Brisbane Lions Triumph Over Gold Coast Suns in High-Scoring Pre-Season AFL Encounter
In a thrilling pre-season showdown at Springfield, the two-time defending AFL champions Brisbane Lions emerged victorious with a 19.12 (126) to 11.11 (101) win over the Gold Coast Suns. This final tune-up before next week's Opening Round matches saw the hosts rally after a hot start from a near full-strength Suns side, setting the stage for an intense AFL season ahead.
Key Performers Shine in Springfield Shoot-Out
Lions young gun Logan Morris stole the spotlight, dominating his battle with Mac Andrew and booting four crucial goals. His performance was a highlight in a game filled with standout moments. For the Suns, hulking forward Jed Walter made an early impact with two goals and five marks, including a major from well outside the arc in the first quarter. However, his influence waned in the second half, and he may face suspension after being reported for a high shot on young Lion Zane Zakostelsky, potentially ruling him out of the Suns' opener against Geelong next Friday.
Western Bulldogs recruit Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, returning after over 400 days without playing due to off-field issues, kicked two goals and showed impactful touches around goal, though he struggled with marking attempts. Suns dynamo Leo Lombard, who suffered a bad injury in last year's corresponding game, impressed with three goals, including a brilliant effort from the boundary with the last play of the match.
Injury Comebacks and Selection Headaches for Coaches
The match also highlighted several injury comebacks. For Brisbane, fit-again pair Keidean Coleman and Lincoln McCarthy impressed, giving coach Chris Fagan welcome selection headaches ahead of next Saturday's clash with the Bulldogs at the Gabba. Coleman, who played just one AFL game last season after tearing his ACL in the 2024 opener, was prolific and incisive through the engine room. McCarthy, recovering from back-to-back ACL tears, showed versatility at halfback before sneaking forward to kick two goals in his traditional role.
Brisbane assistant Cam Bruce praised McCarthy's flexibility, noting, "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). Tonight proved it's going to be a tough selection." Meanwhile, Suns assistant Shaun Grigg expressed satisfaction with Ugle-Hagan's integration, saying, "We got through what we wanted ... minuted into guys against a hardened opposition. He hasn't played footy for over 400 days. To fit into our system, get used to our ball movement ... we're thrilled with the work he's done."
Notable Absences and Standout Stats
Brisbane's A-listers Cam Rayner, Dayne Zorko, and Harris Andrews all sat out the clash, while Oscar Allen and Ryan Lester missed due to concussions sustained last week. In their absence, Lachie Neale racked up a game-high 31 touches and 10 clearances for the Lions, and Hugh McCluggage kicked a brilliant goal before exiting at halftime with a corked left calf. Other contributors included Zac Bailey (25 disposals, two goals), Charlie Cameron (two goals, 18 touches), and emerging Lions forward Ty Gallop (two goals), who waged war with Sam Collins.
For the Suns, captain Noah Anderson kicked the game's first goal in less than a minute but had his minutes managed. New midfield partner Christian Petracca was explosive in the first quarter with 24 touches and nine clearances, breaking tackles at will. Teenage Lions tall Cody Curtin also made an impression, bouncing back from a brutal mid-air collision to narrowly miss a long set-shot goal and then nail a terrific chase-down tackle of Suns star Daniel Rioli.
Defender Noah Answerth played in a VFL pre-season match earlier in the day in his comeback from an Achilles tear, while Rayner completed a solo training session and is expected to be fit for the Bulldogs clash. This match not only provided entertainment but also crucial insights for both teams as they fine-tune their lineups for the upcoming AFL season.
