The Brisbane Lions have surged to a 20-point win over Richmond to book a semi-final spot for Week 2 of the Smithy’s VFL Finals Series.
Four goals to Conor McKenna saw the Lions come from two points down at three quarter time to run away 12.15 (87) to 10.13 (67) winners.
A tense opening 10 minutes saw Richmond boot the first major of the afternoon with Curtis McCarthy returning serve six minutes later.
The Tigers took the ascendency after McKenna’s first, kicking the next three goals to hold a nine-point lead at quarter time.
Deven Robertson and Oscar McInerney formed a deadly partnership in the middle of the ground, with the former booting a goal, collecting 30 possessions and taking five marks.
Not too be outdone, McInerney had 25 disposals of his own, along with four marks and a goal for the afternoon.
A surging Lions turned the tide in the second term booting seven goals to two, taking a 24-point lead into halftime.
Majors to Brandon Ryan, Darcy Craven and Will McLachlan kickstarted the momentum swing as McKenna, Robertson and Fergus McFadyen put the Lions back in the driver's seat at the main break.
McKenna’s run and creativity in the forward half were on show throughout the contest as he collected 16 touches and took four marks.
Youi Brisbane Lions Academy product Dan Annable played a key role in the midfield with 23 possessions and six tackles aided by the returning Jimmy Tunstill who also affected six clearances with his 23 touches.
The Tigers responded in the third term keeping the Lions goalless and kicking four of their own to lead by two points at three quarter time setting up a grandstand finish.
Luke Beecken and Shadeau Brain were strong off half-back all afternoon with the pair collecting 18 and 19 disposals respectively.
McKenna’s fourth within two minutes helped the Lions regain the lead as McInerney and McFadyen’s second put the icing on the cake.
The Lions will now travel to Melbourne to take on Box Hill in the Second Semi Final with dates and times to be confirmed.
Final Score
Brisbane 12.15 (87) def Richmond 10.13 (67)
Goals: McKenna 4, McFadyen 2, Ryan, Roberston, McLachlan, McInerney, McCarthy, Craven
Best: Robertson, McInerney, McKenna, Brain, Craven, Annable
