BRISBANE LIONS 19.12 (126) d ST KILDA SAINTS 16.10 (106)
Charlie Cameron and the Lions celebrate their last goal.Credit: Getty Images
The shootout we didn't see coming
After a week of the football media bemoaning the style of football produced by St Kilda to claim a win against the Gold Coast Suns last week, the same media will have to admit they played a pretty exciting brand of football against the Lions Unfortunately, after threatening to pinch points, they lost, and aesthetics won't matter for Ross Lyon in charge. But there is a bit to take from it, most notably winger Liam Henry's move into the centre. Henry was brilliant in the final quarter, giving the Saints midfielder the pace and range he has been lacking, and briefly looked like he was going to win the game with his own boot until a leg injury sidelined him force at the last minute. switched off. There was also the debut of wide Arie Schoenmaker, a smooth, super-kicking left-footed defender whose 18 possessions on debut spoke of an immense future.
Lachie Neale of the Lions handballs.Credit: AFL photos
The label everyone saw coming
Nobody, least of all Lachie Neale, was surprised when Marcus Windhager lined up with the double Brownlow medalist at the first bounce. In case you haven't heard, taggers are back in vogue and Windhager took it upon himself to drive Neale into the bend. By the half, Neale had given away four free throws and had just nine touches to his name. But by then, the Saints had found themselves thrown into the kind of free-and-free shooting that no one expected (a remarkable stat: the Lions made just 14 tackles in the first half, but were in complete control of the contest). The Saints had to give something back and while Windhager was up to the task, holding Neale to 17 possessions, it's debatable whether it worked given the final result.
Daniher, Higgins Kick Five Each
This game was highlighted by two great individual performances at each end of the field. For the Saints, it was small forward Jack Higgins, who had a night, keeping his team in the game when it looked fired. But for the Lions, Joe Daniher was the best on the ground – his hands were like glue all night and his five goals in 20 possessions came at critical times. His latest sealed a game that had been in danger of slipping away. It added to Eric Hipwood's six goals against the Bulldogs last week. While Callum Wilkie mainly reduced Hipwood tonight, Hipwood also stood up in the third quarter to make an impact. And Charlie Cameron, who has had a lean run, finally got the crowd singing Country roads, take me home when the match was won. If their forwards continue to fire, the Lions are still in the frame for September.
