Fevola shines, but Brown steals the spotlight
Roar Guru By Paddy Higgs, 2 Apr 2010 Paddy Higgs is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- AFL, Brendan Fevola, Brisbane Lions, Carlton Blues
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Lions player Brendan Fevola (r) reacts after kicking a spectacular grubber kick goal. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
It was the sight every Carlton supporter never wanted to see, but took just two rounds. In the end, however, Brendan Fevola’s first meeting against former club Carlton meant little to the result. Sure, the ex-Blue spearhead managed to boot three goals in his new side’s 19-point win.
Just seeing him in another club’s colours, particularly against his club of 10 years, must have taken some swallowing by Carlton’s die-hard supporters.
How far the loss of Fevola the player will set the Blues back in the premiership race will be revealed in time.
But hard to watch or not, it was the performance of Fevola’s fellow forward Jonathon Brown that really swung the game in the Lions’ favour.
The Brisbane skipper proved the real matchwinner with seven goals from 19 kicks. He picked up 21 touches in total, with 12 marks and contested possessions.
A task far too great for Carlton defender Brett Thornton, Brown’s goal to stem the tide midway through the third term when Carlton seemed to have the game in its grasp swung the momentum back in Brisbane’s favour.
Fevola endeavoured but was well, and occasionally somewhat illegally, held by Michael Jamison.
Cameras of the game never seemed far from the always-intriguing forward, but seldom got any juice bar the occasional throw of the handbag.
The Blues put up a better fight than many of their critics might have suggested. Industrious but rarely stylish, Carlton took the points in the close contests and was only perhaps thwarted by skill errors.
And Brown.
The addition of Fevola – a more diverse, mobile forward than the departed Daniel Bradshaw – seemed to hand the Lions skipper a freer role.
Brown has never been one to shirk the issue for his club. But maybe the added freedom handed to him by Fevola’s arrival will see him lift another level in 2010.
So while Fevola’s first encounter with his former club hogged the headlines pregame, it will be Brown who will garner them in the aftermath.
After reportedly gagging Fevola from talking to the media last week, Michael Voss sure won’t mind.
So while Blues fans could only watch on as Fevola celebrated a win over his own club, Voss was perhaps the most satisfied man in Queensland last night.
A win, a sterling performance from his captain, and a few less headlines to reflect on would be better than any chocolate egg this Easter.
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The Crowd Says (6) | Page 1 of Comments
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- AFL, Brendan Fevola, Brisbane Lions, Carlton Blues
April 2nd 2010 @ 10:04am
bever fever said | April 2nd 2010 @ 10:04am | Report comment
I just watched a replay of this game, Brisbane was beaten out of the middle and it appears that this may be Blacks last season, but maybe Banfield can slot straight in, looks like he can.
Brisbane/Brown are good but maybe need some more pace around the stoppages for mine but a good win all the same.
Very good crowd of over 36thou, and the crowd really gets into the game up north, great to see.
April 2nd 2010 @ 10:27am
Sven man said | April 2nd 2010 @ 10:27am | Report comment
Incredible effort by Brown, particularly the second half. But gee Brisbane would have to have some concerns over their midfield. Against the top sides, Brownola might not see the ball at all.
April 2nd 2010 @ 12:31pm
Damo said | April 2nd 2010 @ 12:31pm | Report comment
I think the addition of Amon Buchanan will certainly give the Lions a bit more flexibility up in the forward line. And so far so good for Staker, Raines and Maguire.
But yes, midfield lacks leg speed and depth. Rest of the side is rock solid.
April 2nd 2010 @ 12:40pm
James said | April 2nd 2010 @ 12:40pm | Report comment
Lions can do some serious damage this year. Voss is a great coach. Look what he did in his debut year.
April 2nd 2010 @ 12:55pm
If I change my name will my opinion get posted? said | April 2nd 2010 @ 12:55pm | Report comment
The Lions ruckmen will struggle against quality opposition, without the rucks winning, the midfielders will struggle at stoppages.
Banfield looks like quality of very high order, hopefully injury or homesickness doesn’t come into it for him and the Lions.
Black’s usual polish isn’t there yet but it will be back.
Brovola, will kick 10 between them on many occassions this year.
Quality backline, Merret gets better every year.
Lions i.m.o top 4.
April 4th 2010 @ 5:08pm
crazy horse said | April 4th 2010 @ 5:08pm | Report comment
Brown love is big in Brisbane.