The Suns were too strong for the wilting Lions in a hot day at Broadbeach, dominating after half time and winning by four goals, a margin that flattered Brisbane.
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Final score
Gold Coast 0.11.15.81
Brisbane 1.7.6.57
The JLT Community Series begins for the Queensland sides, as the Gold Coast Suns host the Brisbane Lions. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 4.40pm AEDT.
Both of this afternoon’s competitors would have been pretty glad for the 2016 season to end, after disappointing years spent mostly near the bottom of the ladder.
It would be good to see some early signs this afternoon that the new season will offer a bit more for both clubs.
In particular, there will be a number of rookies on display, after the two clubs invested heavily in the most recent national draft.
For the Suns, top ten picks Ben Ainsworth, Jack Bowes and Will Brodie will all play their first game in the Gold Coast colours.
Lions fans will get their first look at Hugh McCluggage and academy graduate Jacob Allison.
Also playing their first games for the Suns are recruits Jarrod Witts, Michael Barlow and Pearce Hanley. The latter, formerly a high-profile player at the Brisbane Lions, will be an especially interesting one to watch.
The Suns’ midfield has been a weakness in most of their recent seasons, and with quite a few new players in that part of the ground the way they gel together could be a big factor for their performance this year.
Brisbane for their part have had real problems in their backline, and they’ll be put to the test by one of the league’s strongest key forwards in Tom Lynch.
Jack Frost was recruited in the trade period and if the former Pies goes to Lynch it’ll be a sign that he’s a big part of new coach Chris Fagan’s intended defensive structure.
Unfortunately, the weather might well have a big factor on this contest, with heavy rain predicted after a hot and humid few days in South East Queensland.
That, and the early stage of the pre-season, probably makes the result a bit irrelevant this evening. Nevertheless the Suns’ team looks more experienced and a bit better balanced, and you’d expect them to win this one.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 4.40pm AEDT.
TomC
Roar Guru
Completely agree. We'll wait and see how the rest of the pre-season plays out, but alarm bells are ringing right now for the Lions.
TomC
Roar Guru
To be honest, I don't see a lot of positives for Brisbane. There were a few worrying things for the Suns as well, in my opinion. They really should have won this by a lot more. We might get a sense from the rest of the Community Series whether or not they have a problem in front of goal. I'm also a bit sceptical that this run and handball game they've got will hold up in the season proper, against better opposition. Miller and Hall were big positives for them, though. The two best players on the ground in my opinion.
TomC
Roar Guru
Match report The Suns were too strong for the wilting Lions in a hot day at Broadbeach, dominating after half time and winning by four goals, a margin that flattered Brisbane. Gold Coast's pace through the midfield and strength in the key positions always gave them the edge over Brisbane, but until midway through the third term the Lions had managed to stay within a kick for the most part, breaking even at the clearances and pinching goals on the counterattack. However, eventually the Suns superiority around the ground took its toll, as they began to kick away late in the third quarter and largely dominated the final term. Brisbane managed two late consolation goals to keep the margin respectable, but in truth they were very much the lesser of the two teams. Aaron Hall showed every sign of backing up from his breakout 2016, dominating this game with 33 possessions and several penetrating forward entries. His pace and positioning always gave the Suns an option through the midfield. Touk Miller and Pearce Hanley also provided options in a midfield that is blessed with pace. The Suns were keen to link up and run through the midfield, handballing significantly more than they kicked, and that's surely a sign of what they're trying to achieve in this coming season. They might be a little disappointed in only managing eleven goals from their fifty forward entries. Sam Day's early injury - dislocating a hip after striding awkwardly at a contest - robbed them of an attacking option. Jarrad Grant was on fire early but faded after quarter time. Tom Lynch was impressive without dominating. Sadly, the Lions looked similarly disorganised and outgunned as they did for most of 2016. They couldn't deal with the Suns pace through the middle and didn't seem to have much system going forward. Their second half fade out was all too familiar, and unfortunately is likely to be a feature of future games for the league's youngest list. However, they'll be happy with Rohan Bewick's excellent game pushing up off a half back flank, as well as the promising debut of Hugh McCluggage. They may be missing Jack Frost from round one, after the new recruit was reported for a dangerous tackle on Brandon Matera. The Suns may also be without a key position player in the early season depending on the severity of Sam Day's injury. Gold Coast would surely come away the happier of the two teams, not just because of the win but also their superior ball movement and organisation. They'll be hoping to show a sharper edge in front of goal in their remaining pre-season games.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I'd imagine both teams would take plenty of positives out of the match today, though. I liked McCluggage's game, and Pearce Hanley was really good for the Suns. Barlow was pretty good as well, but honestly I'd expect nothing less from him.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Nice way to end the game for the Lions, I guess. Still, their startling drop of in effort in this second half has been disappointing. Two consolation goals in the last minute don't necessarily mean their second half was good in anyway.
TomC
Roar Guru
Full time Gold Coast 11.15.81 Brisbane Lions 8.6.57
TomC
Roar Guru
GOAL BRISBANE Schache takes a strong mark in the forwardline for Brisbane. He goes back and kicks the goal from 40m, straight in front. That's a good moment at the end of a tough day for the young forward. Gold Coast 81 Brisbane 57
TomC
Roar Guru
GOAL BRISBANE Mayes sends a hopeful kick forward that happens to fall in the lap of Ryan Lester. Lester from 35m out kicks a consolation goal. Gold Coast 81 Brisbane 51
TomC
Roar Guru
The Suns get their run going through the middle of the ground, and Hall draws an opponent to set up Matera with a chance. Matera takes a long flying shot from 50, but its offline for a behind.
TomC
Roar Guru
This has been a very poor second half for the Lions. Not much sign that they're in for a better season this year.
TomC
Roar Guru
Five minutes left in the game, with the Suns leading comfortably by six goals.
TomC
Roar Guru
GOAL GOLD COAST The Lions trying to clear under pressure, but Stef Martin grubbing kick in the direction of a teammate is cut off by Joyce for the Suns, who runs inside 50 and kicks a goal. Gold Coast 79 Brisbane 45
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
If there was a stat for fumbles, Brisbane would be dominating.
TomC
Roar Guru
Jack Frost gives away an obvious deliberate out of bounds right next to the behind post the Lions are defending. The attempt on goal on the angle from Leslie slams into the goalpost for a behind. The Suns by 28 points, completely in control right now.
TomC
Roar Guru
The Suns well on top now, completing dominating the opening minutes of the fourth quarter.
TomC
Roar Guru
Yeah, they have a few of those pacey players, and when they can find space in the middle of the ground they're very dangerous.
TomC
Roar Guru
GOAL GOLD COAST Miller in space in the forward pocket for the Suns takes an uncontested mark, and will shoot from 35m out on a 45 degree angle. Miller slots it straight through. Gold Coast 70 Brisbane 45
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
The Sun's speed is definitely exemplified the best by Adam Saad. That dude is seriously quick!
TomC
Roar Guru
The final quarter has begun.
TomC
Roar Guru
It was pretty close for most of that quarter, but the Suns kicked away late to push out to a 19 point lead. Pearce Hanley was probably the most influential player of the term, kicking a sparkling goal early and having a lot of influence around the ground for the Suns. Barlow also got more involved, and kicked a goal of his own, while Hall remains the game's dominant midfielder. The Lions are mostly holding their own, but in open play they're noticeably less quick than the Suns, who have generally been able to find space.