One of the advantages of being back in Brisbane is being able to go to the ‘Gabba with mates and watch the Lions live. I know they are playing pretty poorly, and certainly struggling to put four quarters together, but on the plus side they haven’t been flogged all year, not like the touch-ups that Port have copped from Collingwood and Hawthorn in the last few weeks – both defeats by 25 goals +. Ouch!
I think the Lions are playing a reasonably attractive style, albeit without the execution that they would prefer, and need in order to win more consistently. Anyway, on Saturday night, Jack and I went to the local derby versus the Gold Coast Suns – ‘Q Clash 2′ for the marketers – with Briggsy, Patrice and Christopher. The first local derby was Round 7, and the Suns conjured a victory by 8 points in a quite high scoring affair. There would be no repeat of that nonsense this time around this around – the Lions never really looked like losing, and the Suns were quite awful.
It was interesting (perhaps perplexing?) to see the Suns deploy a similar tactic to the Crows – Jack and I went to watch them play the Lions at Footy Park months ago (I cant believe I didnt write about that one!). Like the Crows, the Suns default tactic was often to kick the ball backwards and or across the field to change the angle of attack (I suppose? What do I really know about this?). The result is that the game slows down and everyone from both sides is stacked in the same half of the field. The Crows were so down on confidence that on a couple of occasions they would return the ball from their half forward line to the full back in a series of mostly short defensive kicks, which drove the crowd into a frenzy of groans and general swearing – “Kick the fucking thing forward!” The Suns opted for more across-field kicking but in the majority of cases it all came to nought because as soon as they entered their forward line they would turn the ball over and then the Lions would break and sprint upfield to (often) score. If the Suns had surer hands in their forward line I guess the tactic would work, but it didnt.
In general play the Lions were pretty good, although did have 9 or 10 out of bounds on the full! Is that a record? Leuenberger was great in the ruck, and would have been best on ground if Simon Black hadnt been playing. The game was a night affair and there was quite a bit of slipping and sliding on the dew, but Black’s hands were incredibly assured – his clean catches, quick handballs and kicks were outstanding. Staker played well, so too Mitch Clark (I do hope he re-signs for the future) and Banfield also (despite inaccurate kicking). For the Suns, Ablett was the stand out. 2010 Lions Club Champion Rischitelli was strong (pity he left Brisbane) while the other former Lion, Brennan was roundly (and unfairly) booed every time he touched the ball. He was well marked by Brisbane Captain Jed Adcock (Brownie being out of the season with his cheek plated for the second time)
The win was great, but not as great as seeing the smile on Jack’s face as we entered the playing arena for a post-match kick. It was a genuine look of joy, something like, “Dad, all my dreams have come true – I am kicking a footy on the ‘Gabba’! Gold.
Brisbane Lions 5.2 7.5 10.11 18.15 (123)
Gold Coast 1.4 3.6 4.9 8.13 (61)
Brisbane Lions: Staker 2, Clark 2, Polkinghorne 2, Sheldon 2, Banfield 2, Leuenberger 2, Black, Raines, Adcock, Hanley, Stiller, Karnezis
Gold Coast: Rischitelli 2, Shaw 2, Ablett, Fraser, Stanley, Bennell
