The Brisbane Lions suffered a heart-breaking six-point loss to the Williamstown Seagulls on Saturday at Brighton Homes Arena.
The Lions led or were level with Williamstown at every break only for the Seagulls to boot six fourth-quarter goals to run over the top of Brisbane, 14.6 (90) to 13.6 (84).
A bright start for the Lions saw Jimmy Tunstill and Tom Fullarton boot the opening two goals of the game before each side traded blows leading into quarter time.
Tunstill, who returned to the VFL this week following his selection as the substitute in the AFL the weeks prior, had a strong outing finishing with 26 touches, eight clearances and a major.
Kai Lohmann booted four goals for the match with his first coming late in the opening term.
The Seagulls came out swinging in the second, booting the first three goals to take a swift 20-point advantage before the Lions answered back with four of their own.
Darryl McDowell-White, Kyle Dunkley, Rhys Mathieson and Academy selection Jack Manly helped the Lions to a three-point half time lead.
The Lions midfield took control mid-way through the term with Jarryd Lyons, Harry Sharp and Mathieson leading the way.
Lyons collected 32 disposals and 10 clearances for game to go along with seven tackles while the hard running Sharp had 30 possessions, seven clearances, seven marks and a goal, to be one of Brisbane’s best.
A three goal to two third quarter lifted the Lions to a 12-point lead at three -quarter time with Wylie Buzza booting two and Lohmann kicking his second.
The stingy defence of the Lions, led by Darcy Gardiner, thwarted Williamstown’s attack soirees.
Shadeau Brain and Darragh Joyce were also notable throughout the contest from the back half.
A high-scoring fourth term saw the match flipped on its head as it descended into a shootout.
Williamstown booted six goals include three of the last four for the game to ensure it jumped the Lions into fourth on the ladder.
Lohmann was a shining light in an otherwise dreary last quarter kicking two goals.
The Lions will now turn their attention to the final game of the home and away season against the Casey Demons on Sunday at Casey Fields.
Final Score
Brisbane (84) def by Williamstown (90)
Goals: Lohmann 4, Buzza 2, Tunstill, Sharp, McDowell-White, Mathieson, Manly, Fullarton, Dunkley
Best: Sharp, Gardiner, Brain, Joyce, Fullarton, Lyons
