Brisbane Lions have defeated Gold Coast Suns 14.16 (100) to 6.11 (47) in the second AFL semi-final at the Gabba, booking a preliminary final clash with Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday. The match, billed as the biggest in Queensland history, saw the Lions bounce back emphatically after last week's heavy loss to Geelong.
The Suns started strongly, with Ben King kicking two early goals and Matt Rowell dominating the stoppages. However, Lions coach Chris Fagan's decision to switch Harris Andrews onto King proved decisive, as the Suns forward was barely sighted after the first quarter. Josh Dunkley's tackling pressure was relentless, laying a finals-record 18 tackles, while Will Ashcroft's run and creativity in the second quarter split the game open.
By half-time, Brisbane led by 25 points, and the contest was effectively over. The Suns failed to fire after the break, with their season ending in disappointment. For Gold Coast, it was the final game for veteran David Swallow, the club's last original recruit from the 2010 draft, who played his 256th and last match after a career defined by loyalty despite limited team success.
Brisbane now turn their attention to Collingwood, with a spot in the AFL grand final at stake. The Lions will need to replicate their intensity from this performance to overcome the Magpies at the MCG.
