Lions too good for the Zebs in Brisbane

17/06/2024

The Zebras go down to a red-hot Brisbane team at Brighton Homes Arena in our second interstate trip of the season.

Photography by Anthony Vella

In our second interstate journey of the year, the Zebs flew to Brisbane to face the Lions on a picture-perfect day for football. Sandy were looking to score early to put the game on our terms, especially given that the Lions were coming off a strong win against an undefeated side in Footscray.

The first quarter was a see-saw affair with both teams trading majors keeping the contest lively. Our first coming off the boot of in-form Cooper Sharman. We held firm as the Lions tried to break down the defensive line with fast ball movement. The insiders defensive efforts and tackle pressure were able to stem the tide of the Lions' constant flow of inside-50s. We found our reward for effort courtesy of Tim Membrey. The quarter played out in limbo and we went into the first break five points off the pace.

We hit the front soon after the break thanks to some Max Hall brilliance, a shot around the body for his first. The Lions responded soon after to re-gain the lead. However, the supply into the forward line improved and the opportunities to convert into goals were there, as we took charge of the inside-50 count. The intensity rose and there were chances that went begging, our radars just off in the first half. After a short burst of goals for the Lions, we were executing our clean hands and were threatening. Hall claimed his second for the quarter after a sharp set shot. Our pressure went to another level to finish the quarter, eager to swing the momentum, yet the half closed out without reward as we headed into half-time 14 points down.  

A strong half for Mattaes Phillipou with 15 disposals and six clearances. Max Heath was best on ground for the half and found ascendency in the ruck in the second quarter with 17 hitouts and five clearances.

The Lions jumped out of the gate and kicked four goals in four minutes to start the quarter. A strong defensive system was set, just costly turnovers and centre-clearance dominance resulting in unrelenting forward surges by the Lions. We were looking down the barrel of a tough afternoon until an inspired two minutes by Sharman, taking a solid contested mark and a miraculous intercept possession, resulted in Hall’s third goal of the game. After a measured forward approach from deep in our d50, Darby Hipwell danced around and kicked a goal. The Lions came back with two of their own, followed by a strong reply by Phillipou resulting in a goal. The Lions ended the quarter 36 points ahead.

Strong pressure from Ryan Byrnes on the wing sparked a forward surge with Membrey the beneficiary for his second of the afternoon. The Lions responded at once to take the wind out of our sails, with hopes of a miraculous comeback quelled.  A goal to young Zeb, Will Vesely late and a smart finish from Hugo Hall-Kahan at the 27 minute mark closed out the scoring for the game. The Lions finished the game victors by 57-points.

Despite the final scoreline, Phillipou was the top ball winner of the afternoon with 28 disposals, eight clearances and a goal. Hall had a strong afternoon kicking three-goals and showing promise on the inside. Max Heath continued his strong development of late with 24 hitouts, eight clearances and 19 disposals.

In the end it was the talls' influence and turnover scores for Brisbane against a green Zebs defence that was the difference. They took advantage of the inside-50 supply, able to put the damage on the scoreboard. The eye test would have told a different story, with the Zebs competitive around the ground, but letting chances go.

Brisbane Lions                3.3          7.6          13.12    19.16                      130

Sandringham                   2.4          4.10       7.12       10.13                     73

For the full VFL stats package and match replay visit the VFL website.

The Zebs have a bye in Round 13. Our next fixture (Round 14) is against Geelong VFL at GMHBA Stadium at 12:05pm on Sunday the 30th of June. You can catch all the action via the VFL website or app.

Written by Tom McQuillan - Sandringham FC Media