The Brisbane Lions VFL side have secured a top six finish and the right to host an Elimination final following their draw with Frankston in Round 21 of the Smithy’s VFL.
A see-sawing contest saw scores level at quarter time, three quarter time and full time, courtesy of a Dolphins goal after the siren to level scores at 13.11 (89) a piece.
Three goals to Brandon Ryan helped to keep the Lions in the contest with help from Ty Gallop (2 goals) and Copper Hodge (2 goals).
An inaccurate start to the game saw both sides traded behinds in a tense opening stanza, Ryan’s first steadied the ship after the Lions gave up the first two majors but goals to Hodge and Fergus McFadyen had scores locked at the first break.
The Lions midfield enjoyed periods of dominance throughout the match thanks largely to Deven Robertson and Youi Brisbane Lions Academy product Dan Annable.
Annable finished with 25 touches, eight clearances and seven tackles to be one of the Lions best while Robertson enjoyed another strong outing with 25 possessions, seven tackles and seven clearances.
A five goal to one, second term, saw the Dolphins take control on the scoreboard with Henry Smith booting the Lions only major for the quarter.
Trailing by 20 points at half-time, the Lions defence withstood consistent pressure from the Dolphins attack with Luke Lloyd taking 11 marks for the game.
It was roles reversed in the third term as the Lions took control of the game kicking four of their six goal in the opening 20 minutes.
Ryan and Hodge slotted their second, as Gallop opening his account, Darcy Craven hit the scoreboard as did recent AFL debutant, Luke Beecken.
Will McLachlan made the most of his chance in front of goal to cut the 20-point half-time deficit to zero by three quarter time.
The final quarter played out in a similar fashion to the first three as both sides tried to wrestle momentum off one another.
Gallop’s second and Ryan’s third ensured the scoreboard remained close before Curtis McCarthy booted his major to help the Lions take the lead.
A minor score from Jack Manly took the margin out to seven points, Frankston were able to kick a behind of their own before slotting a goal after the siren to force a draw.
The Lions have now earned a week off before hosting an Elimination final in week 1 of the Smithy’s VFL Finals Series with their opponent to be determined following the Wildcard Round.
Final Score
Frankston 13.11 (89) drew with Brisbane 13.11 (89)
Goals: Ryan 3, Hodge 2, Gallop 2, H. Smith, McLachlan, McFadyen, McCarthy, Craven, Beecken
Best: Annable, Robertson, McInerney, Torrent, Lloyd, Manly
