Lions down Dogs and book a Home Grand Final
Brisbane's undefeated season has continued to a 6-0 record after a 2.11-23 to 2.4-16 victory over pre-season premiership favourites the Western Bulldogs. With this win the Lions were the first team to book themselves into the grand final, and after Adelaide went down to Melbourne later in the day, they also secured a home grand final regardless of the Round 7 result against Carlton.
Both teams started slow with only 3 points between them in the first quarter with Brisbane leading 2-1. The Dogs looked to be in control of the ball early and had the ball in their half for much of the quarter but the Lions again showed their defensive prowess by holding them to just the solitary behind.
The second quarter started with the Lions and ended the same way, 2.4 to 0.1 for the quarter. The Lions controlled the play and kicked away with Virgo and McCarthy having an impact with the latter kicking the second of the 2 goals in the quarter.
The third quarter swung back the other way with the Dogs coming right back into the game. They restricted the Lions to just 2 behinds as they kicked 2.3 and set the last quarter up for a cracking finish.
The last quarter started with a clearance for the dogs, but after a quick rebound 50 and the ball shooting up the the other end, that is where it stayed for almost all of the quarter. The Lions, while unable to score, were putting on relentless forward pressure and a wall around the 50m arc did not let the ball out all quarter.
Bates 14 disposal second half was instrumental to the Lions victory and she finished with 17 touches (8 contested), 5 marks (2 contested) and 6 tackles. McCarthy continued to grow her goal kicking tally for the year with another goal taking her to 8 for the year, still leading the lions. She also had 7 disposals (4 contested), 3 tackles and a mark to complete another solid performance. Virgo again showed she is the Lions best user out of the back line and probably the best halfback in the comp with some expert reading of the play and intercept marking. She finished with 12 disposals (5 contested), 2 marks and 2 tackles.
Another Devil also made her debut for the Lions, Brisbane Heat captain Delissa Kimmince had 7 disposals (all kicks) and 3 marks in what was a solid performance starting on the bench. Virgo was also named in the best for the Lions in the AFL match report.
Brisbane's next match is on Sunday March 19 at 2:35pm AEST at Ikon Park against the Carlton Blues. You can watch this game on Fox Footy (Channel 504) or stream it free at www.afl.com.au.