2.3 3.4 8.9 8.12 (60)
GOALS - Lions: L Henderson 6, J Redden, P Labi, D Murray. Cats: K Fulton 3, M Fife, D Stewart, C Hensby, N Ablett, A Palmer.
BEST - Lions: L Henderson , T Banfield, T Rockliff, D. Murray, J Redden, R Hooper. Cats: M Fife, D Zorko, J Derrick, W Fenner, N Ablett, K Fulton.
