THE BRISBANE Lions have kicked away in the final quarter to win their fifth straight QClash with a 33-point win over Gold Coast at the Gabba.

 

After Gold Coast moved within six points late in the third term, the Lions kicked six of the last eight goals to run out comfortable 17.14 (116) to 12.11 (83) winners.

It was their second barnstorming finish in three matches (including a 52-point comeback victory against Geelong 13 days ago) and has moved them level with the Suns on the ladder with a 5-9 win-loss record.

Despite playing the last quarter without Brent Moloney (calf) and Mitch Golby, who was coughing up blood following a big collision with Steven May, the Lions were still able to snatch the points.

Gold Coast finished without Sam Day who sustained a groin injury.

 

Dayne Zorko was instrumental, kicking three goals, including a crucial steadier in the third quarter and a great right-foot snap to break the Suns' spirit in the last.

 

He was well held by Joel Wilkinson for much of the night, but was clinical with his few chances.

 

The Lions tall forwards also had a good day, with the trio of Jonathan Brown (three goals), Brent Staker (three) – moved forward permanently in the second half – and Daniel Merrett (two), all significant contributors.

Lions coach Michael Voss was proud of the win.

"We were down on numbers and it's important to be tough in those moments," Voss said.

"We got the momentum towards the end and a couple of big finishes. You've got to be tough, you've got to be able to run when you need to run and I thought they did that today and finished out quite strong."

It is the Suns' fifth loss in six matches and was again riddled with errors going forward.

 

They matched the Lions in disposals, clearances and contested possessions, but were often out-worked.

 

With Brownlow medallists Gary Ablett (calf) and Simon Black (groin) absent, the match was always going to lack a little polish, but both teams cracked in.

 

Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger was named best afield and winner of the Marcus Ashcroft Medal with his 20 disposals, 29 hit-outs and six tackles.

  

The game was at times feisty. Zorko gave Wilkinson a big bump and even bigger verbal spray after his first goal, while Campbell Brown and Ash McGrath got into a third quarter wrestle.

 

Campbell Brown, captain for his 200th game, roughed up McGrath and the Lion retaliated with a shove in the face that cost his team a free kick and goal.

Greg Broughton collected Tom Rockliff with a big shepherd that left the Lion dazed, while David Swallow took plenty of time to rise from a Jonathan Brown hit.

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna said his team also fought hard, but lacked polish.

"I don't think we used the ball as well as we could have up until three quarter time, and maybe we should have had our noses in front but we didn't," McKenna said.

"It's not all lost. Certainly some good signs there with some fo the boys coming in and getting opportunities."

Jared Brennan, recalled with Ablett's match-eve withdrawal, was again prominent against his former club, racking up 21 disposals and kicking three goals.

Brisbane Lions: Brown 3, Zorko 3, Staker 3, Merrett 2, Hanley, Bewick, Mayes, Green, Rich, Raines

Gold Coast: Brennan 3, Brown 2, Bennell 2, Hall, Harbrow, Shaw, May, O’Meara

Brisbane Lions: Hanley, Leuenberger, Mayes, Brown, Staker, Adcock, Zorko

Gold Coast: Bennell, McKenzie, Brennan, Shaw, Stanley

Brisbane Lions: Moloney (calf)

Gold Coast: Day (groin)

Brisbane Lions: Ryan Lester on for Brent Moloney (calf) during the third quarter.

Gold Coast: Andrew Boston on for Sam Day during the third quarter.

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Findlay, Foot, Jeffery

Crowd: 27,170 at the Gabba