Today’s game would go a long way in determining the wooden spoon winner and which team would receive the number one draft pick as the Gold Coast Suns defeated the Brisbane Lions by 14 points.
The first quarter started with little defensive pressure. The Suns got out early with cleaner disposal and finishing. The Lions worked their way back with a greater work rate and held a slim lead at quarter time.
The Suns got a “Rocket” from coach Rodney Eade and scored the first of the second quarter. It was goal for goal as the game became more watchable but neither side could exert control. The Suns led by a point at Half Time.
>>MATCH REPORT: Lions set for spoon after Suns loss
Goal for goal continued in the third quarter. An exciting game emerged with the Suns kicking seven for the quarter and setting up a win.
As the game went on the Suns moved the ball in a more fluent manner. They continually scored goals on transition from a Lions turnover.
A good win in the finish for the Suns and bragging rights go down to the Gold Coast.
Aaron Hall was best afield. Playing through the midfield he had his best game as far as disposals go. Tom Lynch completely controlled the forward line and the Lions had no one capable of holding him. Brandon Matera and Jack Martin were two youngsters that the Suns would be happy with their development.
For the Lions Stefan Martin was the best ruckman on the ground, whilst Rockliff, Zorko and Hanley moved the ball through the midfield well but often let themselves down with the final kick.
The Suns record their 3rd win of the year and consign the Lions to the bottom of the ladder. The Lions may have a better chance of victory next week when they host Carlton.
SUNS 17.12.114 defeat LIONS 14.16.100
Will the Brisbane Lions get off the bottom of the ladder, or will the Gold Coast Suns avoid the wooden spoon when the two Queensland clubs meet in the Q-Clash? Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:15pm (AEST).
17th plays 18th and the importance of a win becomes very clear. Avoiding the ignominy of the wooden spoon is a priority, but the No. 1 draft goes to the bottom-placed side.
I’m not suggesting either side will deliberately lose for this reason, but the result does have massive consequences.
The Lions have won the last two meetings at the Gabba. This includes a big 54-4point win last year.
A side note to this clash, is that it is shaping as a job interview for Suns forward Charlie Dixon. The Lions are rumoured to be interested in recruiting him and a strong performance will add fuel to the fire.
The Suns other key big man, Tom Lynch, said this week that the Suns are keen to hold onto Dixon and he likes to play alongside him.
The AFL are using this match as a trial, with four central umpires. They are looking to see whether this improves performance and stamina in their umpiring group.
The Suns have missed big names all year, none bigger than Gary Ablett. To compound this they lose Rory Thompson to another injury, although they regain the experience of Michael Riscitelli to lead their young midfield.
The Lions have also been affected by injury, this week they are without Dayne Beams and Mathew Leuenberger, with Luke McGuane returning after a long absence.
Prediction
I am going against the odds and predicting a 40-point win for the Lions – they’re playing for pride and are due a win.
Will the Lions secure bragging rights for another 12 months, or will the Suns add to their draw last week and move away from the bottom of the ladder? Join The Roar from 4:15pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
MATCH REVIEW SUNS 17.12.114 defeat LIONS 14.16.100 Multiple Goals SUNS ; Lynch 5 Dixon 3 LIONS Taylor 3 Mc Guane 3 McStay 2 Best SUNS Hall (BOG) Lynch Matera Martin SUNS ; Martin Rockliff Zorko Hanley Today’s game would go a long way in determining the wooden spoon winner and which team would receive the number one draft pick. The first quarter started with little defensive pressure. The Suns got out early with cleaner disposal and finishing. The Lions worked their way back with a greater work rate and held a slim lead at quarter time. The Suns got a “Rocket” from coach Eade and scored the first of the second quarter. It was goal for goal as the game became more watchable but neither side could exert control. The Suns led by a point at Half Time. Goal for goal continued in the third quarter. An exciting game emerged with the Suns kicking seven for the quarter and setting up a win. As the game went on the Suns moved the ball in a more fluent manner. They continually scored goals on transition from a Lions turnover. A good win in the finish for the Suns and bragging rights go down to the Gold Coast. Aaron Hall was best afield. Playing through the midfield he had his best game as far as disposals go. Tom Lynch completely controlled the forward line and the Lions had no one capable of holding him. Brandon Matera and Jack Martin were two youngsters that the Suns would be happy with their development. For the Lions Stefan Martin was the best ruckman on the ground, Whilst Rockliff, Zorko and Hanley moved the ball through the midfield well but often let themselves down with the final kick. The Suns record their 3rd win of the year and consign the Lions to the bottom of the ladder. The Lions may have a better chance of victory next week when they host Carlton. Overall good signs for the Suns and when they add their best four midfielders, who were all injured , they will hopefully improve as expected next year.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Game Over Suns win by 14.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL LIONS McGuane McGuane has three in his first game for twelve months. LIONS 14.14.98 SUN 17.12.114 Q4 2'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
The Suns have this sown up Lead by 23. LIONS 13.13.91 SUN 17.12.114 Q4 4'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS Dixon An unlucky free against the Lions Clarke gives Dixon his third. LIONS 13.12.90 SUN 17.12.114 Q4 7'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS Lynch Lynch has five. Another strong mark. LIONS 13.12.90 SUN 16.12.108 Q4 8'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL LIONS McGuane Big mark by Mc Guane and game on. LIONS 13.12.90 SUN 15.12.102 Q4 9'
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Roar Guru
GOAL LIONS Taylor Hanley breaking clear gets it to Taylor for his third and the Lions still in it. LIONS 12.12.84 SUN 15.12.102 Q4 10'
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Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS Dixon Back out to four goals. Good kick from Dixon. LIONS 11.12.78 SUN 15.12.102 Q4 11'
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Roar Guru
SUB LIONS Evans off O'Brien On
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Roar Guru
GREAT GOAL!!!! McStay Fantastic kick from the boundary. LIONS 11.12.78 SUN 14.12.96 Q4 13'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
The Lions are in deep trouble here. LIONS 10.12.72 SUN 14.12.96 Q4 15'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS Bennell Suns by 23. LIONS 10.12.72 SUN 14.11.95 Q4 17'
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Roar Guru
3 QTR TIME SUNS 13.11.89 lead LIONS 10.12.72 Multiple Goals ; SUNS Lynch 4 LIONS Taylor 2 Aaron Hall and Dayne Zorko have 24 disposals each. The Suns have given themselves every chance of victory with a 7 goal quarter.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
3 Qtr time Suns by 17
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Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS Hall A big quarter from the Suns and they are out to 17 point lead. LIONS 10.12.72 SUN 13.11.89 Q3 0'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL LIONS McGuane Courtesy of a free close in , McGuane gets the Lions back into the game LIONS 10.12.72 SUN 12.11.83 Q3 1'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL LIONS Hanley Hanley needed to do that as Malceski was his opponent. LIONS 9.12.66 SUN 12.11.83 Q3 1'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS Malceski 4 in a row for the Suns as Malceski kicks long. LIONS 8.12.60 SUN 12.10.82 Q3 3'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL SUNS Dixon. Great kick from a mark to Dixon and the Suns getting on top in the premiership quarter. LIONS 8.12.60 SUN 11.10.76 Q3 4'