THE BRISBANE Lions went down by four goals to the Kangaroos at Carrara Oval on the Gold Coast on Saturday night, sliding to 2-2 for the season.
The Lions failed to capitalise on the nervous play of the Kangaroos in front of goal, with the Victorian team wasting plenty of opportunities to put the match away, especially in the third term.
However the damage for the Lions had been done earlier in the match.
A wasteful first term saw them kick five behinds before star midfielder Simon Black finally got them on the board.
They came out on fire during the second term, dominating the clearances to pile on the first three goals, but unable to continue this momentum through the match.
The reminder of the second quarter was evenly contested, with a goal apiece meaning the Roos went into half-time with a narrow three-point lead.
The Lions did well to withstand the Kangaroos’ barrage of deliveries inside 50, and through Ash McGrath managed to snap a goal against the tide to keep the Roos’ lead to six points.
However, the majority of the quarter was characterised by turnovers and missed opportunities up forward, with the Lions kicking 1.4 to the Roos 1.7. Jonathan Brown was particularly wayward, kicking his fifth behind.
With the contest in the balance going into the final term, Brown finally gave the Lions something to cheer about when he registered his first goal of the match.
The Kangaroos though were always able to keep their lead, with the Lions erratic on the scoreboard and unable to keep Leigh Brown under wraps.
The big forward booted two goals in quick succession to give the Roos’ some breathing space. Two goals in the last minute of the game to Jess Sinclair and Daniel Wells pushed the margin out to 24 points, which did not reflect the closeness of the tussle all night.
Late withdrawal Nigel Lappin is expected to be fit to take on Carlton next weekend.
KANGAROOS 5.4 6.6 7.13 12.15 (87)
BRISBANE LIONS 1.6 5.9 6.13 8.15 (63)
Goals: Kangaroos: L Brown 3 D Wells 2 L Thomas C Jones D Harris D Petrie B Harvey H McIntosh J Sinclair. Brisbane Lions: S Black 2 A McGrath 2 S Harding C Johnson T Notting J Brown.
Best: Kangaroos: A Edwards H McIntosh B Rawlings D Wells G Archer. Brisbane Lions: S Black T Notting L Power A McGrath J Brennan.
Injuries: Brisbane Lions: N Lappin (corked thigh) replaced in selected side by M Moody. Kangaroos: L Thomas (ribs).
Reports: Nil.
Umpires: M Stevic C Kamolins K Nicholls.
Official crowd: 11,133 at Gold Coast Stadium.
