Brisbane broke its scoring bar with a 45-point cueclash victory over Gold Coast in Cuba on Wednesday night, but the Lions were again left out of the injury count.
Five days after Virgin Australia lost the AFL to all Australian Harris Andrews for six weeks, The Lions are now sweating over the consequences of injuries to young stars Jarrod Perry (shoulder) and Brandon Starchevic (concussion)., Both failed to return after half an hour.
Lions vs Sons Full match coverage and stats
Lachie Neil (33 outs, 19 competed) improved her Brownlow medal chances with another outstanding display and won the second Marcus Ashcraft medal for best offfield with a victory of 13.10 (88) to 6.7 (43).
The No. 1 draft Big Game Rainer (12 touches and three goals) played one of his best games for the club, dominating the first quarter.
After kicking only two goals in his previous five tours, Charlie Cameron (2.3) looked back on his gypsy best, just like captain Dane Sorco (24 disposals and two goals).
Brisbane are now in second place with its fifth win, and the win against Sydney in Cairns on Sunday will give Carlton at least two finals in the final.
After failing to top the 60-point mark in the last four games, Brisbane were at an all-time high, opening the game against a flat-footed Suns with five first-quarter goals.
It was the dominant victory the Lions needed after scrapping in some close matches in recent weeks.
Jack Payne did an admirable job instead of Andrews, while Hipwood’s goal only claimed part of his best night because he trusted Sam Collins ran poorly, finishing with 10 points and 14 disposals.
The Suns will be disappointed in the show, trailing by 28 points in the quarter after being bullied around the ball, conceding 19 to 19 under 50, and never getting into a real match.
Injuries to lions continue to increase
After losing Harris Andrews with a thigh injury on Collingwood, the Lions are licking their wounds again. Brandon Starchevic suffered a concussion early in the second quarter when he flew for a high spoiler, hitting hard on the ground and struggling off the field. Ten minutes later, Jarot Perry just came to the rescue and grabbed him by the shoulder. Lincoln McCarthy also left the field with a bad court in the second half, but returned to reveal the game.
Chris Fagan pulls his hair out
Although he played one of his best games for the club, Cam Rainer drew the wrath of his coach Chris Fagan in the third quarter. After taking a strong overhead mark 15m out and center off, Rainer was sure he would kick his fourth goal, but normally played with a snap and hit the ball in the stomach. Cameras were cut for the enraged Fagan on the bench, and no one was happy with his young accusation attempt. Unselfish second player Keaton Coleman may have kicked his first career goal, but he missed his volleyball attempt to Don McStay, who was undoubtedly on goal.
A tough night for some young suns
Fresh off 10 days after destroying North Melbourne on its most recent voyage, Gold Coast has been good at speed, especially with some of its young stars. After tearing up the kangaroo, little forward Isaac Rankin struggled to get involved, and the worse things seemed harder for him to try. Ben King finished with two goals, but had little influence against fellow youngster Jack Payne, while Connor Boutrick struggled to control Charlie Cameron. These young guns have great days, and they will learn a lot from the Lions playing experience.
Brisbane 5.4 8.6 11.10 13.10 (88)
Gold Beach 1.0 4.3 5.5 6.7 (43)
Goals
Brisbane: Rainer 3, Cameron 2, Sorco 2, Berry, Hipwood, McCarthy, McLaughlin, McStay, Robinson
Gold Beach: Carpet 2, King 2, Weller, Ainsworth
The better
Brisbane: Neil, Rainer, Sorgo, Hipwood, Cameron, McLaughlin, Rich
Gold Beach: Ellis, Anderson, Greenwood, Ainsworth
Injuries
Brisbane: Starchevich (concussion), Perry (shoulder)
Gold Beach: No.
