A fast start from the Brisbane Lions proved enough for them to hold for a two-point win over the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday night.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Gold Coast Suns 14.12.96
Brisbane Lions 15.8.98
The first game of the AFL season provides anxiety and hope for many sides. Tonight’s round 1 clash between the Gold Coast Suns and the Brisbane Lions will be an opportunity for one of these two sides to show some improvement on 2016 and see if either side can escape the clutches of the bottom four in 2017.
Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 8:05pm as these two hometown rivals battle it out for pride at Metricon Stadium.
It’s pretty unlikely that either of these sides have made anyone’s top eight this year. As the Giants begin to soar and make a statement in September, the Suns have continued to flounder.
With that said, they put together an impressive first half against reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs in the JLT community series, leading by 50 points at one stage.
The story is much sadder for the once brilliant Lions, who have failed to come close to the great heights of the early 2000s. Going into this match you’d have to say that they are one of the favourites for the wooden spoon in 2017.
Players to watch for the match are the enthralling Gary Ablett making a return to AFL after an injury riddled 2016. It will be also interesting to see how Dayne Beams’ embraces his new role as captain of the Lions.
The Suns have six debutants in this match – Michael Barlow, Pearce Hanley, Jarryd Lyons and Jarrod Witts playing their first game for the club, while draftees Ben Ainsworth and Jack Bowes are making their AFL debuts.
The Lions have only the one debutant for the match, rookie-listed Jake Barrett, who they picked up after he was delisted by the GWS Giants at the end of 2016.
I am predicting an easy win to the Suns by 30 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 8:05pm as these two hometown rivals battle it out for pride at Metricon Stadium.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
So I got my Saints and Sydney tips wrong, but I tipped Essendon and Brisbane. You win some, you lose some.
XI
Roar Guru
Wow! That turned out much more exciting than I thought. And Gold Coast wasted too many scoring shots. They'll rue that.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
SIREN SOUNDS!! i's the Lions by two. Brisbane limp ver the line by 2 points. After a sublime points that saw them up by 47 points 3 minutes into the second quarter, they have staved off a second half dominated by the Gold Coast to get 4 points for round 1. Great to see the underdog gt up so early in the season. What an enthralling match. Absolutely fantastic to see the Lions of old back on the ground, particularly in the first half.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Tom & Paul - seeing as you're the Brisbane fans, I'm going to say congrats to you two. somehow, next week's game against essendon just got very, very intriguing.
Woolly
Roar Rookie
Well I called that one wrong. But I picked it in my footy tips! Ended up being a really good game. Your boys fell over the line!
TomC
Roar Guru
Pardon me, I believe I'll have a heart attack
Paul D
Roar Guru
You bloody beauty
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
BRISBANE, YES!
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
A lot of danger there with 90 seconds to go appears to have been managed as the Lions go back and take a set shot at goal with 33 seconds left on the clock. Just a point, but it feels like it might just bee enough for the Lions to take the points!
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Holy crap this is intense! Never thought I'd say that about a queensland derby
Woolly
Roar Rookie
Eade complained during the JLT series that Lynch was having wrestling moves applied to him and he should be paid free kicks because of it. Well he got one there and made no mistake. This game has definitely exceeded my expectations!
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Uh oh, the pressure is on now. Come on Brisbane, I'd love to see you get a win!
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
GOAL TO THE SUNS It's a one point ball game with 3 minutes to go.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Just under 4 minutes to go. You get the feelings the Suns need something special here to walk away.... just as Lynch is given the free that's been ignored all night.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Was an absolute bloody ripper, that goal...
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
7 point lead to the Lions with 5 minutes to go. Tom Lynch misses a crucial shot.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Much better game than I was anticipating.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Lewy Taylor you beauty, a lot more of that each week and then you can get 500 grand
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Brilliant from Taylor. A quick snap the boot through for a vital goal. Lions by 8 points with 6 minutes and 32 seconds to go.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
7 minutes to go and OUT ON THE FULL by the Lions at a critical moment.