Chris Fagan issued a warning to his players about the need to start the game well.
“We need to show them [Gold Coast] who we are.”
It was a reference to their previous meeting when the Lions were crushed by 11 goals. Fagan didn’t quite get the start he wanted.
The Lions gave up the first two goals of the game inside four minutes – but the way they finished the first half was everything the Lions are about.
Lions fans celebrate a goal.Credit: AFL Photos
Take the passage of play that led to a goal in the final minute.
The Lions chipped the ball from wing to wing, making the ground big and asking the Suns to defend every blade of grass on the Gabba.
Fatigued, the Suns lost their concentration, giving up a 50 for a breach of the stand rule.
It allowed the Lions to send the ball long to the hot spot inside 50, where Zac Bailey scrambled a goal out of nothing.
It has given the Lions a 25-point lead at the long break. This is very much a Lions game. They are controlling clearance, stoppage and territory.
Their marks tally is up to 49 – they are extremely difficult to beat when they get to 100. Missing Lachie Neale, the Lions have had Will Ashcroft step up. Ashcroft (with two goals and 15 disposals) and Hugh McCluggage have been excellent.
Josh Dunkley has neutralised Matt Rowell, who has had 12 possessions and a goal, but has not had the same impact on the outside as he has had for much of the season. The Lions’ forward line is dynamic, despite having Oscar McInerney as a key tall.
“The Big O” has done his job, minimising the impact of Sam Collins’ intercept game. Cam Rayner, with an extraordinary goal from just in front of the centre circle, Kai Lohmann, Bailey and Callum Ah Chee have all kicked goals.
For the Suns, it’s Ben King or bust. Ben Long can’t get near it and youngster Ethan Read looks overawed. Both could get the tap from Damien Hardwick to be subbed off unless they can lift.
If the Suns are going to win this, they need Rowell to break free of Dunkley, Noah Anderson to get off the chain, and more from Touk Miller.
Their fairytale is in grave danger of coming to a sad conclusion tonight.