Lions challenged, outlast brave Blues

Brisbane Lions   8.23 (71) def. Carlton   7.14 (56)

The Brisbane Lions have recorded their fifth consecutive win against Carlton, defeating the Blues by 15 points at the Gabba Ground in Brisbane tonight.

Recent off-field controversies have dominated the topic of discussion in Brisbane, hindering the on-field performances. The Lions have lost several games at home this season that many considered winnable.

However, despite Carlton booting the opening goal through defender Adam Bentick, the Lions stamped some authority after half time to remain alive, if only just, in the finals calculations.

Without Jonathan Brown in the forward line, the Lions turned to a former frontline goal scorer in Daniel Bradshaw. He sent a scare through the Lions camp when a ‘speccie’ attempt over Lance Whitnall, on the quarter time siren, did not go to plan.

Inaccuracy cost the Lions a percentage booster, with Carlton taking a one-point lead into the first change. Midfielders Michael Rischitelli and Cheynee Stiller were amongst the leading ball getters for Brisbane, while forward Luke Blackwell and defender Heath Scotland led the Blues tally.

It rained scoring opportunities early in the second quarter, with five goals between the teams inside the first 10 minutes. Three in a row from Lions trio, Brad Scott, Luke Power and late inclusion Marty Pask had the hosts out to a 17-point lead.

Carlton rebounded, and through Adrian Deluca, his second goal, and Brendan Fevola they reduced the margin to just six-points again. Brisbane had many chances, and went inside forward fifty 14-7, but were thwarted the Blues defence lead by Whitnall and Scotland.

Brisbane led by only three points at the main break, midfielders Stiller and Justin Sherman led the disposals on 19 and 16 respectively. Blackwell (16) and Scotland (14) were ball magnets for the Blues, while Kade Simpson and Bentick were just behind with 13 disposals.

Neither team could buy a goal early in the third term, relatively easy kicks from Deluca and Fevola sailed wide for the Blues, while Jamie Charman and Scott Harding did likewise for the Lions at the other end.

Bradshaw’s second major seemed to spark the Lions into action, and Pask had an excellent opportunity close to goal, a minute later, following the quick midfield clearance. Somehow his kick, along with Harding’s, on the next entry inside the forward 50, missed.

Brisbane dominated with the entries inside forward fifty, (12-4) yet failed to close the door on the Blues hopes with a further two shots flying wide of the big sticks. Joel Patfull and Robert Copeland steadied the Lions pursuit, mid-way through the term, with a much needed major in general play from 52 metres out.

Carlton went the last change fortunate they were still in the game, down by only 10 points thanks to Brisbane’s inaccuracy in front of goal. Matthew Lappin moved forward and booted the Blues fifth major, while Fevola finished the term positively for the Blues.

Best for Brisbane were Stiller (28 disposals, eight marks and seven contested possessions), Simon Black (27 touches, seven contested) and Luke Power (27 disposals and seven inside 50s).

Carlton’s best were Nick Stevens (29 disposals, eight marks), Scotland (29 touches) and Blackwell (26 disposals, seven contested).

Next week, Carlton host Geelong at the Telstra Dome on Saturday afternoon, while the Brisbane Lions host Melbourne in an away Gabba game later that same evening.

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