The run of goals -- which began almost immediately after the ball was bounced to begin the third quarter -- were all the more remarkable for the Lions inability to pierce the Eagles zone in the first half.
The Lions gave debut coach Michael Voss the perfect start to his career at the helm of the club, running out winners 14.11 (95) to 13.8 (86).
A STUNNING nine-goal third quarter by the Brisbane Lions has given Michael Voss a first-up victory as senior coach, as the home team overcame a plucky West Coast by nine points at the Gabba on Saturday night.
The Eagles led by as many as 38 points during the second quarter, but a bolder Lions outfit kicked 11 of the next 13 either side of the major break to secure the victory.
They Eagles never went away but the Lions hung on in a tense final quarter to win 14.11 (95) to 13.8 (86).
The Eagles’25-point half-time lead was erased by midway through a scintillating third term.
Small forward Rhan Hooper (four goals) was the spark that ignited the Lions and the 26,800 fans as he booted three of his four goals in the third.
After a quiet first half power forwards Daniel Bradshaw (three goals) and Jonathan Brown (three) also became prominent as the Lions back half ran and carried with more flair.
For the Eagles Mark LeCras was outstanding, booting five goals in the first half and six for the match.
But Voss’ move of putting Ashley McGrath on him after the main break not only nullified the Eagle forward, but gave the Lions drive from their defensive 50m.
Lions number one draftee Daniel Rich was poised on debut, getting plenty of ball in the midfield and delivering accurately with his penetrating left boot.
In the absence of late withdrawal Simon Black, Travis Johnstone (37 disposals), Luke Power (35) and Brad Dalziell (28) were midfield warriors for the victors.
For the Eagles Dean Cox was a tower of strength in the ruck, while Matt Priddis dominated the clearances and David Wirrpanda was prolific as the loose man in defence.
The Eagles jumped from the gates quickly, with LeCras starting the headaches for the Lions defence with three majors.
Following Bradshaw’s opening goal, LeCras converted from a free kick then outmarked Joel Patfull for his second.
The Eagles continually punished the Lions for turnovers, moving the ball swiftly through the midfield and hitting target men Hansen (two) and Quentin Lynch for opening quarter goals.
The 25-point lead at the first change was maintained in the second term despite signs of life from the home team.
LeCras found two second quarter majors, while Daniel Kerr opened the quarter with a stunning 50m effort from the right boundary line.
In between times, debutant Rich showed poise beyond his 18 years to help get the home team back in the contest, first hitting his skipper then Travis Johnstone for much-needed majors.
The Lions began to move the ball quicker through the midfield despite a quiet half from heavily tagged half-back Josh Drummond.
The third quarter was as if two new teams ran on to the field, with the Lions going beserk right from the opening.
Hooper was outstanding up forward, with his goals including one gem he soccered off the ground from the left forward pocket.
Brown got into the act with two and Bradshaw added another as the Lions backed themselves from deep and ran forward in numbers.
McGrath’s bounce from the back was rewarded, as was Dalziell and Rich who also broke the lines with their run and long kicking.
Simon Black was a late omission for the Lions, replaced by Jamie Charman, while Brett Jones’ place in West Coast’s team was taken by Chad Fletcher.
Brisbane Lions: 2.1 5.3 14.6 14.11 (95)
West Coast: 6.2 9.4 11.8 13.8 (86)
GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Hooper 4, Bradshaw 3, Brown 3, Johnstone 2, Rischitelli, McGrath
West Coast: LeCras 6, Hansen 3, Cox, Kerr, Hurn, Lynch
BEST
Brisbane Lions: Johnstone, Hooper, Power, Patfull, Dalziell, Macdonald
West Coast: LeCras, Hurn, Cox, Wirrpanda, Masten, Hansen
INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: Simon Black (wrist) replaced in selected side by Jamie Charman
West Coast: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Kennedy, Stewart, Avon
Crowd: 26,800 at the Gabba
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or clubs.
