Dayne Zorko played down any ill-feeling towards the team that overlooked him in the build up to the second QClash of the season but his prolonged fist pumps to the crowd after his third goal in the last quarter showed exactly what the match meant to him. He did not have his best game in the Lions’ two-point win on the Gold Coast in the first QClash of the season and again was far from at his busiest with just 11 disposals, but he kicked three superb goals at the Gabba. All of his majors came from open play with the last opening a four-goal lead midway through the last quarter to effectively end the contest.
2. The Cannon rediscovers his aim
Like last week against Adelaide, much of the Gold Coast’s play was untidy but you could certainly not say that of Trent McKenzie, whose delivery out of defence was superb all afternoon. It was just a shame that the same quality of entry could not be made from the midfield to the Suns’ forward line, as the home side won the inside 50 count 60-45.
3. Just the way Campbell likes it
For much of the second half, each touch from former Hawk Campbell Brown was roundly booed at the Gabba. You get the feeling he wouldn't have wanted it any other way in his 200th match. It took a long time for the game to come to the boil, despite a season-high crowd at the Gabba, but tempers frayed on numerous occasions in the third quarter. This led to Brown and fellow veteran Ashley McGrath having a impromptu wrestling match , which led to a generous free kick in front of the sticks for the Sun and the Lions faithful's animosity from that point on.
4. Brown in jeopardy again?
Jonathan Brown may come the under scrutiny of the match review panel once more after a collision with David Swallow near the boundary line in the first quarter. The Suns midfielder took some time to recover from the heavy contact. Brown missed two games earlier in the season after contesting a charge for hitting Carlton’s Michael Jamison in round nine. The Lions champion went on to dominate the Suns defenders scoring three goals and taking 10 marks, including four inside 50.
5. No match-up? No worries
Defenders kicking goals has been a feature of the weekend after Ben Reid's heroics for Collingwood on Friday night. With the returning Daniel Merrett playing through a groin injury - and the Suns lacking a big forward for him to stand - he was allowed to play in the forward 50 and finished with two goals, while swingman Brent Staker nailed three crucial majors in the second half as the Lions pulled away.
