West Coast have fallen short of inflicting one of the great turnaround victories, pushing defending champions the Brisbane Lions to the brink at the Gabba.
The Eagles, who had been dominated at the contest by Gold Coast in an 87-point loss last week, stormed out of the gates, kicking the first five goals of the match. They led at every break, but the Lions proved too good in the end, prevailing 14.10 (94) to 11.9 (75).
Harley Reid gave the Brisbane crowd the finger.Credit: Fox Footy
Star West Coast youngster Harley Reid may have to deal with AFL scrutiny on top of the loss after he flipped the bird towards the crowd in the final term. Reid was being heckled by Lions supporters, including one who appeared to be loudly offering him a pack of tissues.
Reid (15 touches, seven tackles, six clearances) worked hard and was a playful target for the 30,000-strong crowd whenever he hit the deck.
He could face a financial sanction for his act. Retired Richmond star Dustin Martin was fined $7500 ($5000) in 2019 for giving GWS ruckman Shane Mumford the finger, though that involved a secondary gesture, while ex Carlton skipper Marc Murphy was fined $900 for giving the Collingwood cheer squad the finger in 2012.
On Sunday, it was West Coast winning the early battles after a steamy midday start, while their defensive set-up also rattled the Lions, who last week conceded the first four goals against Sydney but still won.
Rookie Eagles coach Andrew McQualter demanded more from his team against the premiers than they showed in round one, and his side responded.
Attempts to move the ball quickly were continually undone by McQualter’s men, with the Lions repeatedly rushed into mistakes and adding unforced errors as the Eagles shot ahead and maintained a 24-point lead until the main break.
The action was intense early on, with Jarrod Berry battling for possession with Jayden Hunt.Credit: AAP
It muted a shell-shocked crowd, who had minutes earlier watched club legends Simon Black and Alastair Lynch help unfurl their premiership flag for the first time since that pair helped win the last of their three-straight titles in 2003.
Eagles wingman Tyrell Dewar was impressive early, the second of his two quick goals a mighty effort from outside 50 metres from another smooth transition from the centre square.
Liam Ryan launched the first of his three goals too, the premiership veteran on song along with Tim Kelly (29 disposals) and Liam Baker (24), who enjoyed a spirited running battle with Brisbane star Lachie Neale (35).
Restricted to just 10 touches in last week’s defeat of Sydney, Neale had 11 by quarter time.
He snapped a handy goal in the second quarter to keep the Lions close then set up a Zac Bailey goal with another pinpoint kick forward.
Brisbane edged within six points when Callum Ah Chee kicked two goals to begin the third term.
The Eagles missed chances to surge clear again, twice hitting the post, having another touched on the line and wasting an opportunity from close range.
Ah Chee’s third for the term gave the Lions their first lead since kicking the game’s opening point, but the expected deluge from the home side didn’t quite come.
Jack Petruccelle’s goal moments after he was subbed on put the Eagles back in front, and Tyler Brockman’s final-quarter double kept them close.
But the hosts chipped away, Josh Dunkley snapping truly and Logan Morris soaring to mark and kick his second that effectively iced the contest, before he added a third.
Brisbane debutant Will McLachlan kicked two goals, winger Jaspa Fletcher was a standout when the chips were down and added a late goal, while Dayne Zorko’s (28 disposals) influence grew approaching half-time.
AAP
