The Brisbane Lions VFL side have defended home turf with a late Harry Arnold goal sinking the Gold Coast SUNS by two-points at Brighton Homes Arena.
In a see-sawing affair, the Lions clawed their way back after a blistering SUNS start, to record their third win on the trot 14.11 (95) to 14.9 (93) with Arnold and fellow VFL-listed forward Jack Manly bagging three goals each.
The SUNS booted the opening five goals of the game to storm out of the gates before majors to Ty Gallop, Charlie Offermans and Brandon Ryan steadied the ship before quarter-time trailing by 12 points.
Keidean Coleman made a successful return to football staking claim as one of the Lions best on the day with 27 disposals, 10 marks and four tackles from half-back.
He was supported well by fellow defenders Luke Beecken, who collected 25 touches and seven marks, and Tom Doedee who impressed as he continues his return from injury.
The Lions roared to life in the second term booting six goals, with Arnold kicking the first two majors after being swung forward by VFL coach Ben Hudson, in what proved to be a game defining move.
Two majors to Jimmy Tunstill along with goals from Darcy Craven and Ben Thomas helped the Lions to an 18-point half-time lead.
Tunstill continued his strong VFL form after two weeks in the AFL with 25 possessions and five clearances.
The SUNS returned serve in the third term, booting five goals to two for the quarter leaving the game evenly poised at the final break.
Manly slotted both his opportunities in the third quarter in what was a strong showing for the Youi Brisbane Lions Academy graduate.
Gallop’s second opened proceedings in the final term as both sides traded blows throughout the fourth quarter.
Manly’s third looked to seal the win but the SUNS answered with a goal and a minor score to lead by four-points with less than three minutes on the clock.
Enter Arnold who, thanks to some swift ball movement, took a chest mark in the goal square and nailed his set shot in what would be the game winning score.
Sitting on four wins and one loss for the season, the Lions now travel to Arden Street to take on North Melbourne next weekend in Round 7 Smithy's VFL action.
Final Score
Brisbane 14.11 (95) def Gold Coast SUNS 14.9 (93)
Goals: Arnold 3, Manly 3, Tunstill 2, Gallop 2, Thomas, Ryan, Offermans, Craven
Best: Doedee, Manly, Arnold, Coleman, Tunstill, Beecken
