The Lions entered thematch as one of the hottest teams of the competition – they were in red-hotform – and it was a really important match for both sides in order to keep themomentum going towards the finals.
We were reallychallenged early in the match and at half time we were just hanging in there.We were clearly beaten in the middle of the ground and around the stoppages,but our ability to keep the pressure on the Lions and kick a couple ofimportant goals late in the first and second terms kept us in the game.
At half time weregrouped and I thought our third quarter was one of our best terms for the season.It got us right back into the game and it gave us the momentum we needed forthe victory.
'Buddy' Franklin's goal after thehalf-time siren was a freakish goal – it was a genuinely team-lifting goal. Thatbanana-kick from the boundary gave us an enormous boost. A scuffle thendeveloped and it fired our boys up for the second half – it certainly got theadrenalin pumping.
I thought a lot of ourleaders really stood up in the third quarter. Luke Hodge's physicality, brutestrength and competitiveness were excellent. He was instrumental, along withSam Mitchell, Chance Bateman, Shane Crawford and Joel Smith.
Robbie Campbell alsogave us a lift in the ruck and he got on top of Jamie Charman.
Trent Croad andCampbell Brown worked hard down back. Although 'Croady' was under a lot ofpressure playing on Jonathan Brown, I thought his second half was really good. 'Browny'kept Jared Brennan quiet.
Our forward line isalso looking strong at the moment, particularly our talls. They are putting alot of pressure on the opposition.
This weekend, we headto Tassie to host Port Adelaide in a battle between second and third.
Twelve wins doesn'tguarantee a finals berth, so both teams are still clawing for that opportunityto play in the finals.
The Power has been ingood form and we haven't had a great record against it, so it will be anothergreat challenge for us.
Unfortunately, ourskipper Richie Vandenberg sustained a knee injury, which is likely to keep himsidelined for just this week.
