1. Harris Andrews felled in sickening clash
The Gabba was rocked in the first quarter when in-form defender Harris Andrews was knocked out in a marking contest by a wayward Jeremy Cameron elbow. In typical Andrews fashion, the All Australian contender had just spoiled the ball to thwart a GWS forward entry. Andrews' was stretchered off with blood streaming from his mouth and played no further part in the game due to concussion, but reappeared on the bench in the second quarter to cheers from the crowd. Unsurprisingly, the Lions struggled without their defensive rock, who required stitches for a cut to his chin.
Lions defender Harris Andrews has been taken off on a stretcher after this collision with Jeremy Cameron. #AFLLionsGiants pic.twitter.com/ubWZgH8qzR
— AFL (@AFL) June 23, 2018
WIN COMES AT GIANT COST Full match coverage and stats
2. Will there be a Giant hole to fill?
Jeremy Cameron's raised elbow in the Harris Andrews incident could have big ramifications for the Giants forward and his team. The Match Review Officer is likely to send Cameron straight to the Tribunal, the question is just how many weeks. With the Giants battling to make the top eight and upcoming games against Hawthorn, West Coast, Richmond and Port Adelaide, it's a bad time for GWS to be missing their star forward. Can Jonathon Patton, who has been down on form but scored three goals in this match, step up in Cameron's absence?
Jeremy Cameron will have plenty on his mind over the next few days. Picture: AFL Photos
3. Giants midfield back to its running best
For the incredible talent the Giants' have at their disposal it has been a disappointing first half of the season. While losing Jeremy Cameron to suspension won't help their run to September, coach Leon Cameron will be buoyed by the run and spread his team showed in their 27-point win. Stephen Coniglio came back into the Giants' star-studded midfield following a concussion and did well, picking up 26 disposals to assist team-mates Josh Kelly (30) Lachie Whitfield (26) and Dylan Shiel (26). A great way to start the post-bye rounds.
Jacob Hopper snaps one through in traffic. #AFLLionsGiants pic.twitter.com/ksdprsF3Kn
— AFL (@AFL) June 23, 2018
4. Hodge turns back the clock
Was this Luke Hodge's best game in Brisbane colours? The 34-year-old certainly looked refreshed after last week's bye. With Harris Andrews off for three quarters, Hodge had to play a bigger role in the Lions' back half and did so with aplomb. He mopped up well, racking up 30 possessions while also taking the best mark of the game and scoring his first goal for the Lions. With Brisbane facing a trip to Perth next week, could coach Chris Fagan be tempted to leave Hodge at home for another week off?
Luke Hodge winds back the clock and takes a hanger! #AFLLionsGiants pic.twitter.com/t8mkKlG8zy
— AFL (@AFL) June 23, 2018
5. A score controversy without goal review
There's been several scoring controversies this season thanks to the goal review system, but video technology didn't play a part in this potential missed goal. Jeremy Cameron thought he nailed a six-pointer when he snapped a kick from the forward pocket with about seven minutes left in the third quarter. The balled sailed high and on replay it looked like it just edged in on the inside of the goal stick, but the goal umpire deemed it a behind. Cameron was bemused, but thankfully for the Giants it didn’t have an impact on the match.
Jeremy Cameron was convinced this was a goal, but it was judged a behind.#AFLLionsGiants pic.twitter.com/MKXzBtMrKO
— AFL (@AFL) June 23, 2018