Lions make further history in come-from-behind win against Sydney

The Lions have completed an undefeated regular season in dramatic fashion against the Sydney Swans with a late burst sealing a 37-point win at Tramway Oval. 

A 10-goal explosion from the Lions in the final term led to a miraculous come-from-behind victory for the Lions. They trailed approaching time-on before running away 19.13 (127) to 14.6 (90) winners.

Trailing by three points 20 minutes into the fourth quarter, Connor McFadyen snuck out the back of a pack to take a mark in the goal square to give the Lions the lead.

The goal proved to be the straw that broke the camels back with the Lions going on to kick a further 33 points in the final 12 minutes to seal their victory.

The Swans dominated in the first quarter, kicking six goals to three to lead by 20 points at quarter time. Sydney were able to hold the Lions at bay until the visitors took it to another level in the last quarter.

Ryan Bastinac was outstanding for Brisbane once again with 35 disposals and a goal in a best-on-ground performance while Lewis Taylor collected 28 disposals and two goals in the match.

Ben Keays was at his threatening best up forward, kicking four goals alongside McFadyen who kicked three.

For the away side it was James Rose who dominated with 34 disposals to finish best for the Swans, James Bell on return from the senior side collected 24 disposals as well rookie Sam Wicks.

Ruckmen Darcy Cameron performed admirably with 21 disposals to go alongside 20 hit-outs, with Sam Naismith and Joel Amartey rotating through the ruck against Brisbane’s Archie Smith.

Defender Jackson Thurlow had an astonishing 16 rebound 50s in his 23 disposals.

The Lions will have a week off in the first week of finals before meeting the winner of the 4th v 5th Elimination Final.

The Swans loss will prove costly as they will slip down the ladder and will face either Sydney University or the GIANTS next week.

Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions at Tramway Oval

BRISBANE 3.1 7.5 9.9 19.13 (127)
SYDNEY 6.3 8.3 10.5 14.6 (90)

GOALS – Brisbane: B Keays 4 C McFadyen 3 L Taylor 2 T Wooller 2 T Fullarton 2 S Skinner A Smith C Lyons W Martyn R Bastinac N Cumberland. Sydney: K Martin 3 H McLean 3 M Rossmann 2 S Thorne 2 S Close 2 S Gaden D Cameron.
BEST – Brisbane: R Bastinac L Taylor J Allison B Keays J Payne C McFayden. Sydney: J Rose D Cameron T Pink J Bell H McLean. 

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