TWO Robert Copeland goals enabled the Brisbane Lions to secure a 10-point win over Sydney in their final NAB Challenge match in Canberra on Saturday afternoon.
Neither side dominated a largely scrappy encounter, but the couple of late majors to the Lions gave them victory 14.13 (97) to 13.9 (87) at Manuka Oval in the nation's capital.
Robert Copeland was twice awarded 50-metre penalties and took both opportunities from the goal square to seal the morale boosting victory for the Lions.
It was the difference in a game neither side ever really gained the ascendancy in, but the occasional cameo from dual Brownlow Medallist Goodes and Brisbane's mercurial Jonathan Brown thrilled the crowd in the capital.
Neither side suffered any injuries although Brown came from the field gingerly in the first quarter with what appeared to be a knee scare. He was soon back on the ground.
Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews was pleased to see his squad finish without any major injuries with the season proper just around the corner.
A Brisbane outfit will play a final trial on Monday, an informal match against a QFL side.
The Lions' first game of the AFL home-and-away season is away to West Coast on March 22.
BRISBANE 3.2 8.4 9.8 14.13 (97)
SYDNEY 4.3 7.5 9.9 13.9 (87)
Goals:
Brisbane: J Charman 3 A Proud 2 R Copeland 2 R Hooper 2 J Brennan A Corrie M Leuenberger D Bradshaw N Lappin.
Sydney: J Moore 3 D Jolly 2 N Davis 2 M O'Loughlin 2 H Grundy K Jack R O'Keefe J Bolton.
Best:
Brisbane: J Charman J Brown A Proud L Power.
Sydney: A Goodes K Jack E Barlow M O'Loughlin.
Injuries: Nil.
Crowd: 2,264 at Manuka Oval.
