Lachie Neale returned with a bang on Thursday night after a tumultuous off-season, starring for Brisbane in their AFL pre-season win over Gold Coast. And a number of Suns players could be in hot water with the match review officer.
Jed Walter shined for the Suns with two goals and five marks, but his good work was undone when he was reported late in the game. Walter hit young Lions player Zane Zakostelsky high as he was attempting a bump, and could be facing suspension for Opening Round.
Lachie Neale shined for the Lions, while Jed Walter could be in hot water for the Suns. Image: Getty/Fox Footy
“If you elect to bump and not smother…unfortunately I think he might have something to answer for there,” said one commentator on Fox Footy.
Jy Farrar then levelled out Darcy Wilmot with a hard bump while Wilmot wasn’t looking and didn’t have the ball. Lions legend Jonathan Brown predicted Walter will be ok, but said Wilmot might be in trouble because he made contact with Farrar’s head after it whipped forward violently.
“This one, unnecessary I think,” Brown said. “I think they’re going to have a close look at this one. Wasn’t reported at the time, but I just don’t know if you need to do that.
“Clearly you could (see) Wilmot didn’t take possession of the ball. He (Farrar) will have a nervous wait in the next couple of days.”
Lachie Neale shines as Brisbane beat Gold Coast
Playing his first game since stepping down as Lions co-captain in the off-season, Neale racked up a game-high 31 touches and 10 clearances. He helped his side overturn a hot Suns start as the defending premiers won 19.12 (126) to 11.11 (101).
New co-captain Hugh McCluggage kicked a brilliant goal but didn’t play the second half after corking his left calf. Lions young gun Logan Morris kicked four goals and dominated in his battle with Mac Andrew, who gave away two 50-metre penalties for back chat.
Jed Walter and Jy Farrar could be in hot water for Gold Coast. Image: Fox Footy
Keidean Coleman and Lincoln McCarthy impressed to give Lions coach Chris Fagan some welcome selection headaches after Cam Rayner, Dayne Zorko, Harris Andrews, Oscar Allen and Ryan Lester all sat out. Coleman and McCarthy are both coming back after ACL tears.
“He’s shown he’s got great flexibility for us … he’s trained a fair bit as a half back but we know how much he adds value (up front),” Lions assistant Cam Bruce said of McCarthy. “Tonight proved it’s going to be a tough selection.”
Lachie Neale was typically brilliant for the Lions against the Suns.
(Getty Images)
with AAP