In a brutal and breathtaking display of finals football, the Brisbane Lions have emphatically ended the fairytale run of their neighbours, the Gold Coast Suns, with a commanding 62-point victory at a raucous Gabba.
The highly anticipated Queensland derby semi-final was a tense, physical arm-wrestle for the first half, with the Suns refusing to yield. However, the Lions unleashed a devastating third-quarter blitz, booting seven goals to one, to shatter Gold Coast's resolve and secure a 16.12 (108) to 6.10 (46) triumph.
A Derby of Fire and Fury
The opening half lived up to its billing as a fierce local grudge match. The Suns, playing in their first-ever final series, brought immense pressure and physicality, disrupting the Lions' rhythm and trailing by just 15 points at the main break. The contest was fierce, with big bumps and desperate defence defining the play.
Yet, the experience and class of the finals-hardened Lions outfit ultimately proved insurmountable. Emerging from the sheds after half-time, Brisbane flicked a switch and transformed the contest into a one-sided showcase of power and precision.
The Third-Quarter Onslaught
Led by the electric Charlie Cameron, who kicked a career-best six goals, the Lions ran riot. Cameron was simply unstoppable, his speed and goal-sense tearing the Suns' defence apart. He was brilliantly supported by key forward Joe Daniher, who booted four goals and provided a commanding presence in the air.
The midfield brigade, led by the relentless Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage, took complete control, pumping the ball inside 50 with relentless efficiency. The Lions' pressure went through the roof, forcing the young Suns into a cascade of turnovers under the immense September spotlight.
Sun Sets on Gold Coast's Historic Season
For the Suns, the defeat is a harsh end to a groundbreaking season. While stars like Touk Miller and Noah Anderson battled valiantly, they were simply overwhelmed by the Lions' ferocity after half-time. The loss of key defender Sam Collins to a calf injury in the first quarter severely weakened their backline structure, a blow from which they never recovered.
Despite the disappointment, their maiden finals appearance marks a significant step forward for the club and promises a brighter future.
The Road to the Grand Final
With this statement win, the Brisbane Lions now march on to a preliminary final showdown against the Sydney Swans at the MCG next weekend. The victory not only keeps their premiership dreams alive but also serves a chilling warning to their rivals: when the Lions are on, they are virtually unstoppable.
The Gabba roared its approval as the final siren sounded, celebrating a performance that encapsulated the power, passion, and precision of a true premiership contender.
